I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up, my parents understood the importance of education but were unfamiliar with the college application process. That’s where Upward Bound (UB) programs came in. They provided much-needed guidance navigating the U.S. education system. While some family members believed that working in the nail industry would offer the best financial stability and questioned why we should pursue a college education, our parents always wanted the best for us. With the support of our UB counselors and a librarian at our high school, my sister visited Berea College and decided it was the right place for her to continue her education. Because of her decision, my other sister and I also attended Berea, and we all graduated debt-free—a huge achievement. We each went on to earn our master’s degrees and are all now working in the education field because we are passionate about making a difference in students' futures.

The skills I gained through my labor positions have had a significant impact on my professional trajectory. I started as a janitor during my freshman year, then became the supervisor for janitors in the residence halls, and by my senior year, I was promoted to hall coordinator. These experiences helped me develop transferable skills that have been essential in my career. Over time, I worked as a Family Teacher, College Recruiter, and Upward Bound counselor. Today, I serve as the Associate Director of Training and Engagement at the Berea College Labor Program Office, where these past experiences continue to shape my work and help me positively impact first-generation, low-income students.