Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Minh Phan
“My father taught me that only my education can provide my success.”
- Alumni of: 2007 College Scholarship Program
- Hometown: Washington DC
- Four-year College or University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Computing / IT, Engineering
- Other Interests: Computing / IT, Greek Organization (Fraternity / Sorority), Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Sports, Visual Arts, bboying, DJing
Biography
Growing up, Dai Minh Phan says his father impressed on him the value of education. Minh’s family immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was a boy. He started elementary school not knowing any English. Today, he is an award-winning student and valedictorian of his senior class. He says his father’s untimely death in seventh grade made him work even harder in school. “My dad did not get a chance to see my success, but I will make certain that my mom will.”
As a Young Scholar, Minh explored ecology and astronomy in summer enrichment programs before discovering his passion for computers. A mechanical engineering and java programming class at Yale University convinced Minh of his career path and was also a wonderful social experience. “I met people from near and far, as far as Switzerland. I got a feel for college: ultimate Frisbee on the quad, walking around town with friends, staying up late talking, and even getting fascinated with the amount of free time available.”
Minh looks forward to pursuing a career in computers. He plans to continue to follow his father’s advice. “His words will always live in me, in my successes and in my life.”
Other Scholars Like Minh
Chad Woods
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Oklahoma State University
Anne Thompson
Graduate Scholar
Harvard University
Alicia Crowl
College Scholar
Coe College
David Kariuki
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Stanford University