A New Beginning: My Journey to Grad School as a First-Gen Student

I have the tendency to dream large and overextend myself. I am extremely curious about everything and always find personal satisfaction is being able to learn from others. I am truly a scholar at heart.

I was born and raised in Sacramento, California, and headed north to California State University, Chico, where I earned a bachelor’s in political science.

As a first-generation Hmong-American college student, I’m now pursuing a Master in Professional Accountancy (MPAc) at UC Davis.

While at Chico State, I was active in many organizations and studied abroad in Southeast Asia. I was always giving it my all. During my third year; I was in a Speech-and-Debate club, three student organizations, working on campus and going to school full time!

I wanted to do everything and accomplish as much as I could. I was also privileged to have a family that tries to understand my curiosity and views of the world, even if our opinions differ.  

Resiliency Drives Me

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When I think of my journey to graduate school, I think of resiliency. 

I made a few pivots in my career. After graduating from Chico State in the summer of 2021, I planned to start studying for the LSAT to apply to law school. However, I decided to take a break in my academics because the coronavirus had changed the classroom dynamic. I knew I learned best when I am physically in a classroom, and online learning was not able to provide the level of engagement I needed.

Instead, I became a student success coach for a private university. During this time, I developed a few friendships with people who changed my life. I call them my ghost-mentors. Although our friendships were short-lived, they ignited a fire within me. I am forever grateful for their hand in my journey. My ghost-mentors introduced me to the business world, and one introduced me to the UC Davis MPAc program and encouraged me to apply. 

After many self-reflections, I decided to apply to UC Davis. At the time, I told myself that if I didn’t get accepted into the program, accounting was not meant for me.

A week after submitting my application, I was invited for an interview. I was ecstatic to receive an offer of admissions to MPAc, and the program was ecstatic to welcome me in return.   

Navigating Grad School as First-Gen Student

It was hard to navigate undergraduate as a first-generation student. During my four years at Chico State, I had trouble trying to balance my many obligations of school, organizations, and work. I had so many questions about college resources, and everything felt overwhelming. 

At first, I put myself under pressure to study every moment possible. Through my experience, I realized the importance of my mental health, friends, and family. I recommend that you create a work-life balance and regularly make time for fun activities in your weekly schedule.

My Inspirations

My family inspires me. Both my parents are refugees, and they came to the U.S. when they were young. When my father was still alive, he would encourage me to “go far in life.” I knew I was privileged to be born in one of the best countries in the world. Although there is always room for progress for any country, I knew I had more opportunities than my parents ever had in their life.

My mom would often give me advice when I go to her for help. She gives me the courage to face adversities and I am forever grateful for her love and support. She inspires me to become a better woman each day; to fend for herself and her family.  

My Dreams and Aspirations

Right now, I am focused on passing part of the CPA Exam before the big changes are implemented in 2024. Then I am eager to start working at PricewaterhouseCoopers, where I accepted an offer to begin this fall. 

I will always dream big. I do not like to limit myself to the expectations of others. I know that I want to devote time to a company that supports and values me. However, I am open to new opportunities if the world decides to give them to me.

One day I’d like to build a school somewhere in the world that will teach financial literacy to impoverished youths. Maybe I will accomplish this dream when I have retired from public accounting? Only time will tell, and instead of going against time, I will allow life to unravel itself.  

Words of Encouragement

This is a memo to all first-generation students: You can do it. You are more than capable of overcoming any obstacle. If no one believes in you, I believe in you.