Kaung Hein
Not only is Kaung a first-generation college student, he is also a first-generation American. Kuang and his family immigrated from Myanmar around 5 years ago. He and his family had to start their lives over in a new country with a new language that they did not speak. Through ESL classes in high school, Kuang became fluent in English.
Being first-generation has proven to be difficult. “I really was not expecting this much of a workload. Since I am the oldest son, I've been dealing with everything for my family. I knew what I was signing up for, but at the same time, there was still a lot of pressure on me. I never got the opportunity to take AP classes in high school that would have helped me in college since I was in ESL classes, but I think I’m starting to get the hang of it. The first semester was a struggle because I wasn’t expecting this much work in such a short time frame. Other than that, I started settling in right away.” Having a support system has definitely helped Kuang. “I have friends who are also immigrants, just like myself.We are very alike. They are also struggling, but they have somehow figured it out and it's inspiring.” |
When asked how being a first-gen has made him unique, he answered
“I am first generation and I am also not from here, so it makes me unique. At the end of the day, I guess everyone has their own story. Because of that story, it makes me who I am today, and I will never take it for granted.”
As a Nutritional Science major, Kuang envisions a future where he can help others. A possible career path he has considered is being a dietitian.
Had his parents went to college, Kuang feels as though his life would have been a lot easier.
“It would definitely make my life easier and also life as a student would be more enjoyable rather than constantly worrying about things like deadlines, filling out FAFSA, etc. Honestly, I feel like it would be an advantage to have parents who can help you constantly. Also, some students whose families are established here don't really have to worry as much as first generations and immigrants do. We just have to do everything on our own and it is just stressful stuff in general, so I definitely think non-first-generation students have things a little easier.”
Like many college students, Kuang has a part time job. He has a work study job and works at the Campus Recreation Center while his parents work in a store that they have franchised. The work his parents do has inspired him to work hard in school so he can support them when he’s older.
“I just want to break that barrier”
“I am first generation and I am also not from here, so it makes me unique. At the end of the day, I guess everyone has their own story. Because of that story, it makes me who I am today, and I will never take it for granted.”
As a Nutritional Science major, Kuang envisions a future where he can help others. A possible career path he has considered is being a dietitian.
Had his parents went to college, Kuang feels as though his life would have been a lot easier.
“It would definitely make my life easier and also life as a student would be more enjoyable rather than constantly worrying about things like deadlines, filling out FAFSA, etc. Honestly, I feel like it would be an advantage to have parents who can help you constantly. Also, some students whose families are established here don't really have to worry as much as first generations and immigrants do. We just have to do everything on our own and it is just stressful stuff in general, so I definitely think non-first-generation students have things a little easier.”
Like many college students, Kuang has a part time job. He has a work study job and works at the Campus Recreation Center while his parents work in a store that they have franchised. The work his parents do has inspired him to work hard in school so he can support them when he’s older.
“I just want to break that barrier”