Student Spotlight - 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 Student Support Services, 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.

Update, March 2023: Jake is studying education at Western Washington University, pursuing his bachelor's degree.

Tell me a little bit about yourself.

It's my second year at Everett Community College. I'm studying education. I want to be a secondary high school teacher teaching Health Science. So that's the program path right now. I'm involved in TRiO and I’m a (student) ambassador over at Parks Student Union.

Why did you choose Everett Community College?

I chose Everett because it was close to home, as the motto is, Stay Close….Go Far. Also, it provided everything I needed for an affordable tuition to have a small community college to go to, which is really nice because you're able to see people multiple times. It just feels like a little bigger high school.

Why did you decide to go to college?

I decided to go to college to be the change I want to see in the education system. I am a strong believer that if you want to make a change in the world, you have to be the one that does it. EvCC allowed me to seek out higher education while being close to home. 

What interested you in becoming a high school health science teacher?

I was interested in being a high school health/science teacher because I struggled so much in school and I never want another student to go through what I did. I want to be the teacher I wish I had in high school. I want to impact and show students that there is more than just grades to school; that teachers are willing to listen, willing to help, and willing to go the extra mile to see them succeed. I want to be a teacher because I want to see students achieve their goals and help them find a sense of direction in their lives.

I always knew I wanted to be a teacher for high school. Some of the professors I've met at EvCC have been nothing but helpful and supportive of my career decision.

How did you hear about TRiO Student Support Services, a federally funded program that provides academic support services to students who plan to earn a four-year degree and are the first in their family to go to college, are low-income or have a disability?

I heard of TRiO from my professors. I think it was (English instructor) Cobi Seslar and Paula Krock for education. One of my friends also is part of TRiO. So I was like, oh, maybe I should join and see what it's about.

How has TRiO helped you to succeed at Everett Community College?

Everything at TRiO here, it's been amazing, especially with the advisors. I had TRiO Advisor Christie Santos, and she's been nothing but helpful with the transfer process. Instead of jumping around from advisors, I'm able to talk directly with Christie, and she's able to sit down and go through all the classes I need to transfer to a university, so I'm not the one who's struggling to communicate to the College.

It's another community here at Everett Community College, which I love, that makes me feel like I have another family that I can always go to.

Describe your best experience that you've had thus far with TRiO.

I feel like the biggest breakthrough was when I sent in an application to Western Washington University. And with the help of Christie, the adviser here, I was able to be accepted, and that was probably one of my greatest moments, because without her, I probably wouldn't be able to be in contact with the right people or I would miss the deadlines to even apply. But she was very helpful and knowledgeable about the whole transfer process, and especially with someone who isn't good at reaching out to other people. Christie made it all very easy and accessible for me.

How is your EvCC Foundation Scholarship helping you succeed in reaching your education and career goals?

The EvCC Foundation Scholarship has been incredibly helpful in allowing me to pursue my education and career goals. The financial support it provides has eased the burden of paying for tuition and other expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and take advantage of opportunities that I may not have been able to afford otherwise.

Receiving the scholarship has also validated my hard work and achievements, which has given me confidence and motivation to continue striving toward my goals. I feel recognized and supported in my pursuits, which has made me even more committed to achieving them.

What advice would you give to a new student?

Always reach out for help, even though you may not think you need it or want it. It's always great to have someone to be that support, to be that help. I thought I had to do everything by myself, but Christie has shown me that it's better to have other people to reach out to [for] help and take it from me, before, I always thought I could transfer and do all this by myself. But I realized with the help of others you build confidence in yourself and you get to create more relationships and that benefits you and helps you towards your goals and careers.

My advice is always to seek out extra help or just talk to other people that know more than you do.