Student Spotlight - Ka Ho Lai

Tell me a little bit about yourself (name, where you’re from, what brought you to the U.S.)

My name is Ka Ho Lai, an international student from Hong Kong. There are many reasons why I came to study in the United States, but the main one is because the education system in Hong Kong was not suitable for me.

I've loved cars since I was young because of the first car my father ever bought. That was also the first time I had a connection with machines and engines. I didn’t know how engines worked and even what a gear was, all I knew was that the engine sound and power it creates fascinated me. Since then, I've always worked on gaining more knowledge in these fields by reading books, discussing engineering topics with people and by asking questions.

I feel like I’m a person who has belonged in the engineering field ever since I was born because of the fact that I am better in Math and science, so I desired to dig into it academically as well. The problem, however, is that the education system in Hong Kong focuses a lot more on literature courses, such as English and Social Science, but not so much on what I am actually good at and what I am interested in. For this reason, I didn’t put as much effort on studying as I am right now. Because of that, I knew I wouldn’t do well on the university entrance exam, which basically determines whether you can go to university or not. If I failed the exam I would need to spend an extra year studying by myself to retake the exam. I didn’t want to spend time doing something that is full of uncertainty, so I took a chance to come to EvCC where they provide a High School Completion Program and programs that develop what I am really interested in and good at.  

Why did you choose EvCC?

I chose EvCC because I heard it has more support for students than other community college. For example, EvCC has an Aviation program that other college don’t provide. Since I am interested in engineering, it gives me confidence that I can fully develop my strengths and interests and have great support from the instructors here. Also, EvCC provides a High school Completion program through which I can complete high school courses and get a High School Diploma and Associate Degree at the same time.

What are you studying at EvCC?

Based on my interests and strengths, I chose Mechanical Engineering as my major.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an International student?

In the beginning the biggest challenge for me was communicating with people. I was having a hard time to listening and expressing myself since my English was not good, and I thought people were talking so fast. However my communication skills are getting better as time goes on. Today, language is not a barrier for me anymore but instead my homesickness is getting stronger the longer I stay in the United States alone. It is not because I need to deal with everything and make decisions by myself, it's because I can’t spend time and share my everyday life with my parents and friends.

How have you overcome these challenges? Who has helped you?

Actually everybody who I've met has helped me to overcome every challenge I face in the United States, including myself. First of all, for tw0-and-a-half years they have been talking to me in English. They may not realize how it can affects my English level but the truth is I am immersed in a world where I can only think, speak ,and listen in English. I wouldn't have that chance if I just stayed in my home country.

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)

My plan is to transfer to a four-year university to finish up my Bachelor’s degree, which is one of my personal goals since I was young. After that, I think I will be competitive enough to go back to my home country and find a job that is related to the engineering field.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Since I can develop my interest on automobiles through my Mechanical Engineering major courses, studying has became my hobby, which I never thought of before I came to the United States. So I usually take my time to study what I have learnt for the day and what I will learn in the future. Also, one of the good thing about Everett Community College is that they have a gym for students, where I can go anytime to work out and play basketball with my friends. Moreover, I always participate in the hiking activities through the Hiking club at school. During the breaks, I also like to volunteer for activities, such as the New International Students Orientation, where I can share my experience and knowledge with people who are like I was two-and-a-half years ago.

Are you involved with any clubs on campus?

I am a member of the S.T.E.M. Club (engineering club), the Hiking Club, the Lone Wolf Association (a club for people who are not from Washington state), and the SEA Club (environmental club). The main reason why I join these clubs is because I can share my knowledge with people who have the same interests and background as me.

What have you learned about yourself by being a student ambassador?

Being a student ambassador, I found out the importance of being responsible and the skills I need to succeed in the future. In my opinion, being a student ambassador is not simply a job, but it is also a learning experience that teaches me the skills which are not taught in any courses, such as leadership and communication. When I was young, I was a person who didn’t talk a lot because I thought I was not good at communicating and expressing myself. As time goes on, especially during my time as a student ambassador, I've noticed that my communication skills are not as bad as I thought. The reason is I am representing the school and making connections with the public, which involve lots of communication as well as being brave. I found it is interesting that I don’t feel nervous at all when I am talking to other people. Instead, I feel confidence and pride as everything I say can lead people to understanding the school better.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC?

Thanks to every instructor who has taught me over these two-and-a-half years because they are the reasons why I succeed at Everett Community College. Whenever I need help with class materials, I can find them easily, and they are always willing to help me, without hesitations, no matter how many questions I ask. The faculty and advisors help me succeed as well, because they are my problem solvers. For example, I wouldn’t know which classes to take or the shortest path to graduate without the direction from my advisors. Also, I wouldn’t be able to deal with all the government documents, such as the I-20 and getting a social security number if I just do it by myself.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC?

The best experience that I had at EvCC was the recognition I got from the school. First of all, I was granted the first scholarship I have ever had in my academic life, the EvCC Foundation Scholarship. I remember I was so excited when I received the letter that told me I was one of the winners of the scholarship. Not only it does it help me to lighten my financial burden, but it is also something that proves the hardwork I’ve done is going in the correct direction. Also, being a spotlight International student is a very rare experience that not many people can have, and I never thought I could be the one who represents International students at school. Last but not least, I got lots of hands-on experience on projects that are related to my interests, such as building an intelligent robot and a balsa wood bridge that can hold ten pounds of mass. I don't think I would be able to do these things academically if I just stayed in my home country.

What advice do you have for new students, particularly those coming from other countries?  

I would recommend to new International students that they be as involved as they can at school because they can learn and experience things that they may never have thought of, which could potentially influence their life positively.