By Menglu Xiao, Irvine Valley College Graduate
The new year is the perfect time to reflect and welcome new opportunities, especially as we celebrate the year of the snake.
I am thankful for the opportunities I have had at my local California community college. It has provided me with the opportunity to continue my education so that I can achieve my dreams. And if it can help me, it can help you too. Let me explain.
I grew up in China. I was full of big dreams. I envisioned a future where I could do something meaningful and help people, like becoming a therapist. But in middle school, my mother left me. As a result, I struggled, both personally and academically. My teachers labeled me a “bad” student, sending me on a different pathway that made my dream of becoming a therapist impossible.
Instead of going to a traditional, academic-based high school, I was sent to a vocational high school to study hotel room service. Rather than learning math and science, I was taught how to fold sheets and pour wine. I felt defeated. I knew this wasn’t the path for me, but I was stuck. I ended up dropping out at the age of 17.
A few years later, I met my husband. We got married and eventually immigrated to the United States. We settled down in Irvine, California. Living in Irvine, a college town, the emphasis on education was hard to miss. I saw students going to class and people of all ages enrolling in community college classes. It felt like a sign that it wasn’t too late for me and that I too could pursue the dream I was forced to give up.
I enrolled at my local California community college when I was 27 years old. I started taking ESL classes to gain skills and confidence, and in this process, I met a teacher who changed my life. She saw my potential and with her encouragement and support, I felt like I could become something great—I could give back and become someone who helps others.
Working closely with my counselor and teachers, I completed my general education coursework and requirements to transfer. It was difficult at times, but last spring I graduated from Irvine Valley College and transferred to California State University Long Beach (CSULB) through California Community Colleges’ Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) program. As a transfer student, I entered CSU Long Beach with junior status—I have just two more years to go before I graduate with my bachelor’s degree in social work.
So, when you hear that California community colleges help students achieve their dreams, believe it. It’s true. California community colleges are a blessing for students like me and so many others; they offer opportunities for students to get where they want to be regardless of where they start.
The first step is to get started. And as you complete your coursework, keep in mind that transfer applications for CSUs or UCs generally must be submitted by November 30. But it is important to note that these deadlines can vary. Get started today by scheduling an appointment with a community college counselor to get an education plan in place. Then, check the website for the CSU or UC you want to attend to determine the specific deadline to submit your transfer application.
Don’t miss your chance to take the next step in your higher education journey. You can learn more about the Associate Degree for Transfer program and other transfer pathways by visiting ICanGoToCollege.com, which is available in five languages including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese.
(This article is made possible with the support of the California Community Colleges)
AsAmNews is published by the non-profit, Asian American Media Inc.
Happy Lunar New Year. Please support our Lunar New Year $5,000 matching grant challenge. A generous donor is matching dollar for dollar every donation through February 16 up to $5,000. All donations will go toward fully funding an editor position at AsAmNews. You can make your tax deductible donations here via credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and Venmo. Stock donations and donations via DAF are also welcomed.
Please also follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X.
