YOUTH WITH
AMY & VICTO
F
resh from donning their cap and gowns, Valley Christian Schools (VCS) newest graduates, Amy Tran and Victoria Hoang are excited about their future. Friends since the first grade, Amy and Victoria will both be the first ones in their families to attend college. Over the summer, the graduates sat down with us to discuss their education and the things they attribute to their success. Both young ladies worked hard, having the support of their families, and each graduate is on a lifelong Quest for ExcellenceTM because of VCS’ Youth with Promise program. Valley Christian Schools: Please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your family? Victoria Hoang: My name is Victoria Hoang and I am 18 years old and I have a little brother who is currently 14 years old. My parents immigrated here from Vietnam and have been here for over 30 years. I am proud to say that I am a firstgeneration student. I will be the first one in my family to attend college. My parents have worked extremely hard and instilled core values in me to be able to get me to this point. Amy Tran: My name is Amy Tran. In my family, I’m also first-generation. So that means I will be the first one in my family to attend college. My dad made it to third grade, and my mom finished middle school. They had to break off and help their families by going to work. They work really hard; my younger brother and I are so proud of them.
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VCS: Tell us about your early education? AT: We went to Hellyer Elementary School. The environment at Hellyer was definitely a lot different than my experience here at VCS. There were a lot of students who weren’t motivated, they kind of didn’t care. Even at a young age, kids would get into fights. Or, they’d talk back to the teacher. I tried to surround myself with good people. As a kid I became involved with VCS on Thursdays after school. VCS’ community outreach class would come down and teach us instruments and different sports. I had a moment where I said, “Oh, I want to go to Valley. But, no, how would I do that?”
“I had a moment
where I said, “Oh, I want to go to
Valley. But, no, how would I do that?”
VCS: Tell us about your experience applying to Valley Christian High School (VCHS)? VH: In sixth grade, I decided to apply for a six-year, non-profit college prep program called Breakthrough Silicon Valley (BSV). BSV helps students with limited resources, throughout middle school and high school, towards success in rigorous academic courses and entry into college. With the help of BSV, I decided to apply to VCHS. I wanted to get in, but a part of me knew
