By Janet Nguy
Southern California College of Optometry Class of 2028
Student Ambassador
janetnguy.scco28@ketchum.edu
Navigating a graduate program as a first-generation student forced me to grow into new shoes. Of course, I knew that I would face many challenges inherent to a doctoral degree, but I also encountered many “invisible” hurdles outside of school as I learned to become an independent adult.
As immigrants from a rural countryside, my parents had never gone to college. Their limited scope of knowledge meant that I was largely on my own to figure out how to navigate a doctoral program. Without a family blueprint, I had to rely on other sources of support to set myself up for success in a new environment. It was often difficult to know where to start with finding housing, obtaining graduate loans, applying for CalFresh, and obtaining my own health insurance through MediCal. Nevertheless, I would consult multiple sources, including asking for advice from peers, emailing the MBKU Financial Aid and Housing offices, and, of course, doing a quick Google search to find out more.
These weren’t lessons you’d find in a syllabus, but they were just as important. Over time, I began to recognize that these struggles were teaching me resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability. The same skills that would carry me through my education and into patient care.
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At times, imposter syndrome crept in. I wondered if I really belonged in a doctoral program, or if I was somehow behind my peers who seemed to have it all figured out. But every challenge I worked through (whether it was understanding my financial aid, surviving a tough exam, or settling into a new apartment) reminded me that growth comes through discomfort.
Being first-gen has given me a perspective that extends beyond academics. It has taught me how to persist through uncertainty and find creative solutions, qualities that directly shape how I will approach patient care.
What has made the biggest difference at SCCO is finding community. Other first-gen students who share the same struggles, classmates who offer support during long study sessions, and faculty who encourage us to advocate for ourselves. I especially found support through the Big-Little system in Omega Delta, which gave me valuable mentorship for all the challenges I faced. The relationships I have built with my peers have supported me through my journey, and I would not have been able to make it this far without them.
Every obstacle I’ve overcome reinforces why I chose optometry: to serve patients and communities who may also feel unseen or unsupported as they navigate complex systems. My journey as a first-gen student has not only made me stronger but has instilled in me a deeper empathy for those I’ll care for in the future.