Category Archives: Student Stories

I was born in Japan, but I’ve grown up here in Washington, where I’m now in high school. I love staying active — volleyball, skiing, and even playing mahjong with friends — but I also spend a lot of time thinking about my future. I want to study computer science and eventually work in tech,Continue reading “Student Story: Sougou Tojima”

After serving in the military and working at the post office, I came to Yakima Valley College to build a better career for my future. Like many veterans, I joined the military in part to earn VA education benefits. Those benefits now cover my tuition, but even so, I see every day how difficult itContinue reading “Student Story: Isai Sanchez”

Born in Oakland, California, and raised for many years in Colima, Mexico, Maria Arteaga Toscano returned to the United States determined to build a better future. When she arrived in Pasco, she took whatever work she could find—fast food jobs and fieldwork—before landing a position at an apple packing plant. The environment there was difficultContinue reading “Student Story: Maira Arteaga Toscano”

I’m a student at UW Bothell, majoring in elementary education and studying sign language. I transferred here last winter after earning my associate’s degree at Edmonds College, where I started through Running Start in high school. I really enjoyed Edmonds — the environment, the people, and the chance to take college-level classes early. Now, IContinue reading “Student Story: J Jacoby”

As a 22-year-old mother of a toddler, I never imagined I would be in college. At first, I didn’t see higher education as necessary, but becoming a mom changed everything. My son motivated me to return to school so I could create a better future for both of us. Now in my second year atContinue reading “Student Story: Dayana Antonio”

I grew up without my parents and spent most of my life moving from house to house. My grandparents raised me, and by the time I turned eighteen, I moved into my own place and started paying for everything myself. I’ve been working since I was fourteen, and I’m a first-generation college student trying toContinue reading “Student Story: Gaby Weble”

As a high school student, most of my life right now revolves around learning and creating. I’m heavily involved in extracurriculars like TSA, FBLA, Game Jams, and Hackathons—any space where I can code, build applications, or challenge myself with new ideas. Technology is something I genuinely enjoy, and I’m already thinking ahead about what itContinue reading “Student Story: Yazad Hiloowalla”

Last fall, I came to community college without even a high school diploma. In just three weeks, I earned my GED and began working on prerequisites for the dental hygiene program. Recently, I received my acceptance into that program—a major step toward my dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Staying close to home made thisContinue reading “Student Story: Danae Lee”

Seven years ago, I moved to the U.S. with my family from a small island near Guam. As a student at Lincoln High School and now a second-year Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, I have worked hard to make the most of every opportunity available to me. Running Start has been life-changing. BecauseContinue reading “Student Story: Bibi Shrestha”

I recently graduated from South Puget Sound Community College with an Associate in Science, through the general science transfer program. Right now, I work at the mall at American Eagle, earning minimum wage. My parents live out of state, so for the past two years I’ve been completely on my own—paying for rent, food, andContinue reading “Student Story: Renee Morris”