In more ways than one, Michelle Nguyen, a fourth-year psychology major and business management minor,  has taken her undergraduate years of college as a learning experience. Though she experienced some low points, she says that college has given her some of the highest points in life, and through it she has evolved. This growth would have been difficult to reach, if not for the people around her, she said.

“I am extremely grateful for my parents,” Nguyen said. “I am a first-generation student and a daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Without my parents’ sacrifice to move away from the only place they knew as home, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education. I’ve also met my lifelong friends at UCR and without their company and support, college would not have been the same. Lastly, I am extremely grateful to my supervisors and mentors who have guided me through my career and educational goals, life milestones, and more.”

Nguyen struggled with college in the beginning; being a first-generation student and wrestling with chronic shyness were two of the major challenges she faced early in her academic career.

“I felt lost on how to navigate college,” she said. “I was also super afraid to break out of my shell and create connections because I had never witnessed it before. Thankfully, UCR has plenty of academic advising and mentoring resources available for students like me. I quickly got the hang of things I was once lost on and found myself assisting other students and friends who asked for help. Overall, the CHASS community is very friendly and open to helping when you need it, which I appreciated greatly throughout my time here.”

Nguyen found assistance at UCR’s many resource centers. Among them, the Women’s Resource Center and The Well provided her with the necessities and materials she needed when on a tight budget. Another way that Nguyen managed her budget was through working at an on-campus job. Since she was 19, Nguyen has worked for CHASS Marketing and Communications as a social media manager.

“Working for CHASS has definitely made my college experience so fulfilling,” Nguyen said. “I’ve gained so many skills that I can take with me in the ‘real’ world. Before working here, I was very shy and closed off. I still consider myself more of an introvert, but CHASS has definitely helped me blossom professionally and socially. I’ve had the chance to collaborate, work with, and learn from so many talented individuals. My bosses, who I consider as mentors, have taught me so many valuable life lessons that I will also take with me.”

Having a job in college makes organizational skills all the more important, Nguyen said. Scheduling things out, specifically with a calendar app, can make life much easier. She also advises students to take it slow. 

“Google calendar will be your #1 best friend!,” Nguyen said. “Plan your work time accordingly around your class schedule and give yourself room to eat, take care of yourself, and study. Don’t be hard on yourself when you need a break as well, and just be open and honest with your supervisors if you ever feel burnt out. And don’t feel the need to have it all figured out right away. Everyone is on a different timeline with different circumstances. It’s easy to compare yourself to other people, but it’s not going to do anything for you at the end of the day. All you can do is take it one day at a time and work towards the goals you set for yourself.”

After graduation, Nguyen will be continuing her education at Claremont Graduate University in the fall.

“I will be studying industrial/organizational psychology and hope to pursue a career where I can help create workplaces that help individuals of all backgrounds thrive,” she said.

FEATURED PHOTO. Michelle Nguyen stands before a foliage background, graduation stole draped around her neck.