Our “Get to Know Our EduDawgs” series celebrates the incredible undergraduate and graduate students who make up the UW College of Education community. Through student interviews and storytelling, we’re highlighting the passions, experiences and perspectives that shape their journeys — in the classroom, in the community and beyond. 🌎✨

Each story is a glimpse into what drives our future educators, researchers and advocates to make a difference.

Editor's note: This story was written by student associate Winston N. through the College of Education’s partnership with Cristo Rey Jesuit Seattle High School.

Johann Andres Vasquez: Teamwork Beyond Borders

Johann Andres Vasquez
BA, Education Studies (Sports and Education)

Hometown
Veracruz, Mexico

Experience
Full-time Youth Support Specialist – Nonprofit serving unaccompanied minors at the U.S. border; helped children reunite with family and navigate major transitions.

Inspiration
“I come from a place of community where people are really collaborative with each other... It showed me how powerful education and support systems can be for young people going through major transitions.”

When Johann moved from Mexico to the United States in 2016, he was just sixteen years old and didn’t speak a word of English. Leaving behind his small hometown in Veracruz for the busy streets and tall buildings of Auburn, Washington, was more than just a change of scenery; it was a cultural shock that would shape the rest of his journey.

Despite the challenges, Johann adapted quickly. He attended Auburn High School, where he spent his sophomore year through senior year, learning a new language and navigating a new culture. Sports, especially soccer, became a crucial outlet for him. Playing on teams helped him make friends, practice English, and feel a sense of belonging in a completely new environment. Nearly ten years later, he proudly calls Washington home.

After graduating from high school, Johann enrolled at the University of Washington in 2018. Initially, he planned to pursue a STEM major, either engineering or computer science. But as he began his studies, he realized that the culture of those fields didn’t align with his values.

“I come from a place of community where people are really collaborative with each other,” he said. “In STEM, it felt more individual, everyone on their own.”

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the sudden shift to online classes gave Johann time to reflect. “I realized that it was very difficult for me to stay in front of a desk for long periods of time,” he said. That realization, combined with his desire to help others, inspired him to take a break from college and find a new direction.

During his time away from school, Johann began working full-time for a nonprofit organization that supports unaccompanied minors arriving at the U.S. border. His work focused on helping children reunite with their families, which is an experience that profoundly impacted him the most.

“That job really opened my eyes,” he shared. “It showed me how powerful education and support systems can be for young people going through major transitions.”

This experience eventually led Johann to pursue a degree in Education Studies with an emphasis on Sports and Education. Through this program, he hopes to combine his passion for mentorship, community and physical education to help young people thrive, especially those who are like him, adapting to a new country or overcoming difficult circumstances.

Nearly a decade after arriving in Washington, Johann continues to build a life rooted in resilience, service and education. His journey from Veracruz to the University of Washington is a story of perseverance, adaptability and the power of friendship and community.

As he looks toward the future, Johann hopes to inspire others through his work, proving that with dedication and compassion.