United Way of King County’s Bridge to Finish program provides college students with resources to complete their education. Bridge to Finish’s Benefits Hubs provide resources such as food, emergency aid, and housing assistance.

Last year, 5,430 students received 31,296 Benefits Hubs interventions. They include Highline College student Alexis Smith, who recently spoke about how Benefits Hub assistance helped her stay on track to gain her nursing degree.

United Way of King County: Talk a little bit about your background and how you arrived at Highline College.

Alexis Smith: I was homeless with my daughter; I had gotten out of an abusive relationship. I got introduced to a Certified Nursing Assistant program. I completed that, and I decided that I wanted to further my education. I always wanted to be in the medical field since high school, and so I decided to pursue nursing. I began working as a nursing assistant at a senior living facility. And then I started at Highline College.

There was actually another woman I met at a shelter who was applying here. I felt it was the right decision for me. I applied, and I’ve been going to Highline to get my associate’s degree and become a registered nurse. I’ve been at Highline for over a year, and I’m very happy. I plan to take their nursing program here once I finish my prerequisites.

My story is that I am a mother, I have a two-year-old daughter, and I have also begun to do work study the Highline Public Safety Office. They have been really amazing in allowing me to get to know many of the staff on campus, which has been really great in finding resources like the Benefits Hub. And I got housing through the Wish Program here at Highline.

United Way of King County: What prompted you to seek United Way’s Benefits Hub?

Alexis Smith: I needed assistance with some overdue bills, and I was also having some car issues. My car is how I get to campus, to work, and to take my daughter to daycare, so I’m able to be on campus. It was definitely something that was really urgent for me.

United Way of King County: How did Benefits Hub help you meet those needs?

United Way of King County: When will you be getting your degree from Highline?

Alexis Smith: I will be graduating with the Class of 2028. I plan to do one year at a hospital, and then I want to become a travel nurse. They say they make the big dollars, but I gain more experience, and I also love to travel, so I think I would love to do that. My story has had a lot of challenges, but I’ve stayed diligent, focused, and determined to be the first generation from my family to graduate from college. I’m pursuing my education and providing a better life, and setting an example for my daughter in education.

To learn more about United Way’s Bridge to Finish Benefits Hub program, click here.