Pacific Lutheran University

Can you introduce yourself and share what you’re studying?

My name is Zari Warden. I attend Pacific Lutheran University. I study Communication (Film and Media) and Gender, Sexuality, and Race Studies. I am also minoring in music.

What are your goals after graduation?

My main career goal after college is to pursue marketing and communications work for nonprofit organizations. My other goals include making and performing my original songs and working on a podcast series I started for my senior capstone.

Why did you decide to go to college?

I initially considered making music full-time, but I didn’t have the resources. So, I applied to various colleges and chose PLU because of my financial aid package. I’m glad I went because I found my passion for content creation and active advocacy work. I learned about my and others’ various identities and communities and gained a new perspective on how I want to live.

What challenges have you faced in college?

The most significant challenge I faced was learning how to prioritize myself, my needs, and the people I wanted in my life. PLU’s counseling center helped me get on track to find a full-time therapist. Also, taking the ideals from my Gender, Sexuality, and Race classes, such as rest being resistance, finding pleasure, and building meaningful relationships, helped me combat the urge to partake in grind culture, unrealistic expectations, and harmful interactions.

When did you first learn about the Washington College Grant? How did you feel when you found out you qualified?

I hadn’t heard about the Washington College Grant until I read my financial aid package from PLU. All I knew then was that I received additional support because of my family income and that the state helped me, but I didn’t have any other details. Nonetheless, the grant saved me SO much money these past four years. When I learned I qualified, my reaction was, “Great, I won’t be in as much student loan debt!” And that goes for all of my financial aid from the state and federal levels. That financial support lifted a massive weight off my shoulders.

Would you have gone to college without financial aid?

My parents expected me to attend college, whether I received financial aid or not. And I didn’t have any other plans. However, the grant alleviated the stress of how much I would’ve had to pay out of pocket or take out in private loans in addition to my federal loans.

What would college have looked like without the WA Grant

Without the Washington College Grant, I would’ve worked more hours outside of work-study and felt more financially insecure. I most likely would have taken out an additional loan, which would’ve been an additional financial hardship. I’m lucky to have not experienced that!

What do you wish more students knew about financial aid?

I wish more students had more education about financial aid, such as applying for FAFSA. Many underprivileged students don’t know how or have the resources to learn how to apply. I was lucky my mom could help me fill it out, but not everyone has parents or family members who can assist with that process.

What’s your advice for students applying to college?

My advice is to apply, even if it seems scary or overwhelming! If you need resources or assistance, go to someone you trust and ask where or who you can go to for help.

What are you most excited about post-graduation?

I’m most excited to continue impacting the community using the skills and resources I’ve discovered and which I carry with me. I’ve grown a lot in the past four years and learned about relationships between myself and others. I can’t wait to take everything with me as I continue my professional and personal journeys.

How do you hope to use your education in the future?

I aspire to use my education to help people join in solidarity, unity, and communal action. I also hope my education will strengthen my connections with my family, friends, workplace, and community.