Student Spotlight - Mani Fregoso
Refugio "Mani" Fregoso was motivated to go to college in part by the children and teens he works with as a program coordinator at the Monroe/Sky Valley YMCA. "I feel like it wouldn’t have been as motivating for them if I didn’t set the example," Mani said. The Monroe High School graduate is working toward a bachelor's degree in psychology at Everett Community College and a career in counseling or another field where he can help youth succeed. He takes classes at EvCC's East County Campus, which is across the street from the Y. He highly recommends the campus' small classes and helpful instructors.
If I can do it, anyone can.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Refugio Emanuel Fregoso, but mostly everyone knows me by Mani. I was originally born in Mexico, but I have basically grown up in the Monroe area since the age of 2. I currently work at the Monroe/Sky Valley YMCA as a Program Coordinator working closely with youth and teens in the community.
What motivated you to go to college?
What mainly motivated me to attend college was the amazing leaders I had growing up in middle school and high school always exposing me to being college ready. Another thing that has motivated me to attend college has been the fact that I work so closely with school age kids and teens. I feel like it wouldn’t have been as motivating for them if I didn’t set the example.
What are you studying at EvCC?
Right now I am taking my prerequisites, and I am hopeful in getting my associate degree in psychology.
Why did you choose Everett Community College and the East County Campus?
I chose EvCC because I have always heard nothing but great things, whether it has been that teachers are wonderful, to the fact that it is such a welcoming and diversified place. I chose East County mainly for how close to home it is because I live about five minutes away, and I also chose here because there are such small classrooms where you feel like you can actually participate and feel heard.
What are your educational and career goals?
My educational and career goals are to hopefully transfer to a four-year university once I obtain my associate degree here at EvCC and pursue psychology. A career goal I have is hopefully getting into counseling or a field where I can help the youth succeed.
Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? How?
The main people that have helped me succeed during my time here at EvCC have been my parents. They have always showed me true support, whether it has been helping me with obtaining textbooks to giving me encouraging words to keep going when I have felt like I could not continue.
Would you recommend the EvCC East County Campus to others who are deciding where to attend college? Why?
I would 100% recommend East County Campus to anyone who is interested in attending college. It is so close to home for some people, and since attending East County I have never met an instructor or staff member who hasn’t treated me with respect. And especially if you like one-on-one time with instructors before/during/after class, this is a great place to get that.
What advice do you have for students like you?
The best advice I could give other students is take advantage of the resources around you, especially the ones offered at EvCC East County Campus.
Is there anything else you'd like to add?
As someone who has been a part of this community for most of my life, I can say anyone out there that might have the slightest doubt of not being able to do it, all I can say is you can do it! If I can do it, anyone can.
