Testimonials

“I learned that I can connect with people a lot faster than I initially thought.... This experience has influenced the way I see my future, not as something linear with a fixed career, but with motivations and goals that influence what I do.”

26 Compassion Scholar Participant

“When I think about this trip to Spain, I think about everything I learned and all the experiences I had. I truly enjoy thinking just about the amazing and good things that happened. I think that this trip taught me a lot and thank you so much to all the people that made this possible for me and these amazing other students who deserve the trip as well.”

Former WWF Participant

“Day on the Hill gave me an opportunity to learn about our legislative process and share my viewpoints with influential people around Washington State. It taught me that my voice can make change.”

25 WWF Participant

Washington’s best kept secret.

Washington’s best kept secret.

During her testimony on Senate Resolution 8626, Senator Judy Warnick, an ex-officio member of the Washington State Leadership Board, referred to the WSLB as “Washington’s best kept secret.”

  • “This is truly a life changing experience. I learned more about myself in this country than I ever could have in the US. I am going to become a better person, and work towards my goals with more focus. This trip gave me clarity. It allowed me to see what I am doing wrong in my life, and how I can improve. I am a better leader because of it. I now believe that I am capable of much more. For the type of trip I had, I don't think that anything could have prepared me for what was to come my way or what I was going to learn. I think that the beauty in it, I guess. I will forever be grateful for my time in Spain, and I know one day I'll be back to do it all over again, but as a better person and a better leader.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “During my time in Spain, I was able to live and experience life in a very different way than previously in the United States. For six weeks, I was free from the noise and pressure of the busy life that I led in Washington. I will never forget the feelings and experiences I had in Viana and in each of the places I visited. I found a lot of joy and confidence on this trip, and so I want to live a life that shares the happiness that I encountered on this trip with the people around me.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “I learned about the differences in which many people around the world live. I think the most positive thing I have taken from my time in Spain was that there is always an impression of how other people around the world live but indeed it is all different which has helped me look at various things from different perspectives.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “I enjoyed learning how to be independent away from my family. I walked to school, met up with friends, and even got snacks for myself without my family. I learned a lot of Spanish and by the end of the program, I was able to hold conversations with Spaniards in Spanish. I made good friends. I met a second family who was there for me and cared for me. I got to experience what life is like outside of the US and see many things people my age only dream of seeing. I made amazing connections with people who I am still in contact with. This program was a huge blessing for me, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “Having the chance to learn the Spanish language and immerse myself in the rich culture of Spain was truly transformative. As someone who had previously only known life in the United States, delving into the customs and traditions of the Spanish people was enlightening. It gave me a fresh and profound perspective on life.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “The classes were super fun and engaging. Even though we took everything seriously, such as our learning, we had fun taking classes. I felt very engaged and loved what we were learning from what our teachers prepared.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “Since the program, I have graduated high school with honors and became the first in my family to attend college. My years at Western Washington University have been amazing, from navigating classes through a pandemic, then coming back to campus and tackling in-person classes. Nevertheless, I have enjoyed the new people and interests I've come across. I also had the opportunity to return to Spain and study abroad for six months in Madrid during my second year.”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • “WWF was by far the most helpful resource I had while applying to colleges. I think that college application tips and help with FAFSA and getting ready for college are really useful!”

    — Washington World Fellows (WWF) Participant

  • I loved getting constructive feedback in an action focused environment. Knowing I made connections with people that can continue to help me is reassuring! - Emily Granizo, Washington World Fellows International Ambassadors ‘24

  • My favorite part was having a process I’ve been dreading turned into a really helpful experience. I really felt that the advice polished my writing and advanced me in regard to my essay! - Josue Perez-Pena, Washington World Fellows International Ambassadors '24

  • I really appreciated having a community that was dedicated and filled with resources to help me move along the grueling process of college applications. The extra assistance was very helpful. - Jahaira Romo-Perez, Washington World Fellows International Ambassadors ‘24

  • I was really grateful the advice that I gained, I got a lot of good tips on how to write my essay that I just wouldn’t have received otherwise. - Chase Ross, Washington World Fellows International Ambassadors ‘24

  • I really loved the experience. It was great to talk to people about college and get it off my chest. The editing of my essays was also very helpful so I can finish all of my college applications! - Aareel Washington, Washington World Fellows International Ambassadors ‘24