When I first learned the first week of session I would be testifying for SB 5115, I didn't know what to expect. That’s the bill that would provide eligible students with grants to help with college tuition and fees as they complete community or volunteer service. As a legislative intern, I knew this would be a significant moment, but I couldn't have anticipated how transformative the experience would be.
Before the testimony, I was both excited and nervous. However, Sam Herriot and many wonderful colleagues at SBCTC helped me understand that effective testimony isn't just about stating facts but about sharing authentic experiences that lawmakers might not otherwise hear. I spent several days drafting and refining my testimony, making sure that it stayed within the one-minute limit and was able to capture my experience as a first-generation low-income student.
Then the day of testimony came, my heart was racing. Walking into the Senate Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee’s hearing room felt intimidating at first, but I kept reminding myself why I was there — to be a voice for students like me. Those 60 seconds at the microphone flew by, but in that brief moment, I felt the power of student advocacy. Looking at the committee members' engaged faces, I realized they genuinely wanted to hear our perspectives.
What surprised me most was how much impact one minute could have. After testifying, several people approached me to share how my personal story helped them better understand the real-world implications of this legislation. It made me realize that our experiences as students aren't just stories — they're valuable insights that help shape policy decisions.
This experience completely changed my view on student advocacy. I've learned that lawmakers truly want to understand student perspectives, and our voices carry more weight than I initially thought. The legislative process might seem complex, but there's always room for student voices to make a difference.
I'm excited to share that I testified again yesterday for SB 5402, which focuses on expanding the Washington College Grant eligibility and introducing a $500 bridge grant for eligible students. This time, I felt more prepared and confident, knowing that my perspective as a first-generation immigrant student can help legislators understand how financial aid impacts real students' lives.
To any student who might be hesitant about getting involved in legislative advocacy - your voice matters more than you think. I'm looking forward to continuing this journey of advocacy and encouraging more students to share their stories with legislators. After all, who better to speak about student needs than students themselves?
