My name is Heyvi, and I am a GED student at OIC. I want to go to community college because, in my country, Colombia, I studied hairstyling, and I would like to continue studying Cosmetology or, in effect, be able to start a childcare business.

My name is Lilyana Salazar. I am a first generation Mexican American and college student. I come from a big family, six siblings in total. My parents are no longer together and my mother is not in my life. I have taken care of my sister from my mother’s side for most of her life.

My name is Alondra Vazquez. I am currently a second year in community college at Clover Park Technical College as a pre-nursing student. I chose to start off with community college just because it is less expensive compared to a university.

My name is Yesenia Rullas. I am 43 years old, and I was born and raised in Mexico. I came to the US for a better life. I currently live in the city of Prosser in Washington, where I have resided for the last few years. I am the mother of two kids, a 16-year-old son and a 13-year-old daughter. I currently attend Grandview College, where I am taking ESL classes.

My name is Maria. I was born in California, but they took me to Mexico from a very young age. I had two daughters, and I studied high school in Mexico and then returned to the United States. Even though I was born in the United States when I returned, I didn’t know how to speak English; it was a different environment and very difficult for me.

My name is Carlos, I’m 19 years old, and I’m currently a full-time student at South Seattle where I am in culinary school. I also work part-time in a restaurant as  a cook  to help cover my expenses. My days are pretty packed. I have classes and practicals during the day, and then I head to my part-time job in the evenings.

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.

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.