Getting an associate’s degree in the Medical Laboratory Technician Program

Duc Pham, who is from Vietnam, attended Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) in California and was followed there by his sister, Y.

International student success

Fast forward, and Duc is now a professor at Santa Monica College, teaching Human Anatomy and Physiology, and Y is working for an architectural firm that is designing the new STEM facility at Santa Rosa Junior College.

A supportive environment

Both credit their experience at Santa Rosa Junior College with their success at being accepted into an Ivy League university. As international students arriving from Vietnam, they feel that the SRJC faculty was instrumental to their success. From giving advice, being genuinely concerned, helping them to balance working and studying, and giving personal guidance — the faculty at SRJC was invested in Duc and Y’s future.

For example, one of Duc’s professors hired Duc to be his research assistant, and it wasn’t until later that Duc realized the professor paid out of his own pocket! And Y got advice from her professors at a pivotal moment that inspired her to keep going, not give up, and persevere. With their support, she was able to secure a full scholarship to the Ivy League school of her dreams.