What is your hometown? Baldwin Park, CA
What colleges did you attend? Degrees earned? Santa Monica College
Citrus College
UC Santa Barbara - BS, Psychology
Azusa Pacific University - MS, College Counseling and Student Development
What motivated you to go to college? I was born in a Thai refugee camp. My family came to the United States to escape the Khmer Rouge and to build a better life. College was my path to the life my parents fought so hard for.
Describe your college experience as first-generation. My first year was very difficult. I was insecure and did not make any new friends. I attended classes and went straight home, sometimes never saying a single word to anyone on campus. It was intimidating to approach professors and classmates. I felt really out of place.
What unique challenges did you face? I moved out right after high school which meant having to pay bills and rent while adjusting to a new city and school. I didn’t understand how much time and work it would take to be successful in college. I made the mistake of working two jobs at about 50 hours/week while being a full-time student my first year and I ended up needing to drop all my classes that Spring semester.
I didn’t have a car, so I walked to work at 5:30am. After work, I had to take two buses to get to school for afternoon and evening classes. By the time I got home, there was little time for homework or sleep. This routine took a toll on me physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How did you overcome those challenges? I realized that something had to change. I decided to switch to a more local community college so I could move back in with my parents. I got a work study job on campus and reduced my hours. A campus job cut down on commute time and I was able to adjust my schedule to accommodate my classes.
I also started to join study groups which led to new friendships. Having a social life on campus made my experience that much more enjoyable.
What did you advise other first-generation students? Take advantage of the resources available to you on campus. There are so many people here who care about your success and well-being. Find your support group who will rally behind you as you journey through college. (And meet with a counselor!)
