My mother and father both have earned Bachelor's degrees, and my father was the first generation of his family to attend college. Thus, my decision to go to college was strongly influenced by my parents, who encouraged and supported me emotionally throughout my education. My mother, who first attended the University of Washington but later graduated from Washington State University, studied medicine, and is now a registered nurse. My father, however, completed his entire education in criminal justice at Washington State University, though he has now worked over twenty-five years at the Boeing Company. Since the day I was born, my parents worked long and hard to support me financially to ensure that I also have the opportunity to attend college.
