My father pronounces the word “Texas” with such a strong Vietnamese accent that the word comes out to sound like “Teskask.” It was my father’s pronunciation of the state that he used to reside in that made me more serious about my education. When I was in third grade, despite my Dad’s physical disability (and his lack of command in English), Workers’ Compensation still insisted that he find work. One day coming home from school, I overheard a...

After reading President George H.W. Bush's "Point of Light" message, where he emphasized the importance of community service to all aspects of society, I became more motivated to be a "Point of Light," within the sky, a passionate and respected community service leader within my community. As a genealogical researcher and database indexer, I not only help people from all around the world fill in that empty spot on their family tree, I also aid professional genealogists and historians...

Most students use their academic experiences to obtain their desired job or internship, but I use my academic experiences, both successes and struggles, to become a listener, supporter, and mentor to rising high school seniors from impoverished backgrounds. Being the co-leader and mentor for The Collegiate Blog has been the most worthwhile experience in my life since it not only allows me to apply my knowledge of applying to colleges as a first-generation student but also embrace myself and other...

Entrepreneurial - You won't imagine how students have DJ businesses, developed their apps, and started their own start-ups - many of them coming...