Category Archives: Student Stories

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 Lincoln High School, I am a sophomore already thinking about what comes next. My passion is in music and the arts, and I dream of pursuing those fields in college—maybe even at Western Washington University, which has a program that inspires me. I also think about becoming a florist or exploring other creative careers.Continue reading “Student Story: William Gutierrez”

After stepping away from school in 2018, I returned to Yakima Valley College in the spring of 2024 because I realized I needed more than temporary jobs to build a stable future. Community college felt like the right step to improve my qualifications and open the door to long-term career opportunities. Today, I am workingContinue reading “Student Story: Angel Badillo”

When I came from overseas to study at Whatcom Community College, it was a dream made possible because my basketball coach recommended it and WCC’s international director visited my city. That moment opened the door for me to pursue both my education and my passion for basketball in the U.S. My goal has always beenContinue reading “Student Story: Wen Gong”

At Yakima Valley College, I am working on my prerequisites for the dental hygiene program, determined to earn my degree and eventually build a career in health care. I chose community college because it was the most affordable path compared to a university, but even with scholarships from YVC Foundation and the Washington State OpportunityContinue reading “Student Story: Adriana Cueva”

I’m a student at South Puget Sound Community College, and I’ve been working as a security guard at a warehouse in Lacey for about two and a half years. I live with my best friend and his girlfriend, and when I’m not at work or school, I spend a lot of time reading or thinkingContinue reading “Student Story: Adriel McCarty”

I’m a ninth grader at Everett High, and music is my anchor. I’ve played cello for about four years; it’s where I can breathe, connect, and feel useful. I grew up in Washington—Seattle, then Lynnwood, now Everett—and I like being involved at school and learning new things. After graduation I want to study education andContinue reading “Student Story: Vincent Taylor”

At Tacoma Community College, I am pursuing my associate’s degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a bookkeeper or working in the parole system. I am proud to be continuing my education, but the reality is that the cost of living while in college makes it very difficult to succeed. Even with full FAFSAContinue reading “Student Story: Mariah Konchan”

As a first-generation student at Yakima Valley College, I chose community college because it was the most affordable option for me and close enough to home to commute. My goal is to graduate with a degree in business administration and technology, and eventually pursue a career in investment banking or as an executive assistant. EvenContinue reading “Student Story: Rosalina Cuevas”

At Bothell High School, I co-founded a Communities for Our Colleges chapter with my classmate Sanika. As I enter my senior year, I’m taking college-level classes through the College in the High School program, which allows me to earn credits and save money. But I know that once I graduate, the real challenge begins. MyContinue reading “Student Story: Aika Yanagimoto”