In my community, one of the most important needs is the support of students from immigrant backgrounds, especially those who face challenges like language barriers, a lack of resources, and cultural adjustments. Immigrant students often struggle with feeling connected and supported in school, making it harder for them to succeed academically and emotionally. As someone who has also struggled with these challenges, I want to be a part of the solution by achieving my degree and giving them the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

Living in Malaysia for 4 years was a constant battle for my family as we fought for approval to come to America. We lived in a cramped room that was filled with dust. We ate only simple foods and wore ripped clothes, and my parents had to work at jobs that barely covered the necessities. The hospital became a second home, as either my brother or I would frequently get sick due to the harsh environment. At the age of 6, I had to take care of my four-year-old brother by brushing his teeth, changing his clothes, and holding his hand on the way to school to protect him while my parents struggled to earn money so we could survive. 

In March 2014, my family and I finally arrived in the United States, but I wasn’t fully able to process the overwhelming challenges I was going to face. I didn’t receive the proper guidance or support and I had to adjust to a new country, culture, and language by myself. Starting first grade towards the end of the school year made me feel even more isolated. I remember always sitting at the very back of the class, and playing with a piece of rug string as my teacher read books aloud in English that I couldn’t fully understand. It was hard for me to make friends as I could barely communicate with other kids, isolating me further. In those moments, I didn’t know how to reach out and ask for help. I didn’t know who to turn to or how to communicate how I was feeling. I never felt like I belonged, constantly feeling like an outsider, with no one to truly help me navigate the emotional and academic challenges. 

Over time and with the support of my family, I started to overcome these challenges. My mom would tell me how it is not easy to make a living for yourself, especially for immigrants. She told me about how some families have no one and don’t know how to find the resources they need to survive. Many children have to navigate their struggles alone as they face not only the pressures of their family but also the emotional toll of trying to adjust to a completely new society. Knowing this motivated me to make a change in their lives. I aim to become someone who accomplishes the dream of helping immigrant students not feel alone, that they belong and they matter.

After graduating from high school, I plan to earn my bachelor’s in education and a master’s in higher education administration. During college, I want to focus on building networks and creating educational programs that support immigrant students and families. With my degrees, I hope to become someone students can confide in, someone who listens and makes them feel valued. I want to offer students the tools they need to navigate their new lives.

I believe that education isn’t just about academic achievements, but to prepare me with the tools I need to help immigrant families navigate their challenges more effectively. With a solid foundation of both emotional and academic challenges they face, I will be able to serve as a mentor and as an advocate. Ultimately, I want to make sure no immigrant student feels alone in their journey. My experience has shown me the importance of having a strong support system and I am committed to ensuring that immigrant students feel valued and supported. With my personal experience and my education, I know I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.