I thought I knew exactly what I was doing. I thought I already knew how to “play the game,” so I never talked to a single teacher or adviser the first year I was there. At the end of my first year at Highline, however, I started talking with my political science and history teacher Jim Glennon about Latin American politics/immigration and my involvement in various related projects at the time. I guess Glennon believed in me enough to recommend that I talk to his good friend Dr. Barbara Clinton about participating in Highline’s Honors Scholar program to help lead me in the right direction.

At first the idea seemed useless. Joining many other “prestigious” clubs and activities throughout high school hadn’t enhanced my academic experience and doing so honestly felt like a waste of time, especially since I didn’t want to distract my attention away from my full-time academic schedule and volunteer work. Participating in the Honors Scholar Program, however, was probably one of the best choices I made while at Highline. It’s not just something you can list on your college applications under activities/awards. You actually get something out of what Barbara teaches you. She’s an expert on how to find all of the financial aid resources available to you and she teaches you how to present the best side of yourself when applying to colleges.

Barbara Clinton helped me realize that I could apply to competitive schools and actually have a chance at being accepted. I didn’t necessarily have to settle for the obvious choice and I also didn’t have to break the bank to be able to attend a private college. Thanks to Barbara’s help I was admitted into every school I applied to (even the one I applied to as a joke because I thought I had no chance of being accepted). I can honestly say that going to school and having knowledgeable people like Barbara who believe in you and help guide you can make all the difference. It certainly has for me.