Karen Dang

• What does being a First-Generation College Graduate mean to you?

Being a first-generation college graduate means "we did it." I have always thought of my parents as part of my college career because they have sacrificed so much in their lives to be able to financially support my higher education. From living in poverty in Vietnam and leaving their families behind when they immigrated to America, to working overtime and avoiding splurging and vacations to save money, my parents have always put me first and have always taught me the value of education. As a Chinese American, I deeply value education because we believe that education defines a person's self-worth and the role they'll play in society. I am forever grateful for the privilege I have for education and I believe that my accomplishments have made my parents proud, since they weren't able to afford an education in Vietnam and were forced to work at a young age to help support the family. My parents have given me their everything and more, by not only paying for my college education, but by providing me with the never-ending encouragement and support and telling me that "I can do it." Being a first-generation college student means that I wasn't alone through my college education and even though I have pursued higher education to better my personal future, I always keep my parents in mind in everything I am accomplishing academically because they have made the college experience possible.

• What is your proudest moment from your time at UCSD?

My proudest moment at UCSD was when I got the opportunity to tutor and serve as an apprentice at Farb Middle School for an 8th grade math classroom through the EDS 129 series. I was able to gain experience working with talented students and intelligent teachers, while also gaining insight on what a reality inside a classroom and a school campus is like. My fieldwork experience allowed me to visualize my future as a math teacher and helped me to start breaking out of my comfort zone as I gradually began teaching classes on my own. I have so many memories from my fieldwork and I won't ever forget about Mrs. Aldridge or the students in classroom #25. I was also always asked about my college experiences as I was in the classroom and felt extremely proud to be able to tell my students about UCSD and be a part of their educational careers.

• Who are the family members, friends or loved ones who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

My friends have influenced my college journey by never failing to show me their support, encouragement, and pride. They always have my back even though we sometimes don't talk for weeks due to our busy schedules.

My loved ones have influenced my college journey by putting me down and constantly telling me I can't do it and that education at a higher level is pointless because there are so many successful people that never went to college. Throughout my college journey, I have been in two relationships and endured two breakups, which directly influenced my academic performance, but I came out the other side a stronger person, both mentally and emotionally, and was able to focus on myself and my college journey, with the support of my family.

My family is my rock. They have always kept me grounded and have always taught me to be honest and a good person. Being able to pursue higher education with them by my side has been a privilege and for that, I am eternally grateful. I am so happy that my family continues to support my education and I hope that as a teacher, I will be an influence on my students in the same way.

• Who are the staff, faculty or mentors who have been most influential throughout your college journey? Are there any words of gratitude you would like to share with them?

I have enjoyed all of the EDS classes I have taken and show so much respect and gratitude for EDS professors because they are educating some of the next generation educators and making advancements in the educational system possible. Through EDS classes I have gained so much insight on classroom management, student life, and so much more and have learned that hundreds of factors play a role in student and teacher success in education. I strive to be one of those teachers that students never forget because I will never forget these professors.

• What do you plan or hope to do after graduating?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a Master's degree and a teaching credential at UCSD through their single subject SS2 graduate program. I also plan to start working with students again, both at schools through my program and through my job as a teaching assistant at Kumon Tierrasanta. Long-term goals of mine are to graduate from UCSD again, become a math teacher, have my own classroom and students and be able to make a difference in education by applying my knowledge from UCSD and my personal experiences as well.