Share
By FresnoStateNews.com
A child of immigrants, Jennifer Phan navigated the world as a Vietnamese American and overcame barriers of learning English as a second language. Driven by her self-determination to pursue a higher education, she earned a scholarship from the Smittcamp Family Honors College to attend Fresno State.
Listen to this article:
“All of Jennifer’s academic successes are amplified in light of the fact that she grew up in an immigrant family in which English was a second language, financial hardships were abundant. and higher education was not encouraged and/or supported,” said Dr. Saeed Attar, director of the Smittcamp Family Honors College. “She has exhibited exceptional promise to become a dedicated professional who will serve her future community well, wherever that may be.”
Award Comes With Scholarship
The trustees’ awards provide donor-funded scholarships to students who demonstrate superior academic performance, personal accomplishments, community service, and financial need. Students receiving the awards have all demonstrated inspirational resolve along the path to college success and many are the first in their families to attend college.
“These 23 student scholars wonderfully embody the ideals and values of the California State University,” said CSU Chancellor Timothy P. White. “They have demonstrated brilliance, tenacity, and extraordinary resolve in overcoming many obstacles in the pursuit of their academic goals. It is inspiring to consider the collective future impact they will have on their families, communities and the state of California.”
Phan maintains a 4.0 GPA while working toward her bachelor’s degree. She received funding to conduct research at Fresno State on natural medicinal projects to fight cancer and has received numerous awards and scholarships for her studies. Her career goal is to become a pediatric oncologist.
“I love being around kids,” Phan said, “and I feel like there are a lack of pediatricians here in California.”
Phan Is Scholar in Service at UCSF Fresno Medical Center
Phan is a scholar in service through the Jan and Bud Richter Center for Community Engagement and Service-Learning and an academic research associate for UCSF Fresno Medical Center. She volunteers with the Community Revitalization Program, at a medical outreach program and a mobile health clinic serving underprivileged Central Valley residents.
“Jennifer has taken a leading role in many opportunities to serve the Fresno State campus as well as the greater Fresno area community by volunteering her time at organizations such as Tzu Chi Medical Clinic, Community Revitalization Program, American Red Cross and Poverello House,” Attar said.
Phan said the work she has done with the Tzu Chi clinic, a free clinic that offers services in the Valley, ever since her freshman year at Fresno State is especially meaningful, helping people without easy access to medical care to get treatment.
Community Service After Graduation
After graduation, before continuing on with her studies, Phan plans to dedicate a year to community service, perhaps with AmeriCorp’s Vista program, which sends members to impoverished communities to help improve situations there.
“I wouldn’t be here today without these types of experiences,” Phan said. “I know a lot of people just go to school, go to class and then they go to work and then home. But I feel like it’s important to reach out and do community service because you get to really know the people around you and how important it is and their needs. And maybe you’ll learn something about yourself, too, along the way.”
Phan and the other recipients will be publicly recognized during the CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach on Tuesday.
Despite Clashes With US Presidents, Israel’s Netanyahu Usually Gets His Way
4 hours ago
Pope Leo Urges International Diplomacy to Prevent ‘Irreparable Abyss’
4 hours ago
Oil to Open Higher as US Strikes on Iran Boost Supply Risk Premium
4 hours ago
US Bombing of Iran Started With a Fake-Out
4 hours ago
Pakistan Condemns Trump’s Bombing of Iran a Day After Nominating Him for Peace Prize
4 hours ago
Mysterious Ancient Humans Now Have a Face
6 hours ago
World Leaders React to US Attack on Iran
18 hours ago
Advisory Warns of ‘Heightened Threat Environment’ in US After Iran Strikes
3 hours ago
Categories

Advisory Warns of ‘Heightened Threat Environment’ in US After Iran Strikes

Muslim Countries to Set up Contact Group to Seek Israel-Iran De-Escalation

Visalia Police Seek Public’s Help in Sexual Assault Investigation

Despite Clashes With US Presidents, Israel’s Netanyahu Usually Gets His Way

Pope Leo Urges International Diplomacy to Prevent ‘Irreparable Abyss’

Oil to Open Higher as US Strikes on Iran Boost Supply Risk Premium
