My name is Laura Valentina Vasquez Pastrana. I was born in a small town named Soacha, which is located next to the capital of my country Bogotá. I am the oldest daughter from a family of two girls and her parents.
Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin
Student Story: Yovana Saravia
My name is Yovana Saravia. I am proud to be a student at the college because I never imagined being part of the college, and I am grateful to have learned a lot. I want to continue studying after graduating from college. The more educated you are, the more you can help your community.
Harvest Under Pressure: Connecting Immigration, Labor, and the Fight for Student Equity in Washington
In Eastern Washington’s vast farmlands—where apple orchards and hop fields feed our state’s economy—farmworkers are facing a growing storm. Behind every harvest are families whose lives are shaped by shifting immigration policies, unstable labor programs, and the constant fear of deportation. KING 5’s Facing Race special, “Harvest Under Pressure,” takes viewers inside this reality. ItContinue reading “Harvest Under Pressure: Connecting Immigration, Labor, and the Fight for Student Equity in Washington”
Student Story: Serabi Magebo
My name is Serabi Magebo. I was born and raised in Kenya. I moved to the United States at the age of 17 with my father, mother, and 8 year old sister. I had to finish my last year of high school here. There was a cultural difference between here and back in Kenya. MyContinue reading “Student Story: Serabi Magebo”
Student Story: Alexis Delgado
My name is Alexis Delgado. I am a first generation college student. I am going into media communications because of my interest in writing, photography, and interacting with people. I decided to go to Everett Community College because it was the cheaper option and it is close to home.
Student Story: Iris Gomez
Hello, I’m Iris Gomez. I’m a student at Highline College. I came into college not knowing what I wanted to do, and I just chose business. My cousin did business, so I thought I would follow along in her footsteps. I chose to go to Highline because it was closest to home.
Students Rally to Defend Higher Education Funding in Washington
On April 7, 2025, students, educators, and community leaders from across Washington State came together on the steps of the Capitol in Olympia to demand one clear message from lawmakers: no cuts to higher education. Organized in partnership with the Washington Student Association and the Washington Bus, the Communities for Our Colleges (C4C) team mobilizedContinue reading “Students Rally to Defend Higher Education Funding in Washington”
Student Story: Deyanira Orozco
My name is Deyanira Orozco. I am studying English classes at Yakima Valley College in Grandview. Later, I would like to study a career. Right now, my priority is English classes. I studied high school in Mexico and would like to revalidate my credits and continue studying, perhaps as a social worker, because I enjoyContinue reading “Student Story: Deyanira Orozco”
Student Story: Ariana Mendoza
My name is Ariana Arreguin Mendoza. I’m 21 years old. I’m originally from Mexico, Michoacan. I have about five years living here in the United States. I’m from Wenatchee. But I moved to Federal Way to attend the University of Washington Tacoma.
Student Story: Shilah Malaykhan
I’m Shilah, a student at Western Washington University. I used to do Running Start at Highline College. I’m studying environmental studies. I plan on doing small town government work to try and better the planet. I want to create mandates and more to help and make environmentalism more accessible.