Updates - Communities for Our Colleges

Student Story: Kenia Majano

My name is Kenia, I am from El Salvador. I have been in the US for a year. We came here for the American Dream, the same idea that many immigrate here for; to improve their own family’s economy, new opportunities and a better life.

Student Story: Benjamin Gonzalez

My name is Benjamin Gonzalez. I arrived in Washington about 11 years ago. I started taking ESL classes and recently received my GED. I work in the fields and started studying social work at Yakima Valley College.

Student Story: Sarai Gonzalez

My name is Sarai. I decided to go to community college because it is close to my house, and it makes it easy to continue working at my current job as a waitress at a restaurant. My professional goals as of now is exploring whether I want to be a teacher or a nurse. It is hard to finance and balance school because of how expensive school is, the high costs of living and having to take care of my kids.

Student Story: Aleniad Vazquez

My name is Aleniad. I am student at Highline College. I’m Mexican and I also identify with American culture since I’ve been living here since I was five years old. My family moved to Washington, it was because things got hard in Florida. The environment wasn’t very welcoming, so coming to Washington felt like a new beginning—a place with opportunities I never saw before. I knew this was the right place for me.

Student Story: Jeriah Lawler

My name is Jeriah Lawler. I am going into education because through some experiences, I found a meaning and a way to impact kids’ lives positively. I decided to attend Everett Community College because it was the cheaper option. I also got a job that made me realize my future job aspirations required a degree. I want to become a middle school teacher.

Student Story: Diana Piñon

My name is Diana Pinon. I am the oldest sibling and daughter in a family of four. I am also a first generation college and university graduate. I attended Everett Community College and transferred to Washington State University to obtain my bachelors in communications.

Student Story: Juan De Dios

My name is Juan. I am a running start student completing my AA. I am on the Pre-Med track. I am grateful and proud to be in a community college because higher education is a privilege and something that not many attain or aspire to. My career aspirations are to become a doctor or something related to the medical field.

Student Story: Ascuena Ramirez

My name is Asucena, I am from Chiapas, Mexico and I came to the US in 2006. I moved to Yakima, Washington in 2010. I am studying English since I want to get better at it. I am proud to be in college because I have proven to myself that I am capable of learning. After I finish my studies in community college, I plan on studying to become an early childhood educator, and get my bachelors degree.

Student Story: Rocio Tellez

My name is Rocio. I’m from Hidalgo, Mexico. I came to the United States 29 years ago. I lived in Sunnyside for 15 years and then moved to Grandview. I have four children, and I am currently separated. In the winter, I will be taking English classes at Yakima Valley College. I decided to enter community college because the more educated you are, the more doors open and the more possibilities you have for learning more things. I know that education has power.

Student Story: Lucero Mendez

Hello, my name is Lucero Mendez. I am 25 years old and was born and raised in the Yakima Valley. I am currently a college student getting my Associate’s degree at Yakima Valley College. With my degree, I hope to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a master’s in psychology and become a school psychologist.