Meet our volunteer, Raj

Recent UW Graduate Dafne shares her educational journey.

New board member and student alum, Clarissa, shares her thoughts.

20 years. 240 months. 1,040 weeks…you get the point—this is a big milestone!

I have worked in direct service all my life with first-gen students across various non-profits throughout Pierce and King country. With the new volunteer manager role, I’ve thought about how my experiences have influenced me to take on developing the volunteer program at NW Education Access and where I envision it to be.

Due to a neurodivergent brain, I have found myself dropping out of college after the first quarter or month. This is not only about understanding where to go for classes or following the work, but even simple things like finding where to get my ID card or who to talk to about what. I learn differently, and to succeed I need support constantly. I don’t always know what I need even when there is a problem, but with an advocate on my side, like NW Education Access, I am less likely to give up now.

It was a summer night, and I was ten years old. I sat on the living room floor, rubbing my mother’s tense shoulders and sore back. It must have been a particularly grueling day at the farm because the Tiger Balm, a topical pain reliever balm and Laotian household staple, was immediately brought out after dinner and put to good use.

What does learning throughout COVID-19 look like? Five NWEA students weigh in.