# @ucsandiego on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CkthLDIPm69
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/75465503-ucsandiego-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/13866dcfcc.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-11-08T19:11:21.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** UC San Diego / UCSD (@ucsandiego) — https://gondola.cc/ucsandiego

## Caption

"My parents grew up in Vietnam and immigrated to the United States in their teenage years not knowing English and being thrown into the American high school curriculum. They both worked multiple jobs to sustain themselves and take care of their families and ended up dropping out of school to work full-time. Even to this day, they feel somewhat misplaced because they don’t feel as if they’ve achieved what is perceived to be the American Dream, and continually work extremely hard day in and day out just so that they could give me the opportunity of a college education. 

Growing up, I thought that the definition of being successful meant becoming a doctor. After coming to UC San Diego as a pre-med student, I quickly discovered that this track wasn’t for me, and success is found in being happy.

I started to explore computer science, and to this day, I still remember my first computer science class. There I sat, learning about how to print “hello world”—lost in front of a blank screen while I saw my peers easily catching on. As a first-gen college student, I had difficulty reaching out to get help to adjust to the fast-paced learning environment. I remember walking out of computer science class and to the library, to go over what I had just learned in class. I continued to sit in the library, struggling on my own, until a friend of mine came over. There, I voiced my struggles and he took the time to listen, and then explain the concepts from my class. I was extremely thankful to have a friend who was willing to take that time to help me with a course I was struggling with.

What really stuck with me, was the idea he voiced— that I wasn’t alone. Here he was, another first-gen student helping me navigate my college experience. It’s helped me realize that it’s okay to ask for help when needed. No matter where you’re from, there are always people there to help you out. 

Realize that you’re not in it alone. There will always be a community to help you go through your struggles. Remember that you are where you are today for a good reason. Always continue to persevere.”

-Nhathan Nguyen (he/him), ‘24 #TritonStories #FirstGen #FirstGenDay #UCSanDiego

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,927
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 51

## Tags

tritonstories, firstgenday, ucsandiego, firstgen

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