Victor Morales - Student Spotlight

This piece is about Victor Morales, a Human Services student at Grays Harbor College (GHC) whose journey embodies incredible personal growth and the impact of giving back to others.

Victor’s path to GHC began with a deep desire to make amends for the past. When reflecting on his reasons for enrolling, he explained, “I felt like I was hurting the communities and wanted to give back, try to heal some of the damage that I may have caused.” This commitment led him to the Human Services program, where he is aiming to right his wrongs and equipping himself with the knowledge to become a substance abuse disorder counselor.

Returning to school after being out of a classroom for over two decades has been a difficult transition for Victor. “It’s been interesting; everything is new to me,” he said. Adapting to technology has been a particular challenge. He recalled his first day: “I was like, I’m not doing this, I’m done, I’m out of here.” But with determination and the support of GHC staff and his therapist, Victor persevered. His ability to navigate obstacles and embrace growth demonstrates a strength that will instill hope in those he seeks to help.

Victor enjoys learning all the different skills in his Human Services program. “It’s a lot of critical thinking to solve problems, and there are so many different resources and options, different directions to hit the problem from. I enjoy learning about it, but it’s a lot more than I thought it was.”

Victor credits much of his success to the encouragement he has received from the GHC community. “Cloe in the Tutoring Center helped me navigate the system and figure a lot of stuff out without making me feel like a complete dummy. I probably would not have made it through this quarter without her.” He also appreciates the kindness of the financial aid team and other staff members. “I’m not from here or have any family nearby, but all the support I get from the school, my therapist, and all the people—it’s been really nice.”

Victor is steadfast in his goal to become a substance abuse disorder counselor. As someone who has overcome significant hurdles, he offers this advice to fellow students: “Just do your best, never give up, and keep trying!”

Victor’s story is a testament to the power of education and support. With his deep sense of accountability and a desire to heal past harm, Victor’s journey isn’t just about his own personal transformation but creating a ripple effect of healing within the community. His story is a powerful example of how lived experience can be transformed into a tool for change, making him not just a counselor but a mentor and role model for others actively seeking recovery.

Grays Harbor College is proud to be part of his journey as he works to heal and uplift his community.