I am the eldest of four children in a first generation immigrant family where education has always been one of the main emphases.  Unfortunately, the financial aspect of education is a major challenge for my hard working parents.  My family moved here from in 1991, and each day since then seems like a constant battle for all of us, especially for my parents.   They struggle with the new language, the culture, and they work hard to make ends meet.  So, when it comes to education, I know that it is extremely difficult for them to put four kids through college.  Therefore, I took the initiative to enlist in the Navy in order to obtain funds for education.   I enlisted for five years from December of 1998 to January of 2004.  During my enlistment, I realized the compromises that military personnel must make in order to serve our country.   I know first hand that one of those compromises is to delay one’s education.  Therefore, I truly believe that education is a privilege.  As a re-entry student, I remind myself of this privilege daily, and I am grateful to be able to finally attend college.   I am focused on and dedicated to achieving outstanding academic performance.  One of my main goals to achieve after my enlistment is to finish my degree in Bio/Chemical engineering.  Currently at De Anza College, I am fulfilling my undergraduate major requirements.  I plan to transfer to a four year university in the fall of 2007.  In addition to my attendance at De Anza, I am also an active volunteer at the VA Hospital in I believe that individual contribution to the community is extremely important, and volunteerism is a vital part of my life.

 

 

 

 

My assignment at the VA is to transport non-ambulatory patients to the Bingo Hall and to help blind patients play Bingo.  Majority of these patients live at the VA permanently, and they depend on volunteers for their recreational activities.  The reason I chose the VA hospital is because as a veteran myself, I personally know about the sacrifices military personnel must make in order to serve our country.  I truly admire and respect those who are currently on active duty as well as these older generations of veterans, and I figured that the least I can do is volunteer my time for them.   I have contributed over 140 hours at the VA Hospital.  I see volunteerism as an opportunity to touch the lives of others as well as to enrich my own.  Different volunteering services have always left me with a feeling of fulfillment and made a positive impact on my life.  Furthermore, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the donors of Scholarships For Veterans.  Thank you for helping me achieve my goals.  I work part-time as a tutor but the educational costs and living expenses seem monumental compare to my income.  Due to the intensity of my major courses, I am only able to work part time.  But no matter how hard things get, I strive to keep my positive attitude, and keep charging on.

 

 

At this moment in my life, my number one priority is to finish my engineering degree, and to further my education.  Thank you for establishing this scholarship to recognize veterans.        Last but not least, I would like to dedicate this award to my parents.  Thank you for all your love and support.  Thank you for all your hard work.  I appreciate all that you have given me.  Its more than I can ask for.  Thank you, Mom and Dad for raising me to be the person that I am today.  I am proud to be your daughter.