Garfield High School senior XinTong will soon pack her bags and head to California, bound for Stanford University and the next big chapter of her life. Getting there didn’t happen by accident—admission to such a prestigious institution reflects years of hard work and dedication.
The Road to Stanford
From the time she entered high school, XinTong was already making her mark. She co-founded Sunrise Seattle, a youth-led climate action organization, through which she planned festivals, organized phonebanks, and led teach-ins designed to get her peers thinking seriously about climate justice. That same passion earned her the presidency of Garfield’s Green Team, where she coordinated clothing swaps and led schoolwide initiatives. She even interned at a local nonprofit, conducting and sharing her research on the impact of microplastics.
But XinTong’s interests don’t stop at environmentalism. She’s spent the past few years diving headfirst into STEM, participating in computer science programs over the summer and joining the Garfield Engineering Club. Taking what she learned, she regularly volunteered for a nonprofit that teaches children basic coding concepts.
At Stanford, both worlds will finally meet. XinTong plans to major in environmental engineering.
Navigating the Unknown
Despite her impressive record, XinTong felt lost when it came to the complex world of college applications and financial aid. As a first-generation college student, she didn’t have anyone close to her who could guide her through the process. This uncertainty, coupled with her packed schedule, led her to join College Possible as soon as she heard about the program.
Starting her junior year, XinTong began attending regular group sessions with her College Possible advisor, Clara. There, she built her college list and explored her financial aid options. With Clara’s encouragement, she spent the summer before her senior year drafting her personal statement, getting ahead in a process that can quickly become overwhelming.
With essays in hand, she connected with her new advisor, Sam, early in her senior year to focus on revising her applications and applying for scholarships.
Sam was really helpful in helping me edit my personal statements … [He] would also send scholarship information and regularly check in about how things were going. It was nice having an advisor there helping [me through the process].”
What Comes Next
There is so much that XinTong is eagerly looking forward to. Academically, she is excited to dive into environmental engineering, meet her professors, and maybe even study abroad. Outside the classroom, she is looking forward to dorm life and meeting new people from all over the world.
At the same time, she is honest about the nerves that come with leaving home and stepping into the unknown.
“I’m honestly still quite shocked and scared of what’s to come because it’s a whole new state. I’ve only been to California once, and it was to visit the campus. I don’t really know anyone there, and it’s far away from my family and home.”
But she won’t be navigating it alone. XinTong shared that she feels more prepared knowing she will have a College Possible advisor supporting her through this transition, whether she is managing her first quarter, completing the FAFSA each year, or preparing for job interviews.
Congratulations, XinTong!
XinTong’s story is a reminder that no one should have to figure out the path to college on their own. Having the right support at the right time can make all the difference, and we are so proud to have been part of her journey.
We can’t wait to see what she does next!
