Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Miguel Eduardo Del Mundo
"In hopes of becoming a public official, aiming to protect people's rights and making a difference, I strive to set an example to the community."
- Program: 2007 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Los Angeles, CA
- Hometown: Manila, Philippines
- Age: 25
- Community College: Mt. San Antonio College
- Four-year College or University: University of Southern California
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Business, Entrepreneur / Independent Business, Government, International NGO/Relations, Lawyer / Legal Scholar, Media / Communications / Marketing, Nonprofits, Politics and Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Services
- Other Interests: Foreign Languages / International Study, Forensic League / Speech & Debate, Government, Honor Society, International Relations / NGOs, Leadership Development, Nonprofits, Performing Arts / Theatre, Politics and Diplomacy, Public Policy, Public Services, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Volunteer Work
Biography
Immigrating to the United States in 2001, Miguel Del Mundo came from an all-boys high school in Asia and felt burdened by Asian stereotypes. He faced discrimination from peers, but still graduated with honors. The cost of college appeared as the next hurdle. Legal restrictions related to his immigration status prevented him from working to support himself or his family, or receiving state or federal financial aid. Suffering enormous disappointment at giving up on a university education, Miguel left home and spent days wandering the public transit system in search of himself. Pride and a strong work ethic helped him find an alternative in the community college system.
Miguel started fresh at Mt. San Antonio College. "In being active, I learned the way to change society was through education." He served in numerous leadership roles, dedicated time and efforts to service, and achieved at a high level in his academics. He earned distinction as the president of a student body numbering nearly 40,000. Miguel energetically pursued athletics, winning prizes on the school's martial arts team.
Faculty members admire and respect his positive spirit and dedication to service and involvement. His community sees him as a symbol of the possibilities for all students. Despite very severe financial hardship, Miguel looks forward to opportunities, and recognizes that this scholarship presents a new opening for success. He plans to run for political office and teach at the college level. "I possess a deep passion for social change and social justice. Though we live in an imperfect world, proper and responsible leadership can assist society. I can motivate others to be aware."
Other Scholars Like Miguel Eduardo
Joachim Lyon
Graduate Scholar
Stanford University
Kindra Mohr
Graduate Scholar
Johns Hopkins University-SAIS and Boston College Law School
Jasmine Edison
College Scholar
Cornell University
Rainjade Chung
College Scholar
Harvard University