April 24 was a special day at South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) as I had the honor of attending the All-Washington Academic Team ceremony. I was recognized as the top ranking All-WA Academic Team Scholar and an All-USA Academic Team Scholar. It was a moment filled with gratitude for the entire community college system that has supported me along the way.
At the ceremony, I had the privilege of connecting with fellow scholars from across the state. Each one of us brought a unique story, and it was inspiring to see how much we all had in common despite the different paths we had taken to get there. As a community college student, this event was a reminder of the power of these institutions in providing opportunities for students from all backgrounds - students who, like me, came from a variety of life circumstances but shared a common goal of bettering themselves and their communities.
Being part of this event reinforced my belief in the transformative power of community colleges. For students who may not have had access to higher education otherwise, community colleges offer a network of support, resources, and mentors. Community colleges also serve as a place of second chances, where we can rewrite our futures and work toward our dreams. We all come from different places, but we share a common purpose: to create better futures for ourselves, our families, and our communities. And that purpose will continue to fuel us long after we leave the classroom.
This day was a celebration of what we’ve accomplished so far, but it also serves as a reminder that this is only the beginning. While I take a moment to reflect on my journey, I know that there is still so much more work to be done. As I near the end of my internship with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, I’m reminded of the privilege I’ve had advocating for students just like the ones I met at the ceremony. Being involved in this process has opened my eyes to the power of student advocacy and the importance of ensuring that community colleges continue to thrive.
I am deeply grateful for this recognition, and it only fuels my fire to continue. I’m more determined than ever to keep advocating for policies that will empower community college students to achieve their goals and make a lasting impact. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned and continue this journey of advocacy, policy, and education. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. This accomplishment belongs to the incredible community around me that continues to inspire and motivate me.
