When I transferred to SMC, I had come straight from Culver City High School. After ending my senior year, I was ready for a fresh start, and SMC gave me so much more than that. SMC gave me the opportunity to join the Scholars' program, the Law Pathway Program, new clubs, a new education, and, most importantly, new people. Through SMC, I found my passion for a career in law, thanks to amazing professors in various political science classes.
At SMC, I not only learned under amazing professors in classes for my major, but I found campus community through various clubs like including Alpha Gamma Sigma honor society, where I served as lead treasurer; the Thrifted Treasures club, where I became club president; Leap4Asian, where I served as a student government delegate and CFO for the student-led nonprofit; and the pre-law society. In joining the pre-law society and the Law Pathway program, I found opportunities to learn more about this career I'd been chasing, and was eventually accepted to the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office where I became a law clerk for the entirety of 2025. Taking my first steps at the District Attorney's Office allowed me to fully solidify my love for the law, and without SMC I wouldn't have come this far.
SMC gave me the chance to explore my interests from political science to economics, history, business, and so much more. In being able to pursue these interests in a place that pushed me to grow, I thrived and found my passions. Through classes, clubs, and amazing faculty, I found my love for the legal career, for finance operations, for the intricacies of art history, and my people. The community I've been able to join, foster, and now leave has played a huge part in my success. I found people who encouraged my growth, who stood with me through adversity, and who worked with me on demanding projects. SMC is all those who shape it, and thanks to them, I'm able to continue following a path I love.
As I graduate with three associate's degrees, two certificates, academic and extracurricular awards, Dean's honors list, and more, I am moving on to UCLA to continue my education. I am so thankful for my time at SMC, and I will miss being a Corsair as I continue on as a Bruin.
I'd like to thank my family and friends who have encouraged me throughout my time at SMC. From 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. days, I survived by finding love and support from those around me.
Words of wisdom for current or future SMC students: Go Corsairs!! Take advantage of the opportunities around you, and take the time to have a conversation with the people sitting next to you. You never know which people will be the ones who carry you up and help you soar. For me, those were the people at SMC.