Q: Do you have any advice for future students?
I think that colleges aren’t looking for well-rounded people anymore, because a lot of students are perfect. They want a class where each student will contribute something unique to the campus, whether it is his or her background, aspirations, or a sincere personality. It is important that you highlight your key identity and goals, and how you embraced it throughout your life. Start early, ask for recommendations at the end of your junior year, write your essays in the summer, and take advantage of college support programs like College Point and Questbridge. Don't overwhelm yourself with what you can’t do, just be the best version of yourself.
I'm a Dan Fan!
By Zenny Doan
Q: First, congratulations on your acceptance to Yale. How did you feel when you first found out?
Yale's decision came out on my 18th birthday. It was the best birthday gift that I could ever have imagined. I felt as if the world was stopping for a second because I was overwhelmed by the opportunities lying ahead of me. Surrounded by supportive friends when I opened the letter, I felt that I was assured that no matter what the future holds for me. I was lucky enough to have the world open to me when I read "Welcome to Yale College". After I was accepted, I applied to Questbridge Student Ambassador, which introduces first-generation students to Ivy Leagues and other prestigious schools that a lot of students look past.
Q: How many schools did you apply to?
I applied to 9 different schools: UCSD, UCD, UCI, UCLA, UOP, SJSU, Yale, Rice, Brown, and Macalest.
Q: What started your interest for social policy?
I feel fortunate to be a part of non-profit organizations that completely changed my perspective on higher education affordability. I thought about how they can make a difference by knowing how to take, distribute, and obtain funding. It’s amazing meeting other kids whose lives have changed because of this.
Q: What major have you decided?
I chose “Ethics, Politics, and Economics.” It explores the different aspects that sprout social change, like what it takes to create institutions, solutions, and access to financial resources, capital, for low-income individuals and communities to reach financial stability. I'm looking for a mixture of liberal arts and practical application. I want a career of something along the line of finding ways to improve funding for either education or under-served communities. Or, I want to use my higher math in econ to become a math teacher later on in my career. Someday, I want to become one of them.
Q: Did Silver Creek help you fuel this passion for helping others?
Yes! Our school district, or the community we live in is very unique, both in term of socioeconomic and ethnicity diversity. As I observe this kind of social aspect, it urges me close the gap between the opportunity and achievement. A lot of students at our school are high-achieving, low-income, yet they seem to miss the importance of realizing the kind of help available to them. In the recent years, I'm super grateful for the PTSA and AVID Programs that make the difference in student activities at our school. Seeing the positive change and the remaining problems makes me wonder how else one can help bringing the best out of public education.
Q: Do you have any teachers that you’re grateful for?
The transformation from Vietnam to America is not an easy one, I never knew how many opportunities there are here and how far my potential could go. Sophomore year was a very special year for me. Having challenging classes with Mr. Niazmand and Mr.Chan really showed me how far I can go if I work hard. I'm also grateful for Mrs. Frank and Mrs.Guttal, the teachers I had junior year that supported me as I reached out for different programs for first generation students.
Q: What will you miss the most about high school?
High school isn’t just a series of classes to prepare you for college. At the end of the day, what will stay with me are the random acts of joy that we created. Whether it is the moment that we chanted, “2017 Seniors” at the end of F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C.S or the silly roasts we give each other, I cherish all the bonds I made with my friends and teachers throughout high school.
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On the surface, Dan Nguyen ‘17 is just like every other student here. She’s amiable, humorous, and always has a smile on her face. But if you get to know her, you’ll know that Dan has always embraced her cultural background and never ceased to look for new opportunities with hard work. Even on weekends, she volunteers to teach Vietnamese to other students. To further her desire to aid others, she signed up to be a student aid to help students navigate the tricky path of the application process when they apply to college. As a first generation immigrant, she wants to help other students like her get a higher education as well. Personally, Dan is an inspiration to me and we hope that this interview will inspire students as much as she did to me. Remember that it doesn't matter where or how you start, but it's about how you finish.