Student Spotlight - Francisco Jimenez

Francisco Jimenez’s stellar start in EvCC’s Youth Re-Engagement program was cut short when he was diagnosed with cancer at age 18. He had to pause college to fight for his life, receiving a bone marrow transplant and chemotherapy. But he beat cancer and eagerly returned to EvCC as soon as he could. “College was the environment I needed to thrive. I felt like Everett Community College was where I belonged,” he said. Francisco was named one of EvCC’s Outstanding Graduates in Transitional Studies in 2023, earning his high school diploma and associate in arts and sciences - direct transfer agreement degree. Next, he will probably transfer to the University of Washington. “What’s next?” he says. “I’m alive, so whatever my heart desires.”

Francisco celebrates his graduation with family members in Everett on June 11, 2023.

I started my college journey as a high school drop out. Technically, I had completed getting my G.E.D. and entering the college environment when I was 17. 

I took classes at Everett Community College in the fall of 2018, but my journey with the Youth Re-Engagement program (U3) didn't start till Winter of 2019. I was a stellar student, completing the first quarter with straight A's and receiving an award at the end of the quarter. Feeling accomplished and deserving I went on to take my spring quarter passing again with A's (well an A- for one class) and I continued that trend of A's into summer quarter. 

College was the environment I needed to thrive. I felt like Everett Community College was where I belonged. 

When Fall quarter of 2019 began I was prepared to go in working my hardest to maintain my grades. But soon things started changing. I began to feel overwhelmed, overworked, exhausted, and with that my grades began to plummet.

Around that time, I felt as if I had gotten the flu and was sick, and this led to my mind becoming unable to keep up. The second week of my classes I was already failing. I went to the doctor. Without proper examination, I was told I was stressed from my college work. I became depressed. My body and mind were spiraling. I didn't understand what was going on. 

It wasn't until later that week I decided to go to the emergency room because I didn't understand what was wrong. I was under the weather, almost passing out walking around the school and stumbling up stairs occasionally. And after a single blood test they discovered the problem. I had cancer.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a mutation in the white blood cells that causes them to produce in large amounts. This keeps all other blood cells from being able to form in sufficient amounts. Red blood cells are unable to transport oxygen to the body and platelets are unable to mend wounds. It is rare to develop this form of cancer at the age of 18. With my age and a gene in the cancer called Philadelphia positive, it was an aggressive form of cancer that was more difficult to treat.
 
My whole life had been twisted and flipped upside down. Within the first week of my diagnosis I dropped out of school. I had gone from a full-time student to a full-time patient.

My time as a cancer patient was difficult, from pain, to being on the verge of death during my bone marrow transplant, I was in agony. All during the COVID 19 pandemic. But that is another story.

After a year of fighting, I was cancer free. 

During the summer of 2021 I received a call from my U3 advisor, Tosha. She called to check in on me and ask me if I wanted to start again. I didn't hesitate to say yes.

I began my classes again in the Fall of 2021. I entered my classes with my head held high but I was entering with deficits caused by my chemotherapy and radiation. Its unofficial name is chemo brain. Thankfully, I was able to get connected through the Center of Disability Services and get helpful accommodations to get me through classes. Despite the accommodations, my mind was still unable to keep up with 2 classes but I was able to push through 1 with an A. 

After the encouragement of passing a class with an A my first quarter I was revitalized and began taking 2 classes each quarter. There were some bumps in the road but after making a good friend, I learned to give myself a break and eventually grace. I was achieving what I wanted, even if it was at a slower pace. It was then I decided to let myself live and experience the joys of life within and outside of college. 

After another year of hard work, I walked across the stage for the first time in my life. 

I am a first generation Hispanic college graduate, but I'm more than that.
I am the eldest son and an older brother.
I am a fighter and survivor.
I am a thriver.
I am human.

And just as I said in my address during the EvCC Outstanding Graduates awards ceremony in June 2023, I will live my life to the fullest.

Francisco and fellow graduate Katarina Santos.