My name is Clara, and I’m a freshman at Bothell high school. I immigrated to the United States with my family in 2018, and I was born in Saudi Arabia. I’m Muslim, I love acting, and I absolutely adore cats—I even have one as a pet. I’m still early in my educational journey, but IContinue reading “Student Story: Clara Elhajj”
Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin
Student Story: Diana Aguirre
I’m 35 years old, a mom of two, and an immigrant from Colombia. My husband and I have been together for seventeen years. We came to the United States seven years ago, hoping to build a safer, more stable life for our family. Back in Colombia, I studied psychology. I wasn’t able to finish myContinue reading “Student Story: Diana Aguirre”
Student Story: Avery Shake
I’ve always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher. I love working with children, and I believe teachers are some of the most important people in society because they shape the youngest and most impressionable minds. I know I could be a good fit for that role. It’s my passion. But pursuing that passion hasn’t beenContinue reading “Student Story: Avery Shake”
Student Story: Mariela Leyva
At 20 years old, I am pursuing my degree as a legal assistant at Yakima Valley College, with the goal of interning at a law firm and eventually building my career in Seattle. Community college has been a strong first step for me—it’s close to home, affordable compared to other options, and it allowed meContinue reading “Student Story: Mariela Leyva”
Student Story: Katherine Rodriguez
I moved to Everett, Washington, around six years ago. I’m a ninth grader at Everett High School, and when I’m not doing schoolwork, I like playing sports and listening to music. After high school, I want to keep going with my education and hopefully go into engineering or technology. Higher education feels like a bigContinue reading “Student Story: Katherine Rodriguez”
Student Story: David Lima
David is a high school student at East Valley High School in Spokane who hopes to become a lawyer one day. He comes from a Guatemalan family, and like many students, he worries about what comes after graduation. Right now, starting college feels uncertain—not because of a lack of motivation, but because of money. PayingContinue reading “Student Story: David Lima”
Student Story: Scarlett
After arriving in the U.S. from Venezuela, Scarlett enrolled at Everett Community College hoping to build a stable future for herself and her family. She started, paused, and returned to school while balancing life as a mother of two, learning along the way how complex the system can be without clear guidance. What kept herContinue reading “Student Story: Scarlett”
Our Futures, Our Voices: Students Leading at the Capitol
Our Futures, Our Voices: Students Leading at the Capitol captures student leaders from across Washington State putting their training into practice during Communities for Our Colleges’ recent MLK Action Day at the state legislature. After months of organizing, preparation, and leadership development, students stepped into the halls of power to advocate directly with lawmakers onContinue reading “Our Futures, Our Voices: Students Leading at the Capitol”
Student Story: Sally Sanchez
As a mother of three and a returning student, I came back to Yakima Valley College because I wanted to finish my education and get into the workforce. I chose community college because it feels more accessible and supportive than a university. This is only my second quarter here, but already I’ve seen how importantContinue reading “Student Story: Sally Sanchez”
Student Story: Debora Pereira
My name is Débora Pereira. I was born in Santiago, Chile, in 1986. Four years ago, after waiting sixteen years for a residency visa, my family and I finally moved to the United States. I’m married, I have three children, and since 2022, Everett Community College has become a central part of this new chapterContinue reading “Student Story: Debora Pereira”