Crossing Oceans for New Opportunities
Ju-Yu Yen is on the road to success at Irvine Valley College.
An adult learner and transfer student originally from Taiwan, Ju-Yu Yen came to the United States in 2019 to kick start her education, launch a career, and set an example for her kids. At Irvine Valley College (IVC), she found the opportunity to do just that.
Enrolling in the School of Business Sciences, Ju-Yu chose to pursue Computer Information Management. She believes her hard work ethic and motivation will lead her to a successful career in website analysis. “I think it’s a challenging job…I believe that I can do well,” says Ju-Yu.
With industry-relevant courses like statistics, economics, database management, social media marketing, and python programming under her belt, she’s well on her way. And while she’s faced the usual challenges of a foreign transfer student, Ju-Yu’s love for education keeps her compass pointed towards a bright future.
“I have a passion for studying,” she explains. “To learn is my love.”
Ju-Yu credits her knowledgeable professors for stoking an excitement to learn at Irvine Valley College — specifically, in her Social Media Marketing class. Ju-Yu explains that her professor, Carolina Kussoy, was especially patient and receptive to concerns and questions.
“IVC has many excellent staff [members]” said Ju-Yu, who cited her Social Media Marketing Class, taught by Professor Carolina Kussoy, as a flashpoint for her career passions. “When you [do] a good job, she rewards you quickly…. and when students have questions, she gives answers.”
For Kussoy’s part, it’s students like Ju-Yu that re-affirm the reasons she gravitated toward higher education in the first place.
“She was such a pleasure to have in class,” says the instructor, who remembers Ju-Yu buoying many a Zoom session with her contagious enthusiasm. “It’s a big sacrifice to put your family first, before your education goals, and she has done that.”
When Ju-Yu came to the United States in December of 2019, choosing to pursue an education at Irvine Valley College was a no-brainer. Both of her sons graduated from IVC before transferring to the University of California Los Angeles and California State University, Long Beach. In light of their success, Ju-Yu knew that Irvine Valley College was the right fit for her.
Although Ju-Yu hasn’t transitioned from the classroom to career yet, she knows she’s building a bold foundation and that her bright future isn’t too far ahead. She hopes to complete her degree soon, after which she aims to begin a career in website analysis.
“She’s been able to take some traditional marketing strategies and apply them to more forward thinking,” says Kussoy. “I hope that her story resonates with international students and even older students who want to come back and pursue their education goals.”
Ju-Yu has overcome many challenges on her path to success, but stays on course by keeping her head held high. When it comes to advice for new students, Ju-Yu suggests simply not being intimidated by challenging material, and being ready to take a risk.
“Don’t be scared to learn new skills,” urges the IVC all-star. “Keep [going] forward.”