Iann Wu

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“Life is all about being positive by not only appreciating the good times, but also staying firm and persevering through the bad times. There may be obstacles or even people that discourage us from working toward our goals. Yet, no matter what happens, we should not let any hardships, or our past mistakes, stop us from chasing our dreams.”

  • Program: 2011 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Hometown: Hong Kong

Biography

Profile: Iann Wu now lives in San Francisco, but was born and raised in Hong Kong, the city he still calls home.  An eternal optimist, Iann is probably one of the most positive thinking Scholar the Foundation has ever recognized.  When he talks about how he arrived in the States, he also mentions the heartache his father and grandfather suffered back in Hong Kong when both their businesses failed.  But, always looking on the bright side, Iann views the challenge of being a successful entrepreneur as an opportunity to “take on my family’s legacy and reclaim their honor.” A stand-out academically at City College of San Francisco, Iann enthusiastically talked about the future:  “If we work hard and believe in ourselves, no matter if it is two years, five years, or even ten years, we will eventually succeed. Indeed, it is all about our heart and determination. If we can see the invisible, we can do the impossible.”  

Inspiration:  One of the most influential mentors Iann met is Ms. Josephine Loo. When he began ESL classes at City College of San Francisco, Iann said could not imagine transferring to UC Berkeley or becoming the chapter president of Alpha Gamma Sigma. But it was Ms. Loo who encouraged Iann to take on different challenges. “Whenever I felt frustrated, it was Ms. Loo who cheered me up and gave me the motivation...her guidance and support have been the most valuable part of my college experience.

Aspiration:  Iann wants to pursue a bachelor’s degree and to acquire the knowledge and skills to become a competent entrepreneur.

Making a Difference: As a volunteer tutor and mentor at City College of San Francisco, Iann assisted classmates with English grammar and composition and gave advice on their educational decisions.  Still active with a non-profit called “Now Generation Chinese”, he is a member of the executive board of the organization, which aims to create a healthy and positive image of the Chinese community in San Francisco.

Accolades:  Iann won the Alpha Gamma Sigma Ed Walsh Statewide Service Award in 2011, as well as the Alpha Gamma Sigma Kathleen D. Loly Statewide Academic Award in 2010. Iann was honored by the Osher Initiative for California Community College Students, also in 2010.

Interesting Fact:  Iann is 32 years old but a “young 32.”  In fact, Iann looks “so much younger than my actual age, whenever I tell my friends how old I am, they are all surprised.”

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