First-Generation Student Success

Join Us in Celebrating First-Gen College Students!

Everett Community College, along with other colleges, schools and workplaces across the country, is celebrating the annual National First-Generation College Celebration. 

Ways to Celebrate

Participate in a Photo Opp Nov. 8, 2024

Read and Share First-Gen Stories

Show your First-Gen Pride

Donate to Support First-Gen Students at EvCC

First-Gen Student Success

Read about the experiences of several EvCC students and alumni who are the first in their families to go to college or graduate from college. 

Megan Macias

Megan Macias is a first generation Everett Community College alum who graduated with an associate degree in Diversity, Equity and Social Justice in Spring 2023. Being the mother of a young son, her journey to getting a degree had its challenges, but support from EvCC’s staff such as Student LIFE’s team helped her achieve her goals. “Through this, I learned that if you have a solid community of support, anything is possible,” stated Megan, who is planning to transfer to Western Washington University’s Human Services program. She plans to use the skills she acquired from EvCC to become involved in political advocacy and instruction.

Amandeep Kaur

Amandeep Kaur is a first-generation Everett Community College alum who received her associate degree from EvCC in 2022. After moving to the United States from India, Amandeep took ESL (English as a second language) in 2015 and got her high school diploma in 2020.  She praised the Center for Disability Services, which helped her with accessible materials for blindness. She now plans to transfer to Western Washington University to get her bachelor's degree.

Aiden Luhr

Aiden Luhr chose EvCC when he was recruited to run track and field. He ran on a scholarship for both years he attended EvCC. It was also affordable compared to other schools that he was considering. Combining his love for sports with his passion for writing, Aiden is pursuing a career in sports journalism. With the experience of writing for EvCC's student newspaper, The Clipper, Aiden plans to transfer to Western Washington and get his bachelor’s in journalism.

Violet Gleny Parks

Violet Gleny Parks, who goes by Gleny, says EvCC transformed her life. Student support organizations helped her navigate higher education as a parent of a toddler, immigrant and the first in her family to attend college, while her instructors helped her succeed academically. “I have had the best support system,” she said. Gleny was named a 2023 EvCC Outstanding Graduate in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and plans to become a surgeon. 

Tre’vaun Reeves

Tre’vaun Reeves loves writing, music, and content creation. She also served as Black Student Union President. When asked about her leadership skills, she says “continuing my education was the start of learning what leadership means and how to embody the leadership characteristics of those who inspired me.”

Marwa Alwattar

Marwa Alwattar was one of two EvCC students selected for the 2018 All-Washington Academic Team. At EvCC, she served as president of the Muslim Students' Association, was a member of the college's TRiO Student Support Services program, and a leader in EvCC's Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She plans to earn a master's degree and eventually start a nonprofit organization to help homeless and poor children around the world. 

Sreynet Long

Sreynet Long’s long journey from Cambodia didn’t end when she arrived in the United States. In fact, it was only just beginning. “My English proficiency was very poor when I first moved to the U.S.” says Sreynet, “so I made a decision to enroll in ESL classes (at EvCC).” And she didn’t stop there. Sreynet worked her way through the ESL program and took advantage of help offered through EvCC’s BRIDGES Center and the TRiO Student Support Services to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. That hard work has paid off. “I will start the nursing program at EvCC in fall (quarter) 2017,” she said. “With the ESL and the academic and emotional support from the BRIDGES and TRiO programs, I was able to propel myself into the nursing program. They have helped me find a career path, and they believe in me.”

Claudia Umana

Claudia Umana chose EvCC because she felt welcomed and supported from the moment she stepped onto campus. She received academic support from the federally funded TRiO Student Support Services program and credits TRiO Advisor Linda Summers for believing in her and pushing her to never give up. "I felt very comfortable, and I was able to express myself without feeling judged," Claudia said. "College felt right knowing I had such an amazing support system." 

Vaughan Nelson

A middle school teacher instilled in Vaughan Nelson the belief that he could excel and achieve his dreams. Now he's on a mission to become a math teacher and replicate that classroom for another generation of students. EvCC's student housing, track and field team, TRiO and Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement programs are all part of Vaughan's success story. "I was chosen to come to this school for a reason," he says.

Jasmine Ojeda-Mota

As a first generation student, Jasmine Ojeda-Mota connected with EvCC's TRiO program to help her navigate the ins-and-outs of a college education. "TRiO answered all my questions as a first generation student" says Ojeda-Mota. "(They) helped me get connected in school activities and meet new friends as well as with going to the student leaders conference." After earning three Early Childhood Education certificates at EvCC, Jasmine plans on transferring to Western Washington University through the University Center.

Levi Williams

Levi Williams chose EvCC because “it was local and had resources I needed to be a successful student.” Those resources included TRiO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that provides academic support services to first-generation, low-income students, and students with disabilities and the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program. “I learned so much more than chemistry during my time at EvCC” says Levi. “I can't even begin to list the changes it has made in my life's trajectory. It's so important that  every single person has access to this experience. I hope that together we can work toward a future where that's reality.”

Butoyi Emmanuel

Butoyi Emmanuel (Emmanuel as he prefers to be called) immigrated to America as a child and became the first person in his family to go to college in the United States. He says his best experience at EvCC was making a plan with his TRiO advisor to complete his degree, transfer to a university and become a high school history teacher.

Kyla Ruse

Kyla Ruse was the first in her family to attend college. At Everett Community College, TRiO adviser Linda Summers and the TRiO program made being a first-generation college student less scary and more rewarding. She hopes to one day earn a master's of science degree in nutrition, inspired by nutrition instructor Karen Gabrielsen. Today, Kyla is proud of her choices. "Going to a community college does not mean you aren't smart enough for a university," she says. "Many, many people, including myself, turned down university acceptance to attend EvCC. You save money and get a truly amazing education."

Jake Avilla

As the first person in his family to go to college, Jake Avilla knows the importance of seeking support. The student ambassador participates in TRiO, a federally funded program that provides academic support for first-generation students, low-income students and students with disabilities. “My advice is always to seek out extra help or just talk to other people that know more than you do,” he says.

Ashley Forst

When she earned her Associate in Arts and Sciences degree from EvCC, Ashley Forst became the first in her family to graduate from college. She chose EvCC for many reasons, especially on-campus housing. Now, she's fulfilling her dream of attending the University of Washington. "Do not be hard on yourself because your journey may not look like your peers. What matters is you’re here, you’re doing it, and you are working to achieve your dreams."

Jacky Guzman

When Jacky Guzman became a student ambassador, she knew EvCC was the right fit. The first-generation college student said EvCC helped her get ahead with her education and save money, while providing many resources like tutoring and de-stress events. "Feel proud for considering a community college," she said. "EvCC has some of the best people here. People with big dreams."