Ximena Perez

Associate in Arts

Ximena Perez was born in California and moved with her family to Mexico when she was an infant. She returned to California during her senior year in high school, but found difficulties because she didn’t speak English. Teaching herself the language, she was able to excel in her coursework and graduate on-time. Following high school she moved to the Yakima Valley to be near friends. “Lots of people told me I wouldn’t be able to study at a university because I didn’t speak English very well,” stated Perez. “I was very afraid that people would laugh at my accent, but they haven’t. Everyone has been very helpful to me. Marivy Vasquez has been my angel. All my teachers and classmates have helped me. They have all been so patient with me,” she continued.

Outside the classroom she has work study responsibilities in the campus Speech Lab. She is also the president of the Transfer Club, and a member of the Spanish Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also helps tutor in Spanish.

This June, Perez graduates with her associate in arts degree. She plans to transfer to a four-year university and study global politics and Spanish. She hopes to one day work as a diplomat for the government or the United Nations.