A week ago, I sat in a room with the presidents of Washington’s community and technical colleges at the Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) Board of Presidents meeting. I listened as each president made decisions that would extend far beyond the classroom and directly shape the educational experiences of thousands of students, including myself. While I had always known that running a college was a big responsibility, seeing it firsthand gave me a much deeper appreciation for the work that goes into making these institutions thrive. It was an experience that gave me a newfound appreciation for the leadership in higher education.
What stood out most to me was how much each president truly cares, not just about keeping their colleges running, but about making them better. Every conversation reflected their commitment to students and their determination to improve opportunities, whether through funding decisions, student support programs, or long-term planning. It made me think about all the things I’ve benefited from as a student that I had never really considered before. Resources like South Puget Sound Community College’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Center, peer programs, and other services exist because of the work happening behind the scenes. I have a great respect for these programs and the people that make them possible as I relied on them heavily in my transition from high school. They helped me find my resources and plan my next steps.
One of the most eye-opening discussions was about the operating budget. I’ve always understood that colleges need funding to function, but hearing the presidents break it down in detail made me realize just how complex it is. Tim Stokes, president of South Puget Sound Community College, asked thoughtful questions about financial planning, making it clear that every dollar must be carefully allocated to keep programs running, support faculty, and provide resources for students. It was a reminder that nothing in our system happens by accident. Every opportunity we have as students is the result of careful decision-making and constant advocacy for funding.
I also had the chance to speak with Faimous Harrison, president of Wenatchee Valley College, who shared the work being done to support his college’s large Latino student population. As a Latina student, this conversation meant a lot to me. He spoke about the challenges of keeping programs strong despite financial and policy hurdles. His passion for making sure all students have access to the support they need was clear. It reminded me how important it is to have leaders who not only recognize the needs of their students but actively fight to make sure those needs are met.
More than anything, this meeting allowed me to see just how much goes into making community and technical colleges what they are. The presidents I met weren’t just focused on policies and budgets; they were thinking about students, about the future, and about how to make sure their colleges continue to grow and improve. They see the bigger picture, and they are constantly working to create a better system for the next generation of students.
As a student legislative intern at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, this experience reinforced why advocacy for higher education matters. It’s easy to focus on our own day-to-day experiences as students — our classes, our assignments, our financial aid — but seeing the bigger picture gave me a new perspective. The opportunities I have today exist because of the leadership and advocacy of those who came before me. Now, I feel a greater appreciation towards those in leadership positions and a deeper commitment to making sure future students continue to have those same opportunities. I’m incredibly grateful to have learned from these leaders, and I look forward to carrying these lessons with me as I continue learning and working in higher education.
