My name is Pancy Ti, and at 16 years old, I made the decision to move from Yangon, Myanmar to Santa Rosa, California to study at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC). It was one of the biggest transitions of my life. This is my story of starting over, finding my voice, and growing through every challenge along the way.

Arriving in a New Country

For the first month after I moved to the United States, I kept listening to Bohemian Rhapsody on repeat. There was something comforting about hearing the same song over and over while everything else in my life felt completely unfamiliar. I wanted to call home all the time, maybe 25/7 if that were possible. Even though the time difference between Santa Rosa and Yangon, Myanmar was more than fourteen hours. Someone was always either just waking up or about to go to sleep. It felt like we were living in two completely different worlds, and I had to figure out how to exist in both.

Moving to the United States at 16 to begin my higher education journey at Santa Rosa Junior College, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. The campus seemed huge, and even finding the right building made me anxious. I remember pretending I knew where I was going when I definitely did not.

I was excited to start this new chapter, but that excitement came with a lot of uncertainty. I kept wondering if I would be able to keep up with my classes or fit in with everyone else. Looking back, I realize I was learning much more than just academics. I was learning how to navigate a completely new world on my own.

It sounds silly now, but you would not think that finding a study spot or grabbing food would matter that much. When you are 16 and new to a country, even small things feel like real challenges. Adjusting to daily life here was not dramatic, but it was constant. Every small thing I figured out made me a little more confident and a little more certain that I could handle bigger goals, like transferring to a UC.

Adjusting to a New Education System

I didn’t feel prepared for anything. Even though I had studied in a British curriculum and completed International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams back home, starting at SRJC quickly showed me how much I still had to figure out. The hardest part was always getting started. Endless assignments and writing tasks felt overwhelming, and I often didn’t know where to begin.

Even in a small class, where I thought it would be easier to speak up, I felt nervous. Back in high school, I could be silly in class and joke around, but here my voice didn’t feel strong enough. I was often told to speak up, and even asking a question or attending office hours felt like a challenge.

Math was another example. In my first math class, Math 27, I couldn’t use a calculator. Back home, it had been second nature to me after IGCSE, but now I had to adjust to doing mentally. At first it was frustrating, but slowly, with practice, it started to feel manageable.

Adjusting to a new education system wasn’t just about academics. It was about learning how to ask for help, how to push past the fear of speaking, and how to approach new challenges one step at a time. Each small victory gave me a little more confidence.

Finding Support at SRJC and Making Friends 

Adjusting to classes was one thing, but I quickly realized that finding people to rely on was just as important. I remember my first friend, made completely by accident. I tried talking to her in “Myanglish,” a mix of Burmese and English, and we both ended up laughing when I accidentally said I was scared for our first exam in Burmese. That little moment broke the ice and made me feel less alone. She became my first friend at SRJC and someone I remain in contact with even after her transfer to San Jose State University. 

Beyond friends, my ISP family offered a lot of support. Our student advisor, Becky Alvarez, along with counselors Amanda and Chris, were always there to guide me, answer my questions, and help me navigate challenges I hadn’t expected. Professors also stayed after class to explain things I didn’t understand, and classmates shared tips or showed me quiet corners in the library. Club days were always fun and a great way to meet people and feel part of campus life. All of these small gestures made a big difference and reminded me that I wasn’t navigating this new world by myself.

Making connections wasn’t instant, and sometimes it was awkward or slow. But slowly, with every shared laugh, every question asked, and every study session attended, I began to feel part of the community. Those relationships gave me confidence, encouragement, and the feeling that I could face challenges knowing I had people to turn to.

Growing Along the Way

After arriving in the United States, I struggled more than I expected. My parents had sacrificed so much for me, and it was hard not to feel like I should be doing more. When I heard that international students could work on campus, I wanted a job so badly. Seeing other students with part-time jobs made me feel even more unaccomplished. I wanted to contribute to my parents in any way I could, and I felt guilty for every dollar I spent, converting it back into our own currency. I’m sure many international students can relate to that feeling of responsibility and pressure.

At the same time, I began to realize my limitations because I was just 16 years-old and considered a minor. My signature meant nothing. Things like renting an apartment, signing forms, or opening a bank account reminded me how young I still was, and how much the world sometimes assumes you’re not ready. This experience allowed me to relate to people who were forced to grow up quickly, but who could not yet access essential services like housing and banking. 

Eventually, I had to let go of the idea that I needed to do everything at once. My parents reminded me that what is meant for me will come in time. I started looking for other ways to grow. During my second summer, I began volunteering at the Children’s Museum. Even though I didn’t have a paid job, it was meaningful and aligned with my goal of becoming a pediatrician in the future. That Fall of 2025, I finally got a job as an ISP mentor and assistant, which gave me the chance to support other students while gaining valuable experience and making meaningful connections.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

As I decided my transfer destination between four University of California campuses, I can see how much I’ve grown, even when it didn’t feel like it at the time. Growth isn’t always about big accomplishments. It’s the small steps, the little victories, and continuing to try, even when I wasn’t sure I could. As I’m nearing the end of my time at SRJC, I feel really grateful for the challenges I faced, the people who supported me, and everything I’ve learned along the way. I know there will still be obstacles ahead, but I feel ready to face them and excited for what the future holds for me. I also hope that one day I can give back to my parents, even just a little, for all the sacrifices they’ve made for me.

Starting at a community college like Santa Rosa Junior College made it possible for me to receive a high-quality education in a supportive environment, while also being a more affordable pathway toward transferring to a University of California. If you are considering studying in the United States, SRJC might be a place where you can begin your own journey with confidence and support.