GEAR UP | BURLINGTON-EDISON HIGH SCHOOL
We spoke with Burlington-Edison High School graduates about their experiences in high school and how they were able to navigate life in college. The panelists volunteered to share their stories.
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Luis shares how he went from unmotivated high school student to high-achieving UW student...
Julie shares how she bounced back from academic probation and is on track to graduate...
Juan shares how he almost didn't pass a brutal STEM class in college...
Erik shares how he overcame life challenges and made it to the U of Washington...
Ajay shares how he decided on pursuing a career in welding...
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Luis Figueroa
Hometown: Burlington, WA
High School: Burlington-Edison High School
College: Skagit Valley College, University of Washington
Year in College: Class of 2021
Major: Biology
Occupation: Physical Therapy Aide
Dream job: Physical Therapist, Evolutionary/Neuroscience/Wildlife Biologist, Director, Spider-Man Actor
Luis’ Places: Latino Leadership Initiative (SVC), Husky Leadership Initiative (UW), UW intramurals (flag football, volleyball, dodgeball), UW Men’s Rugby Club
High School Places: Football, Wrestling, Track and Field
First-generation student: Yes
Reach out to Luis on Instagram: @19_tasm_62
Juan Ibarra
Hometown: Burlington, WA
High School: Burlington-Edison High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: Class of 2023
Major: Psychology, Minor: Nutritional Sciences
Occupation: Part-time ABA Therapist
Dream Job: Exercise Specialist, Physical/Occupational Therapist
Juan’s Places: Instructional Center, Gym, intramurals, major specific courses
High School Places: Football, Volunteering (interact club)
Reach out to Juan on Instagram: @iiJuan_
Julie Rivera-Hernandez
Hometown: Burlington, WA
High School: Burlington-Edison High School
College: Western Washington University
Year in College: Class of 2022
Major: Human Services , Minor: Education and Social Justice
Occupation: Peer Mentor for Future Woodring Scholars
Dream job: Either a vocational counselor or a position (I help first-generation college students)
Julie’s Places: Woodring Diversity, Recruitment, and Retention office, Education and Social Justice Minor department, Multicultural Center, The Ethnic Student Center
High School Places: President of Multicultural Club, Volunteering at West View Elementary North 2 Western
First-generation student: Yes
Reach out to Julie on Instagram: _julierivera
Erik Michel
Hometown: Mount Vernon, WA
High School: Burlington-Edison High School
College: University of Washington
Year in College: 5th year
Major: Electrical Engineering
Occupation: Organizer @ Latino Community Fund of Washington State
Dream Job: Hardware UX Designer
Erik’s Places: STARS in Engineering program, UW Instructional Center (IC)
High School Places: Interact Club President, Humane Society volunteer
First-generation student: Yes
Reach out to Erik on: linkedin.com/in/erikdmichel/ OR emichel@latinocommunityfund.org
Ajay Karwal
Hometown: Burlington, Washington
High School: Burlington-Edison High School
College: Bellingham Technical College
Year in College: Class of 2022
Major: Welding Technology
Occupation: Pipe Welding
Dream job: Work in the refinery or do pipeline but mainly travel out of state
Ajay’s Places: Rec league soccer
High School Places: HS Soccer, Welding, Wood-shop
Reach out to Ajay on Facebook: Ajay Karwal
ABOUT THE ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE PROJECT
New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen talks with current and recent students about life in college. For more videos visit BeforeCollegeTV on YouTube. For more information about Harlan Cohen visit him online at: www.HarlanCohen.com or follow him on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok | LinkedIn | Snapchat (helpmeharlan).
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by panelists and participants are their own and are in no way endorsed, officially affiliated, or representative of the institution, Harlan Cohen, or BeforeCollegeTV. All views expressed on panelists social media are not endorsed or affiliated with Harlan Cohen and BeforeCollegeTV. Students views, opinions, and advice are their own. ALWAYS contact official representatives to verify and validate any information provided