My first quarter at HCC, Winter 2005, was the most stressful
time of my student life. As an international student, I suffered
culture shock. Everything around me was so different than what I
was accustomed to. However, during this darkest time of my life,
I met great people in the International Student Programs office
who assisted me to transition smoothly here in the USA. They
welcomed me to Highline and through their help, I got highly
involved in campus activities and worked in the International
Leadership Student Council.
Through the International Student Programs (ISP) office, I
received my first scholarship in Fall 2005. I also got to
meet my mentors and advisors through the networks made
possible by the ISP. The latter just opened doors of
opportunities for me to get involved on campus and I even
got introduced to Dr. Barbara Clinton, who is the director
of the Honors Scholar Program. Meeting Dr. Clinton in winter
2007 was so timely for me because I was only one quarter
away from graduating. On learning about the Honors Scholar
Program, I immediately enrolled for the class, pushing
myself to do 18 credits. This was stressful for me at times,
but with the help I received from my mentors, advisors and
Dr. Clinton's motivation, I was able to make it.
It was in the Honors classes I took that I learned how to
write winning personal statements. "WInning" because after I
sent them to Pacific Lutheran University, I was accepted
into their Nursing Program and I will continue with my BSN
in Spring 2008. I have also received an academic scholarship
among other financial aid from PLU worth $ 13,000 just for
one semester!
In addition, being a recipient of an academic scholarship
from Highline Foundation for Spring 2007 was also rewarding
for me. Furthermore, I have received invaluable assistance,
mentorship, guidance, and a solid educational foundation
here at Highline Community College. These have made such an
impact in my life, all of them channeled through the
dedicated instructors and staff members on campus!
