First-generation Alum Learns English, Earns Transfer Degree 

Jan 27, 2025

Francine Ribeiro Myles originally found Bellevue College through English as a second language classes. Now, she’s a graduate with an Associate in Arts and Sciences degree and is currently a junior student of Economics at the University of Washington. 

Photo of Francine Ribeiro Myles

Francine Ribeiro Myles originally found Bellevue College through English as a second language classes. Now, she’s a graduate with an Associate in Arts and Sciences degree and is currently a junior student of Economics at the University of Washington. 

From Brazil, Myles moved to the United States in 2018 to work as an au pair – a participant in a cultural exchange program who provides childcare support while living with a host family.  

“As part of the exchange program, it was mandatory that I go to school and attend classes. I went to Bellevue College to learn English as my second language,” said Myles, 27, whose native language is Portuguese. “Back in Brazil, I started classes to be a teacher, specializing in early child development, but then it wasn’t going as I expected. I was feeling a little frustrated. I couldn’t afford to go to school. I needed to find other ways to make money and support my family.” 

The au pair program allowed Myles to work for an American family in Kirkland while attending school.  

“If you can speak English, there’s more opportunities in Brazil. So, when a friend told me about this exchange, this seemed like a good fit,” said Myles, who was already working in childcare at home. 

The move was not without its challenges. 

“It’s difficult to learn another language,” Myles added. “Especially when you’re older.” 

But the English as a second language classes introduced her to the community at Bellevue College, and the people she met became an important part of her success in adapting to a new language and country.  

“I made friends in my class,” she said. “After learning English, I wanted to continue. This college had amazing vibes. So, after my classes were over, I started my associate degree in arts and sciences.”  

The first member of her family to obtain a college education, Myles credits her academic advisor and teachers with encouraging her to make the most of her time at college. 

“The instructors were all so friendly at Bellevue College,” she recalled. “The orientation that they give for their (incoming) students to be successful was amazing. It was one of the reasons that I decided to get my degree.”  

Her instructor in political theory, David Spataro, helped her a great deal.  

“He was an inspiration for me. His classes were really good,” Myles said. “Then he wrote the letter that made it possible for me to be considered for a scholarship.” 

Myles graduated with her associate degree in spring 2024 after beginning the program in spring 2022. Her mother traveled from Brazil to attend the awards ceremony for her department, including Myles’ presentation.  

“It was such a special moment. My mom can’t understand English. I translated for her afterward, but it was so emotional for her to see the things that I achieved. Bellevue College showed me that we have so many more opportunities when you go educate yourself. That there are people out there to help you.” 

Myles’ next goal is to complete her bachelor’s degree with a double major at the University of Washington. Inspired by her own work experiences and her mother’s struggles to raise a family as a single mother, Myles wants to return to Brazil to help people.  

“I want to do something bigger,” she said. “When I started to take economics and political science, I knew that was what I wanted—to help my community and society as a whole.” 

While attending Bellevue College, Myles became involved with the Brazilian Club first as a member then as its president. She organized events for the college’s Brazilian-Latino community and eventually for her friends from around the world.  

“I invited people to learn about our traditions,” she said. “The club helped me embrace the community even more.” 

Myles also served on the Student Success Council, one of Bellevue College’s governance councils. 

Through the help of Bellevue College’s job and internship tool, Myles found an internship at Futurewise, a nonprofit advocacy group dedicated to stewarding housing and sustainability under Washington state’s Growth Management Act.  

“The Futurewise internship made me very interested in working in economic development,” Myles said. “We worked on improving the density of public housing around transit centers, so people could have more affordable housing. If people can easily connect with transit and live without cars, this is beneficial to our environment too.”  

Today Myles continues to look for opportunities to help others.  

“I want to make other students more aware of politics and economic issues, especially the ones that impact low-income communities,” she said.  

Myles also wants to stay connected with the friends she made during her time at Bellevue College. “They touched my heart,” she said. “Once you embrace your community, they will support your goals.”