5 minute read
YOUTH WITH PROMISE
AMY & VICTORIA’S STORY
Fresh 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. 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?”
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
YOUTH WITH PROMISE
AMY & VICTORIA’S STORY
that even if I did get accepted, I wouldn’t be able to afford the tuition. My family wanted to put that money towards my college education. When I saw that giant envelope in my mailbox, my heart started to race. It felt bittersweet knowing that I was accepted into one of the best schools in the area, yet I could not afford it. Little did I know that there was a big surprise in store for me. I was able to attend VCHS because of a program called Youth with Promise.
AT: I was also in the BSV program and they encouraged everyone to apply to at least one private school. I remembered that I wanted to go to Valley since I was a kid. So I said, “Oh, why not?” So I applied and completed placement testing. One day after school, I got a letter that said that I was accepted. I was so excited. But deep down I knew I wouldn’t be able to go because the tuition was out of my family’s range. Then a couple weeks later, I got a call from the head of BSV. She asked me if I would be interested in going to Valley on a sponsorship as part of a program called Youth with Promise. I thought that was amazing, a dream come true and I said, “Yes!”
VCS: Tell us about your time here at VCHS?
VH: Going to VCHS was a dream. I remember walking on campus as a wide-eyed incoming freshman. I was in awe of how big the campus itself was. Everything was so beautiful, I felt like I was in one of those cheesy high school movies. It took some time for me to get used to, in the beginning, I had some difficulties adjusting. However, the staff was there for me. My counselor, Mr. Lewis, was especially great, talking to him gave me a sense of comfort. My teachers provided a safe environment for me to share my obstacles and gave me great advice.
VCS: You both were able to serve at Hellyer Elementary School through VCS’ community outreach class. Tell me what is was like to be back on your former campus?
Thank you to all who continue to support the mission of Valley Christian Schools!
AT: Coming into Valley my freshman year, I was really disappointed that I couldn’t participate in the community outreach class until my junior year! Mrs. Nardi was our teacher and I remember she was there when Victoria and I were kids. Her husband would tell us Bible stories. When we started going to Hellyer it hit me that I used to be in the student’s shoes. I remembered that we didn’t have many opportunities to do extracurriculars. I loved being able to share what I have learned with the students. The whole experience really touched my heart.
VCS: Congratulations, you both are college bound! Where will you be attending and what do you plan on pursuing?
AT: I’m going to the University of Redlands. I am currently a health medicine and society major.
VH: I’m going to the University of California, Irvine. I will be pursuing a bachelors in biology. With this, I plan on becoming a physician’s assistant.
VCS: What does Quest for ExcellenceTM mean in your life?
AT: It means that I will push myself to try new things and explore beyond my worldview so that I can understand and help others.
VH: For me it means that by loving myself and taking pride in who I am I can find ways to help other people showcase their differences and love themselves too.
