5 in 5 featuring Thuy Trang
Welcome to The Orchard's 5 in 5: The transcript below features Thuy Trang, Counselor & Instructor at Mission College in Santa Clara, CA.
#1: Where did you go to college?
UC, Berkeley
I also continued my studies with a master's degree in counseling at San Francisco State University.
(trivia note: UC, Berkeley is also known as "Cal", which is short for California. They are "the" California University having been the first university founded in the UC system. It's also a term of endearment and pride for the university, especially by students and alumni.)
#2: Why did you select your college?
Funny enough, it was because my friends were all applying there. One friend in particular was a legacy as her parents had both gone to Cal. These parent alums brought a group of us to campus for a tour, and that's when I began to think that I should look beyond just the route of a community college. I was a first generation college student, and my parents didn't know what was out there, so I had just assumed a community college is where I should start. It was really serendipity that I ended up at Cal.
#3: What did you major in?
I got into Cal undecided in the College of Letters & Science, and then landed upon the major of Mass Communications, which was interdisciplinary. I don't think it's called that today, but it really gave me a good foundation for what I eventually discovered I really loved doing and that's talking to people and giving advice. I also minored in business at Cal in The Haas School of Business as I wanted to have something practical within my education, but my business classes didn't really spark any excitement in me.
(Side note: a quick Google search shows that in the present day Cal offers a Media Studies major. It integrates perspectives from liberal arts, social sciences, and humanities. Like during Thuy's days at Cal, it offers an interdisciplinary framework to understand the essential role that media plays in economic, social, political and cultural life.)
#4: What is the best thing you learned in college?
My college years really taught me how to be independent! It was a time when I experienced the process of growing up. Certainly, yes, my academics were good and guided me to my future career, but being in the university setting also taught me about relationships. I formed lifetime friendships, and had experiences with people from all over. College is a time that shapes you and reshapes you. It expands your world views.
#5: Was higher education worth it?
Yes, absolutely! From a cost perspective, I was fortunate to get financial aid that deeply discounted the cost of my education. Don't let the price tag alone deter you from applying to places, or caution you upon a first look. Financial planning can make the price tag of college work for you.