I was twenty years old when I first came across Seattle Education Access. I was homeless and attending my first quarter at Seattle Central Community College. I was taking 18 units. I was struggling to overcome the adversity of homelessness while obtaining my educational goals. Then I was introduced to Polly Trout, the founder of Seattle Education Access. We had lunch and I told her about my goals and aspirations. She didn't try to hold my hand. I like the independence she allowed me to have. I was given many schlarships while I was with Seattle Education Access. They always checked up on us and they truly cared about my progress. I experienced many trials and tribulations. But they were always there when I needed them. I moved to San Diego to get away from drugs in 2005. I managed to get my life together. In 2008, I asked Polly to write me a letter of recommendation for San Diego State University. I transferred there this fall. I'm a junior. After this semester I'll be a senior. It will still take me three semesters to recive my BA degree in English. I don't think I would have made it pass my first quarter of college if it wasn't for Seattle Education Access. I still feel I owe them a lot.
SEA is the best thing that has happened to me. My life changed since I received their help. Anthon, Poly and Allison are AWSOME!! very supporting and caring about their students. They not only helping me to continue with my education, but helped me to find a job. Thanks SEA for helping me, and believing in me.
SEA is a community of people who just want to help. When you come into the office, STAFF TREAT YOU LIKE A PERSON NOT A NUMBER. That is the key difference with SEA. I feel like no matter what they will support me. No other organization treats their "client" base like we are their neighbors, SEA staff will also get on the same level with students and that makes me feel like a person vs a number. I was having issues with my Financial Aid going through, and it was my first quarter. SCCC was going to drop my classes because my financial aid had not gone through, at that point I was going to drop out because again I felt like I was worthless and could not do anything with my life. I came into the office and Polly immediately got me re-motivated and gave me the confidence that everything was going to be ok, I applied for a scholarship and I GOT IT. They paid for my tuition and books that quarter. Thanks SEA for everything you have done for me and my family.
Seattle Education Access (SEA) is the first organization I've found that truly cares for each individual person as a whole. They definitely want to make each of their students succeed, and understand there are many pieces to the puzzle of each student’s life. SEA understands that if one piece is missing, (like childcare, transportation, time management, or lack of emotional support) the puzzle will not be complete. Polly and the people at SEA solve for each puzzle piece to ensure for their student's success. As a single mom going into nursing, I was stuck in a hard place. I needed to work to make enough money for everyday costs. However, 40+ hours a week, going to school, and taking care of my daughter was draining, to say the least. I needed to cut down the hours I worked in order to academically succeed in Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology. This would ensure I complete my career goals and be financially stable in the future. SEA has helped me in so many ways. I am now getting 4.0's in all my classes and have time to do an internship at Children's Hospital to prepare me for my career as a nurse. I could not be where I am without SEA's assistance. I pray that people can continue to donate to SEA, which is the best organization in Seattle helping others like me become financially independent.
SEA is a great non-profit organization. They helped my mom go back to college and succeed. My mom has great grades and community support from SEA, because she lacks the support from her family of origin. My mom would have not been able to support me and take care of me without an education. Without SEA my mom would not have been able to get an education; they provided her with a scholarship, tutoring, academic advising and wrap around support. SEA allowed my mom not to be a lost cause as well as not to be sucked into the welfare system because they helped her fight stay in school. SEA ROCKS!!!
SEA change my life from the day I join the program I feel safe because I know I will always get support I need. Through SEA I got scholarship for childcare assistant if I didnt get assistant at that time I may not at school now. Also before I didn't get computer and printer from SEA I used to go to public library it was really hard for since I am single mother who don't any family here to help me with my child.
Seattle Education Access is a great organization. They helped me when I first enrolled in college. I was helped with degree requirements, registration, as well as some addition financial aid to help cushion me. They were extremely helpful.
I apriciate SEA so much and what they have to offer. They helped me with the entire prosess of me getting back into school and I am very thankful for them taking the time to work with me. Not only were they helpful in every aspect but they are able to take the one on one time with me so I can easier look at what I need to do and where I am going next, Thank you to all the SEA team who have made it possible for me to go back to school!!!
Brittney 12/05/2009
Dear SEA Students, Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you have said about SEA. All of our students are the foundation of SEA. Please give yourselves credit for your amazing and hard work that all of you put into your education. At SEA all of our students are resilient survivors, that DESERVE their educations. I am fortunate enough to work at SEA and all of the people we help. Thank you for supporting SEA. *Brittney