Finding Yourself

Name: Maria Nguyen

Year: 3rd year

Major: Sociology

I grew up in an area where education was not very good. My family lacked financial stability- we lived on food stamps, government support, everything you could think of. As a first generation student with two older sisters in college, it was difficult coming up with the support and financial needs to put us through college. With my mom as the only source of income, I considered attending a community college, but my family encouraged me to receive an education at a university nonetheless.

Because of my financial hardship, I found it extremely difficult to fit in. I couldn’t afford to go out to eat with others too much or see a movie or look to join a sorority. I went home a lot and resorted into a state of introvesion and would put myself in my room. On top of that, I entered college feeling like a nobody. Unlike high school where I was confident, ambitious, and hopeful, I came in feeling stupid. The presence of a more mature, professional, and educated community intimidated me. Nobody in my hall knew who I was, and I felt it was better to keep to myself rather than to step out of my comfort zone.

I then joined VSA (Vietnamese Student Association) during my freshman year; but because I was afraid of putting myself out there, I sat by myself every meeting of Fall quarter and would leave every time there was an icebreaker.

When my second year came around, I did my best to be an active member in VSA and applied for an Intern position. My desire to be an intern was really my turning point that pushed me to put my name and myself out there. Upon getting the position, my duties included getting supplies so I would often go into the Asian Pacific Students Programs office to grab paper and other materials. I soon grabbed the attention of the staff at APSP, who acknowledged my diligence and hard work. When student coordinator positions opened up at the APSP office, I applied and was hired. In addition to both being an intern for VSA and part of APSP, I landed a spot as a Diamond Girl for UCR's baseball team where we would cheer and dance at the end of my second year.

Today, I am the Public Relations Director for VSA, a Student Coordinator for APSP, a private book editor, and a youth group leader back at home. I took baby steps in becoming who I am today. It didn’t happen right away. I slowly changed my habits. Looking back, my role as a diamond girl for the baseball team taught me confidence, APSP has shaped my courage in public speaking, presenting, and conversing with professionals and VSA has allowed me to really step out of my comfort zone.

My identity is my motivation. I recognized that the intersectionalities of my identity put me at a natural disadvantage. The fact that I am low income, first generation Asian American woman - I can’t afford to be ordinary. I’m also doing this for my family, especially for my dad and sister-- who are both very ill. I see my endless responsibilities and my distance away from home as a blessing in disguise - it means I am headed towards the right path.

I always say that you can learn so much from other people's experiences and occupations. So my ultimate advice is: Being stuck in your room waiting for your day to improve doesn’t get you anywhere. Take that energy and run."

#sociology #whotellsyourstory #introvert