Dreams can’t come true unless you’re awake. I guess sometimes we just need someone or something to wake us up. That was the case for me.

Many would call my path to college nontraditional. I like to think that most college students today have their own unique paths to higher education. We all have obstacles to overcome and goals that drive us to push forward. My story isn’t about me but more about the people and resources that I had to support me along the journey.

Going to college was always something I wanted to do. I wanted to be Dawg and attend the University of Washington. The problem was, I didn’t have anyone in my life that had gone to college or even knew what it would take to get there. I was completely on my own and I found out quickly that the unfamiliarity of higher education would be a huge obstacle for me to overcome.

After graduating from high school I went on to community college. I lasted one quarter before becoming so frustrated with my lack of direction and guidance that I gave up. I knew I wanted to continue my education but I didn’t know what I wanted to study. I didn’t even know what the difference was between an Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree. So at this point in my life, I decided to buy myself some time while putting myself in position to be able to go back to school once I was ready.

In 2005, I enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. This would provide me with a stable career that would support my educational goals. To this point, I think this was the greatest decision I ever made. I was surrounded by so many amazing men and women, provided with an excess of life tools, and most importantly, my character was tested and I developed the courage to face any challenge with confidence.

While in the Marines, I worked as a computer support specialist. This is where I discovered my passion for technology. I quickly determined that this was the perfect career field for me and what better place to learn and grow than back in the Pacific Northwest? I moved home to Tacoma and set out to enroll in the Information Technology program at the University of Washington–Tacoma.

I knew that during my time at UWT I would grow my technical skills and be exposed to some amazing people with IT and computer experience. What I didn’t know was that I would be blessed to be a part of an exceptional program and receive support from some outstanding individuals that dedicate themselves to helping students.I had applied for and been awarded the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS), a WTIA community partner. I didn’t know it at the time, but being a part of WSOS turned out to be the most beneficial support system I could imagine.

This tremendous support system truly helped me to grow as a person and provided me with invaluable career tools. The student support staff within WSOS really encouraged me to do more with my time in school and step out of my comfort zone. The program allowed me to participate in seminars, professional development events and make valuable connections to professionals in my field and the greater tech community who offered me their time, feedback and encouragement. These opportunities for exposure and advancement outside of the classroom were truly life-changing and opened my eyes to the world. I hope that professionals and businesses in our state continue to connect with and champion students like me, launching their careers in the high-demand fields in Washington.

I now feel awake and prepared to take on any challenge ahead of me. The education and tools I’ve gained from my experience at UW Tacoma, receiving WSOS and connecting with the tech community of the Puget Sound have given me the confidence to finally make my dreams come true.