Guidance and Perseverance Propel Evanshi’s College Journey
When Evanshi and her family immigrated from India to the U.S. in 2022, they had to start from scratch. With little money, they moved into her grandparents’ home. Her parents, who never had the chance to receive formal education, took on minimum-wage jobs to support the family.
“I am the first generation in my family to attend and graduate from college,” College Success Foundation Scholar Evanshi says proudly. “My parents left their careers and their lives in India so I could have opportunities they never had. They couldn’t help me with my schoolwork, but my dad taught me languages. I speak three today, and that’s how I earned my Seal of Biliteracy.
Arriving in the U.S. as a high school senior was rather intimidating for Evanshi. Many students at the school had already applied to four-year colleges, and by the time she acclimated to life in the U.S., she had missed the traditional college application window. “It felt like a whole new world. A different culture, language, lifestyle, and even the way school worked. At first, I hardly talked to anyone,” Evanshi reveals.
Everything changed when she connected with College Success Foundation. She began to imagine the possibilities for her future: “The first time I saw Washington State University was on a CSF college campus tour. As soon as I visited, I knew this was where I wanted to go eventually.”
For Evanshi, education is a family mission. “My goal is to give my parents a better future, a life they never had,” Evanshi acknowledges. “ I also want to inspire my younger brother, who just started high school. My high school graduation was the first time anyone in my family had ever walked across a stage.”
Building a Foundation and Confidence at Highline College
Like many community or two-year colleges, Highline College offers significantly lower tuition costs and flexible scheduling options, allowing students to balance school with work or family responsibilities.
After high school, Evanshi enrolled at nearby Highline College, where she found a strong academic foundation for what would be her next step in her educational journey. She experienced smaller classes, direct support from professors, and guidance from her CSF coach, Liz Vidaurri, who became a steady guide. Liz is located on Highline’s campus, one of four community colleges where CSF has an on-campus coaching presence in Washington this year.
“For many students, college can feel overwhelming and difficult to navigate,” Liz explains. As a college coach, I provide consistent support, encouragement and accountability. Sometimes that means connecting students with resources, sometimes it’s helping them problem-solve or navigate transitions, and often it’s simply believing in them until they believe in themselves.”
Liz recalls supporting Evanshi during a very vulnerable moment in her first quarter. She listened and created space for Evanshi’s feelings, then reminded her that tomorrow could bring new possibilities and helped her find the confidence to advocate for herself. Evanshi remembers how Liz’s words really stuck with her: “She told me, ‘Tomorrow will be better, I promise.’ I still tell myself that every time I have a hard day, and I share it with others, too.”
Taking a holistic approach, CSF coaches also work closely with students to apply for scholarships and other financial aid. “When I began working with Evanshi, we focused on submitting her application for the L1000 Scholarship,” Liz reflects. “Even when she wasn’t selected her first year, she showed incredible perseverance. Together, we talked about resilience and what it means to keep showing up for your goals, even when setbacks happen. Watching her learn to never give up and to celebrate her own growth has been inspiring.”
This spring, Evanshi became an L1000 Scholar, graduated with her associate degree from Highline College and solidified her plans to obtain her bachelor’s degree.
The Big Move to WSU
In August, Evanshi’s parents drove her five hours across the mountains to Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. “They were exhausted, but I was grateful. It was emotional leaving home,” Evanshi recalls. “I knew I wouldn’t be able to visit often. Maybe over the holiday break and over the summer? But I was ready for the next chapter.”
Now, as a junior at WSU, Evanshi is majoring in computer science while exploring psychology courses. “I grew up without smartphones, Wi-Fi or TV,” Evanshi shares. “But technology always made me curious. That’s why I chose to explore computer science. I want to study the technology we lacked and help others access it.”
Before arriving at WSU, Evanshi was able to connect with her new CSF coach, Diane Nelson, who supports students at WSU and across Washington with flexible remote coaching services: “To get started, Diane recommended a few of the student centers and was able to get me transportation help.”
What excites her most about WSU is the community. She has moved in with three roommates and is starting to make friends. “At Highline, most people commuted, and it was harder to make friends,” Evanshi acknowledges. “Here in Pullman, it feels like a real college town. I get to live the student life I dreamed of and build core memories.”
Through it all, CSF has been a constant presence for Evanshi, from high school to Highline to now WSU: “CSF has always been there. That relationship is never going to change.”
Your support makes journeys like Evanshi’s possible. Thank you for standing alongside Evanshi and the thousands of other CSF Scholars across our state as they pursue their college goals, aim high and work toward their full potential.
