Christina Escobar

Associate in Arts Transfer

Christina Escobar was born in Yakima and grew up in Tieton, WA. Following high school, she searched for ways to serve her community, looking for areas where her passion for helping others could be utilized. When she learned she was pregnant, she put everything on hold, preparing to welcome her daughter. The birth of her first daughter brought great joy, but also tremendous stress. Her daughter was only six days old when she received her first medical diagnosis. The next several years brought additional, often rare conditions. Escobar was unable to work as she cared for her daughter, making frequent trips to Seattle to ensure she received the best possible care. Eventually, her daughter’s condition stabilized. Escobar began work as a bartender at night while her daughter slept.

“My daughters motivate me to succeed in all aspects of life. I strive to always be the best version of myself for their sake. Ayvah, my eldest child, endures incredibly rare diagnoses, PKU, Autism, XP22.31, and epilepsy. As a result of being her mother, and raising her alone, I have learned love, patience and have found my strength,” stated Escobar.

In 2011, she began working as an AmeriCorps Military Liaison for the American Red Cross. In 2012 Escobar had an experience that would forever influence her life. That summer much of the forestland in Washington State was devastated by fire. Escobar created an environmental reforestation program called Operation Lorax. The project helped children learn about forest fires and participate in the restoration process. When Operation Lorax won a national Grant from Newman’s Own and USA Weekend Magazine, she used the grant money to purchase flags for a military memorial at Flagpole Park in Cle Elum, WA.

During this time, she also pursued her education at YVC. Each time she got started, a personal struggle would prevent her from continuing with her plans. Three times, she began her studies, and three times she was devastated when she had to drop out. In the summer of 2017, she made herself a promise that she would earn a degree. As a single mother of two daughters and working full-time at night, it has been a struggle, but Escobar has continued to be successful and has placed on the President’s List each quarter.

Still wanting to continue to serve her community, she is currently working with Phi Theta Kappa to build a partnership with The Union Gospel Mission, to service the Family Services Shelter program. The goal is to help provide products and essentials to the shelter for families in need. “I have gained the realization that volunteering my time and energy is the greatest feeling in the world. I have recognized that more than receiving services or aide, people simply seek to know that they are not forgotten in their times of need.”

She graduates with her associate in arts transfer degree this spring. In the fall, she plans to transfer to Central Washington University and pursue a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature.