CSF Scholars from Green River College Explore UW Campus Life

A group of first- and second-year CSF Scholars from Green River College recently visited the University of Washington campus. For several students, the tour was more than just a walk through campus — it was a step toward transferring to UW after earning their associate degrees. This year, CSF is supporting 232 CSF Scholars at Green River College, one of the most highly attended colleges by CSF Scholars.

Visiting college campuses plays a key role in the decision-making process. A tour can give students a firsthand look at campus life and help them picture themselves there.

“Students can learn a lot from websites, brochures and our CSF coaches. However, being physically on campus gives students a deeper understanding of the environment — how the campus feels, how people interact and whether they can see themselves being comfortable and successful there,” explains CSF Program Manager Diana Algomeda. “The experience can help them feel more confident in their decision and motivated to work toward their goals.”

Transferring Colleges to Continue Their Education Journeys

For students who are interested in transferring to another college, CSF coaches guide them through every step of the process. This includes hosting workshops that break down the transfer process, providing one-on-one coaching with college and scholarship applications and partnering with on-campus transfer centers to ensure students are connected to the right resources.

“As students transfer from one college to another, CSF helps them build relationships with their future CSF coach, so they have continued support while making their transfer decisions, and after they’ve enrolled at their new college,” says Diana. “This ongoing guidance helps students feel confident and prepared as they navigate the transition to their next academic journey.”

Touring the UW Campus

The recent visit to UW kicked off with a guided campus tour led by CSF Coach Sophie Tanchoco. Sophie, a UW alum, had been a campus tour guide when she was a student. Sophie brought valuable, personal insights to the students’ experience. Her familiar presence helped them feel comfortable, making it easier for them to ask questions and engage more fully in the tour. Students explored key spots on campus, including Red Square, Denny Yard, The Quad, the Husky Union Building, Mary Gates Hall, Drumheller Fountain and the iconic Sylvan Grove Theatre and Columns of LIFE (Loyalty, Industry, Faith and Efficiency).

After the tour, students had time to explore on their own — strolling through flowering campus pathways, exploring the vibrant neighborhood around UW and enjoying lunch while taking in the full Husky experience.

An Architecture Student Soaks in the Sights at UW

CSF scholar Suweyba is set to graduate from Green River College in June with an Associate of Arts degree and plans to attend UW in the fall to study architecture. During the campus tour, she shared what drew her to UW.

“At UW, I just really like the surroundings. It’s probably because I’m an architecture student, but I can’t help but notice buildings. I love these gothic buildings,” describes Suweyba. “I’ve heard a lot about the architecture classes, so I am excited for those and to meet new people and make new friends.”

While at Kent-Meridian High School, Suweyba leaned on her CSF advisor for college application support and decided to start her journey close to home, with plans to eventually transfer into an architecture program. At Green River College, she connected with CSF Coach Brenda Reyes Jimenez, who has met with her quarterly over the past two years, providing help with financial aid and work-study opportunities, and the emotional support Suweyba needed to stay focused on her goals.

“When I came to this country as a senior in high school, I thought it would be so easy to make friends. That’s how it was at home. But I realized that people here keep more to themselves, so it was really hard to socialize,” acknowledges Suweyba. “But getting connected to CSF has helped me meet new people, and Brenda was there for me for the emotional side of things, too.”

Making friends and finding community at college can be a challenge, and it can affect a student’s experience. So Brenda and Suweyba worked together to identify how she could reclaim being the “social butterfly” that she remembered being in her home country.

“As a first-gen student myself, I understand the emotional and mental toll that college can take on the mind and body,” recalls Brenda. “Something I always keep in mind is that sometimes we may be that ONE person a student looks at for support. I want to be able to help students in all aspects of their lives, including their mental health and overall well-being.”

Brenda saw that Suweyba had all the potential to become a leader and role model for other CSF Scholars, so she and Suweyba’s peers elected her to become the vice president of the new CSF Club at Green River. Earlier this year, Suweyba teamed up with her fellow club officers to plan the trip to UW, with support from advisors at Green River and CSF.

Starting a Student-Led CSF Club on Campus

CSF clubs offer CSF Scholars valuable opportunities to experience leadership roles and personal growth by building skills they can carry beyond college. Students gain experience by stepping into officer roles to help run meetings and plan events. With steady guidance and resources from advisors, students build confidence, create community and connect with peers who share similar backgrounds and experiences.

Establishing a CSF Club at Green River College was initially driven by student interest. “Several of our students were coming into their coaching sessions saying they weren’t able to create friendships as easily as they had hoped,” describes Brenda. “Many of them wanted to find community, and what better way to do that than establish a club for CSF Scholars ON campus?”

The CSF Club at Green River hosts bi-weekly meetings and events, including a forthcoming year-end celebration and summer BBQ for current and incoming students.

“Students have said they really enjoy having some time to decompress and get their mind off things, and other students appreciate the events that focus on their well-being and academics and help foster a sense of community,” shares Brenda.

Having an established club for CSF Scholars is important because it creates a welcoming space where students feel a more immediate sense of belonging. When Suweyba arrives at UW this fall, she — and other transferring Green River students — will be welcomed by another CSF Club already in place, ready to offer connection and support.

We want to thank Chealsey Olson, recruitment & outreach specialist at Green River College and co-advisor of the CSF Club on campus, for their help with this off-campus event and continuing support of CSF Scholars.