Ken

My parents were both born and raised in Guangzhou, China. They immigrated to the United States and lived with my aunt in lower Manhattan. My mother gave birth to my brother shortly after their journey, and when I was born, my parents moved to Brooklyn because their apartment would not sustain a family of five. Growing up in the lower class presented me with countless challenges.  Looking back, though, I understand that they were in fact opportunities for self-improvement.  For instance, my most difficult hardship has always been and still is that my parents do not speak English. However, whenever they have needed assistance, I am there to help. Ultimately, this helped me develop my translating skills.

Throughout high school, I was heavily involved with a nonprofit organization called Groundswell Community Mural Project. I wanted to create social change, and this organization used art for this purpose. The lesson that stuck with me from working with Groundswell is the meaning of community. A community is the living heart that connects families. Once I earn a leadership position in the field of Computer Information Systems (CIS), I plan to have a positive impact on society.

I developed an interest for informational technology during a two-year long project in high school.  The assignment dealt with socioeconomic status and its effects on academic achievement among various racial groups. I developed a survey for this experiment and afterwards translated data into useful information.  I was captivated by the fact that I used a computer program to provide information on the effects of socioeconomic status. I continue to develop this CIS interest through my classes at Baruch College. My success begins once I graduate from college and start my career in CIS.

To me, success means passing valuable knowledge on to others and creating a strong community along the way. Being a part of NYNY is the stepping stone to my own success. As a Fellow, I gain professional knowledge and advice, which will make me  more marketable in the candidate pool for jobs. This program has allowed me to look into the minds of employers and understand what they seek from potential employees. Overall, NYNY gives me a guide that other first-generation college students need.