An
Hello, my name is An. I am currently a sophomore at The Preuss School UCSD. I am sixteen years old and live with my mom and two sisters. By writing this, I hope to demonstrate my capabilities and how the assistance of A Bridge for Kids will continue to help me grow academically and personally. Due to the lingering impact of the Vietnam War on my family, we decided to move to America when I was four years old. We came to the U.S. seeking opportunities and growth along with other family members, but that did not happen easily. When my family first arrived, we struggled to adjust to the American way of life, which was very different culturally. As time went on, we learned how to survive and thrive as a family.
As my sister and I grew up, we struggled with learning English, and I still struggle with pronunciation today. Although I faced communication challenges, I was able to overcome them by pursuing what I enjoyed. Just as my family was finally settling into our new environment, my father passed away. He was my motivation and source of strength in my early years, and learning of his death brought me to the lowest point in my life. We were all devastated. My mother was suddenly left to support three children on her own. Although this moment affected us tremendously, it also forced us to become stronger and more united, keeping my father in our hearts forever. Understanding my family’s hardships encouraged me to push forward in my own life.
Over the years, interests that have grown on me include running, practicing lacrosse, working out, and listening to music. I am now on my school’s lacrosse team and have developed a strong interest in mathematics and programming. At the start of high
school, I would run around five miles each day after school and work out after finishing my studies. This helped me build discipline and stay focused. Now that I am competing in lacrosse, I continue to challenge myself both physically and mentally.
Academically, I have developed a strong interest in mathematics and programming. I enjoy solving complex problems and understanding how certain systems or formulas work. Learning these subjects has strengthened my critical thinking and helped me better understand the world around me. Using the skills I am continuing to build, I hope to support my family and positively impact those around me. A Bridge for Kids would provide me with the resources and guidance needed to expand my knowledge and strengthen my academic foundation. With this support, I can continue to grow not only as a student but as a person who gives back to the community.