“Financial aid doesn’t just fund an education. It builds opportunity, and that benefits all of us.”
Marc-Antony Johnson is a Washington College Grant recipient, currently attending the University of Washington Tacoma as part of the Class of 2029. He transferred from Evergreen State College to pursue law and is already active in student groups focused on activism and lobbying at the State Capitol.
Can you tell me a little about your journey to the University of Washington Tacoma?
I transferred from Evergreen State College to UW Tacoma with a clear purpose: to study law. UW Tacoma was the right choice for me, it is credible, close to home, affordable compared to other options, and deeply connected to local communities of color. I knew it was where I could grow both as a student and as an advocate.
What role has financial aid played in making your education possible?
Honestly, I would not be here without financial aid. I live in a household of seven family members, and four of us, myself included, have to work just to make ends meet. Even with that, the cost of college would be out of reach if I did not have the Washington College Grant, scholarships, and other aid. Without it, I would be pressured into working full-time to help my family stay afloat, and I would likely have to step away from school.
Beyond academics, how have you been involved on campus and in the community?
I have already been part of two student groups focused on activism and lobbying at the State Capitol. Those experiences have really shaped my perspective, and I want to carry them forward as I continue my studies.
Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals?
My ultimate goal is to attend law school. But the cost of graduate education is overwhelming. If I had to take on heavy debt just to finish my undergraduate degree, law school would be impossible for me. That is why financial aid is so important.
Why do you believe financial aid matters for Washington students as a whole?
Financial aid is not just about me, it’s about all students in Washington, about our families, our communities, and the state as a whole. Slashing it would hurt everyone. If we want a future where students can thrive, build careers, and give back, we have to keep those doors open. Financial aid does not just fund an education. It builds opportunity, and that benefits all of us.