A strong public education system is one of the most important investments we can make in our future. Every child—no matter where they live or what their background is deserves access to a quality public education that prepares them for life after graduation.

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But preparation can’t mean only one thing.

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For some students, that path includes college. For others, it means entering the workforce with real, practical skills. Both paths are valuable. Both deserve respect. And both should be supported without pushing students into lifelong debt.

Right now, too many students are being told that there is only one definition of success, while the cost of higher education continues to skyrocket. Young adults are graduating with tens of thousands of dollars in debt before they’ve even started their careers. At the same time, we have critical shortages of skilled workers auto mechanics, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and other trades that are essential to our economy and our communities.

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That disconnect hurts everyone.

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Public education should prepare students to succeed in the real world. That means strong academics, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills but it also means exposure to career pathways, technical education, and hands-on learning. Students should graduate with options, not pressure.

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I’ve seen this firsthand.

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As an Assistant Superintendent with the San Diego County Office of Education, I worked closely with school districts across the county, supporting educators, administrators, and students in communities large and small. That work included districts serving Escondido, Vista, San Marcos, Rainbow, Warner Springs, and Borrego Springs—each with different needs, challenges, and opportunities.

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What I learned is simple: there is no one-size-fits-all approach to education. What works in one community may not work in another. But when schools are supported, when teachers are respected, and when students are given real pathways to success, outcomes improve.

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We need to strengthen career and technical education so students who want to enter the trades can graduate with skills that lead directly to good-paying jobs. We need to make community colleges and vocational programs more accessible and affordable. And for students who choose a four-year college path, we need to rein in costs so higher education opens doors instead of creating financial barriers that follow them for decades.

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Education should be about opportunity, not debt. Preparation, not politics. And respect for all forms of work whether that work happens in an office, a classroom, a hospital, or a job site.

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In Congress, I will advocate for policies that support strong public schools, expand workforce training, and make higher education more affordable—so every student in CA-48 has a real chance to succeed, on their own terms.