Category Archives: Student Stories

I’m Liz, and I’m currently in Running Start at Cascadia Community College working toward my associate degree in pre-nursing. Outside of school, I love listening to Daniel Caesar, going thrifting, and eating good food—basically anything that helps me unwind from classes. I chose community college mostly because my brother did it first and my momContinue reading “Student Story: Elizabeth Eng”

At 21 years old, Daniy is studying Film and Digital Media at Eastern Washington University in Cheney. Before transferring, Daniy earned an Associate’s degree in Architecture through Spokane Community College after discovering it offered the program they were looking for. That step made higher education accessible and allowed exploration of different interests, including a futureContinue reading “Student Story: Daniy Garcia”

I live in Marysville with my parents and my sibling—we both attend Everett Community College. I’m close to finishing my AA in General Arts & Sciences, and most days are a careful balance: shifts as a phlebotomist, hours at Amazon, then homework squeezed in around family dinners and weekend gatherings with our big extended clan.Continue reading “Student Story: Meerab John”

My name is Zichen Gong. I’m 25 years old and a proud graduate of Whatcom Community College. Growing up, attending a university wasn’t something I could easily imagine. My family didn’t have the financial resources to make that path a reality. But a connection through one of my teachers, who knew the international director atContinue reading “Student Story: Zichen Gong”

At Yakima Valley College, I balance many roles: I am a student studying humanities, and a work-study employee with student life on campus. Community college has given me the chance to keep learning, improve my communication skills, and prepare for a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives. Like many students, IContinue reading “Student Story: Maximiliano Torres”

Growing up in a big, loud family with four older brothers, one older sister, and a bunch of nieces and nephews, I was never really alone. We moved around a lot, but being surrounded by family always made everything feel a little easier, a little more fun.  When I finally started college, I felt awkwardContinue reading “Student Story: Valentina Vargas”

I’m someone who loves helping others, learning new things, and being creative. I always try to make people feel welcome, and I believe that every experience—big or small—shapes who I am and who I want to become. I chose to start at a Lake Washington Institute of Technology because it’s affordable and close to home.Continue reading “Student Story: Mary Estorque”

My name is Arturo, I’m 17, and I go to Everett High School. After I graduate, my plan is to go to Everett Community College for two years and then transfer to a four-year university—hopefully the University of Washington or another strong school. My big goal is to become a nurse. I’ve always liked helpingContinue reading “Student Story: Arturo Gomez”

My name is Noemi, I’m 16 years old, and I go to East Valley High School. I’m in 10th grade, and I want to study to be a pediatrician and help all the moms have their babies. College costs a lot of money, so I think I’m going to have to work hard and askContinue reading “Student Story: Noemi Figueroa”

I grew up in Spanaway, Washington, in a big family of six kids — I have a twin and two younger siblings I’ve helped take care of for most of my life. Responsibility has always been a big part of who I am, and that’s part of why I’ve always wanted to build a careerContinue reading “Student Story: Dylan Nelson”