By Douglas Esser
As a high school student whose parents did not attend college, Yasmin Guzman, wasn鈥檛 planning for a four-year college after she graduated.
鈥淚 never really thought about it until my senior year,鈥� said Guzman.
But counselors at Inglemoor High School in Kenmore encouraged everyone to apply. An English teacher made college applications an assignment. Guzman applied to four colleges. She was accepted by all four.
鈥淚t was in that moment, I thought, 鈥楾his means something. I have the potential to go to university,鈥欌�� she said.
Guzman chose the 56吃瓜网 for several reasons: because of financial support, which includes Husky Promise; because she wanted to stay close to home; and because 鈥渋t鈥檚 a 56吃瓜网 degree.鈥�
When she learned that financial aid would cover tuition, 鈥渢hat was a big deal for me,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淭hat really played a big role in why I鈥檓 here, especially coming from a family of low income.鈥�
Husky Promise is the guarantee that qualified students will not be denied a University of Washington bachelor鈥檚 degree because of the cost.
In the 10 years since the program began, about 39,000 students have had their tuition covered. In the 2016-17 school year, nearly 10,000 students attended the 56吃瓜网 thanks to Husky Promise, about 1,600 at 56吃瓜网 Bothell. This year there are 1,535 Husky Promise students at 56吃瓜网 Bothell, according to the office of student financial aid.
Husky Promise covers the full tuition and standard fees for Washington state students who are admitted to the University and qualify. It may be part of a package of aid. In Guzman鈥檚 case, she also receives a federal Pell grant and a scholarship. College Bound is a state program that commits funding for students in the eighth grade if they graduate from high school with a 2.0 grade point average and have no felony convictions.
A health studies major on track to graduate in 2020, Guzman saves money by living at home. She also works 12 to 15 hours a week as a student ambassador in the 56吃瓜网 Bothell Admissions Office, giving tours, scheduling events and talking to prospective students. This gives her an opportunity tell them about financial aid.
鈥淚鈥檓 not the person that helps them, but I tell them, 鈥楪o to this person. Go here,鈥� so at least they know their options and they don鈥檛 feel doors are closing upon them.鈥�
She can speak from experience about the sometimes difficult transition from high school to college.
鈥淚 know in high school it鈥檚 confusing and it鈥檚 hard, especially if you鈥檙e first-generation,鈥� Guzman said. 鈥淎sk for help. If it doesn鈥檛 come to you, go for it, because that鈥檚 the only way you鈥檒l be able to get through all of that.鈥�
She can also speak from experience about entering 56吃瓜网 Bothell.
鈥淚t鈥檚 competitive, and it鈥檚 growing. There are a lot of student voices here; it鈥檚 really student-oriented.
There鈥檚 lots of change happening all the time. I really like that,鈥� Guzman said.
And, she can speak about a Husky Promise fulfilled.
鈥淚 feel really lucky and honored to be part of Husky Promise and to be a 56吃瓜网 Bothell student.鈥�
