In my community, one of the most important needs is the support of immigrant students who face challenges like language barriers, lack of resources, and cultural adjustments. These students often struggle to feel connected and supported, making it harder for them to succeed academically and emotionally. As someone who also struggled with these challenges, I want to be a part of the solution. I aim to pursue a degree that will help me provide the support and encouragement immigrant students need to grow. 

Before coming to the U.S. family lived in Malaysia for four years. We lived in a cramped, dusty room, ate only simple foods, and wore worn-out clothes. My parents worked long hours at low-paying jobs and barely had enough for necessities. At the age of 6, I had to take care of my four-year-old brother, helping him get ready for school, and hold his hands as we walked there for safety. The hospital became a second home as the harsh environment made both my brother and I frequently ill. It was a difficult time for my family, and every day felt like a struggle for survival. 

In March 2014, we finally arrived in the United States, but I wasn’t fully prepared for the overwhelming challenges I would face. Starting first grade towards the end of the school year made me feel even more isolated. I remember sitting in the back of the class, playing with a piece of rug string while my teacher read books aloud in English that I couldn’t fully understand. I couldn’t communicate with other students and had trouble making friends. 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, and there was no one to help me navigate the emotional and academic difficulties I faced. 

Over time and with the support of my family, I started to overcome these obstacles. My mom often shared about the difficulties for immigrants to make a living, especially when they don’t have the proper support. She told me how some families have no one to help them find the resources they need to survive. Many immigrant children face challenges on their own, with no one to help with the process of adjusting to a new country and culture. Knowing this motivated me to want to make a difference in their lives. I aim to make sure that immigrant students don’t feel alone and that they know they belong. 

After high school, I plan to get my bachelor’s in education and later earn a master’s in higher education administration. My education will teach me how to create effective lesson plans and run programs, and my master’s will help me manage and improve programs like Kidzone. This will make sure immigrant students have the academic tools, emotional support, and a place where they feel loved and supported, helping them succeed in life. I plan to start with early childhood education, targeting reading comprehension and mathematics. These subjects can be challenging for students who face language barriers, so offering early support is crucial for their future. I also want to create programs that help students feel connected and confident in themselves. As students get older, I plan to add more to college prep programs that give more information about colleges, financial aid, and career planning. Many immigrant families don’t have the resources to navigate the college system and often don’t know where to look, so these programs can provide essential support. 

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 for both the 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. Just as I found my path through life, I aim to help immigrant students find their way to success.