Carlos Dreams big
Carlos in front of Bellevue College
Carlos received his Transfer Degree in Arts & Science at Bellevue College in January and will walk across the stage at the ceremony this June.
“I never give up,” Carlos shared. “There were times I didn't want to continue. I wanted to drop the towel, you know. But I kept going forward and forward.”
Carlos, who has worked with two different Education Advocates, including Erra, his current one, said, “It was nice to have someone who helped me see the way of doing things. I swear if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't be here right now.”
Born in Mexico, Carlos didn’t have the easiest—or the most stable—educational journey, moving between schools often and even having to repeat 5th grade due to struggles in math. “I'm horrible at math. So because of that, I was getting in trouble with the homework and the exams and all that stuff.”
When Carlos was in middle school, his family moved to Canada. He had to restart again, but this time with the added challenge of learning a new language: “It was hard because the language and the teachers and even the principal said like, don't worry about the grades or anything, just worry about the English.” So that's what I did. I started learning the language. Took me like a full year for listening and then speaking and then reading it.”
In high school, Carlos moved to the United States, sharing, “It was difficult. I went to many different schools in different countries.” Carlos graduated from high school as a Super Senior—moving so many times meant he needed an extra year—with the hopes of attending college
After getting connected to Northwest Education Access, Carlos worked with an Education Advocate who helped him get enrolled in Bellevue College and apply for financial aid, and provide continued support throughout his time there. He said, “They always had an answer for me, which I really, really like. And that's something that I appreciate.”
And now, Carlos is waiting to see what the future holds. He’s applied to the University of Washington to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Visual Communication in Design with a Minor in Spanish, and hopes to receive an acceptance letter later this year.
“Carlos is such a wonderful person and it’s been a joy being a part of his education journey thus far! I’m so impressed by his determination and all of the hard work he’s put into earning his associate’s degree. I’ve seen Carlos grow so much over the past few years, not only academically but with his confidence and self-advocacy skills as well. He really can do anything he sets out to do and I’m so happy that he sees that for himself. YOU DID IT, Carlos! Next step, UW Seattle!!”
