With sine die officially closing out the 2025 legislative session, the conversations around funding and the future of education are far from over. This session made it clear that budget challenges are real and ongoing, but it also became apparent just how many people are determined to protect and strengthen our community and technical college system.
As I begin to wrap up my internship with the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), one thing stands out: I feel confident about mine and other students' futures. I’m confident not because every challenge has been solved, but because I’ve seen firsthand how committed our system’s leaders, staff, and advocates are to protecting access to education, supporting student success, and making sure community and technical colleges stay at the forefront even in times of financial uncertainty.
People like Sam Grant Herriot, SBCTC’s government relations liaison, made a big impact on my experience. Sam was someone I could always rely on, whether I was preparing for testimony or learning how a bill moved through the Legislature. Their dedication to students and to the system as a whole gave me a new perspective on the work that happens behind the scenes and how much care and effort it takes to keep the system moving forward.
Throughout the session, I watched trustees, college presidents, chancellors, students, and SBCTC staff take time out of their schedules to testify, write letters, and meet with legislators. They understood that these decisions are crucial for students across Washington. I saw that advocacy isn’t always loud, but it’s consistent, and it makes a meaningful impact.
As a student currently attending South Puget Sound Community College, I’ve experienced the direct benefits of a system that truly supports students. From by ability to work on campus to the student resources such as tutoring labs and advisors. And as I prepare to transfer to Washington State University this fall; I carry with me a strong belief that higher education in Washington is in good hands. I know that as long as the people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside and learn from continue to show up, speak up, and put students first, our colleges will keep standing strong, even through budget cuts and uncertainty.
This session showed me what’s possible when people stay focused and united around a shared goal: student success. That gives me hope. And that’s why I feel confident about the future.
