The Student Government Association (SGA) wishes to highlight the exceptional accomplishments of students at HACC who take on extracurricular commits while pursuing their education. This month, we asked Tina Le, president of the Phi Beta Lambda Business Club (PBL), to share her experience at HACC in her own words.
Tell us about yourself.
As a HACC student pursuing an Associate in Science in Business Administration, I spend my time reaching out to become more involved with the school community. I also juggle both work and my love of exploring new places! I have a younger sister who also attends HACC alongside me. I actively participate in Phi Beta Lambda Business Club (PBL), where I and other club members express ideas and topics we are interested in diving further into, such as entrepreneurship, professional leadership, e-commerce and more.
What did you expect when you came to HACC?
I had first enrolled at HACC during my senior year of high school as a Jump Start, but it was not a place I had considered continuing my education. Yet, when I had experienced what it was like to attend, I felt that this place was the perfect fit for what I needed. It is a place that gives second chances, opportunities that couldn’t have been initially possible, for those who need a little while to self-search and the time to build confidence in themselves.
Have you had any particular positive experiences you can share?
I firmly believe that HACC has done an amazing job in supporting its students in any way they can. From internship and resume workshops to events and contests that promote student involvement, it makes remote learning a lot more interactive and communicative. I hadn’t expected to win free summer tuition two summers ago, but it helped give an extra boost in graduating a semester ahead of schedule! HACC at one point offered free food assistance when the pandemic first hit. I signed up, and it provided weekly groceries at partnered stores, which gave very impactful support for food-insecure students during that year.
Are there any specific individuals at HACC who have helped you succeed?
Maybe I am biased as a business major, but every professor I have interacted with within the business program has had such a great and resounding personality. These professors leave lasting impressions and are sure to make room to build a connection. I have enjoyed the semesters I have spent getting to know Professors Steven Header and Rich Cordaro in PBL!
What are your plans after HACC?
After the new year, with my associate degree from HACC, I plan to intern or work in my intended career field to gain some experience before I transfer in the fall. My club advisors have all encouraged and inspired me to pursue a profession in management.
Last month, we asked Jackie Tsimmerman, founder and leader of the LGBTQ+ Student Union (LSU), to share about their experience at HACC in their own words. We were not able to run their article last month, so we are running it to celebrate Jackie now!
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Jackie. I am a sophomore at HACC studying early childhood education, the oldest of four siblings, an artist, an advocate, an animal liberationist, and a very proud member of the LGBTTQIA+ community. I founded and lead the LGBTQ+ Student Union, which I started in spring 2021, a student-led organization for HACC’s queer community. I’m involved elsewhere in the tutoring center, the Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, and the Social Inquiry/Social Action Club.
What did you expect when you came to HACC?
When my physical, mental, and spiritual conditions improved and I decided to return to school last year, I expected myself to succeed. Navigating college as a first-generation, nontraditional college student was intimidating, but I thrived in HACC’s remote and virtual classes. I was met with supportive and welcoming professors.
Have you had any particular positive experiences you can share?
In my first semester back at HACC, I earned my first 4.0 GPA ever in my life, so that was a really positive experience. Since realizing there are limited resources on the hacc.edu website for queer students and faculty, another positive experience has been working with the IT department to establish an LGBTTQIA+/Queer resource hub there, so that my community can have easy access to a plethora of resources.
Are there any specific professors who’ve helped you succeed?
All the professors I have had have helped me in one way or another. Dr. Diane Thompson, a professor of English, is one person I would like to name. She helped me become a better writer through her valuable instruction and the most empathy I have ever seen held by an educator. Others are Dr. Marvin London and Professors David Liu, Jonathan Gainor, Justin Bichler, Linda Lindoerfer, Yolanda Hively, Rebecca Lankford, Jaime Gibson, Beth Smith and Edward McCarthy. I am a big advocate for the Honors program! I think this institution is lucky to have the professors it has teaching there.
What are your plans after HACC?
I will transfer to a good four-year college for me, then enter graduate school. I am especially interested in special education and teaching students with disabilities. I want to work internationally in the nonprofit sector, travel, keep learning, read, have at least one dog, at least one cat, build a family with my partner, and have a reason to smile.
If you are part of the LGBTTQIA+ community and interested in attending a meeting of LSU, you can join one on a Friday at 5 p.m. at https://hacc.zoom.us/j/92754223166.
