The Path toward my Goal

12/15/2022

Understanding that a Mountain can be viewed as a Hill

At first, I thought attending a university would be difficult because I viewed the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire (UWEC) as an entire mountain. Being in a University environment is personally unusual because I have no experiences with higher education. I expected the volume of work, and the rigorous courses to be impossible. However, after my first semester at the UWEC, I have come to realize that the amount of effort within class matters. Now I feel like this mountain has become a hill, and I can see over the other side.

Exploring the Hill

Currently, I am the President of Hmong Student Association (HSA). HSA is the biggest student of color organization on UWEC and holds many events. It has been very challenging because I am a full-time student, a McNair Scholar, and I work part time at a law firm as a paralegal. However, I appreciate this challenge because I’ll develop into a more capable person through these responsibilities. HSA has many events, and these events lead to many venue reservations, communication channels, holding meetings, and finding sponsorships.

As the president of HSA, I have come to realize the power of words. I can say one thing and one person can interpret it in many ways. There is also the expectation of organizational professionalism and looking presentable. This leadership position has made me more conscious of how I speak and my environment. I’ve also been more aware of the importance of time within organizations. Another aspect that I have been more aware of is time. The position has forced me to navigate through all my classes in a more organized and disciplined manner. I’ve started on assignments earlier and ended with better quality. The duty of being HSA President has also taught me leadership skills. I have become more confident in my skills to communicate. I have learned how to more effectively ask my professors with help on assignments.

Being the President pushed me to become more aware of my school environment because I am no longer representing myself, instead, I am representing an entire student body, Hmong students, and the campus.

HSA has helped me with my McNair journey because I have a new understanding of the thought process of language. Being in a position of power and leadership, I have gained the ability of critical dialogue and critical thinking. A part of McNair is researching, and some research includes interview with participants. I am now more confident in my skills to speak, ask critical questions, and start critical dialogues. I will keep on utilizing the skills I have gained as HSA student President to amplify my role as a McNair Scholar.