Student Spotlight - Huy Ho
Tell me a little bit about yourself (name, where you’re from, what brought you to the U.S.)
My name is Huy Le Quang Ho, everyone here calls me Huy. I was born in Vietnam and have spent most of my life living in the beautiful Danang city. The reason behind why I came to the U.S could be because of the civilization and the story behind one of the fastest developing countries in the world. I’d like to learn more about that story so that I can come back and hopefully be able to contribute to my hometown in lovely Vietnam.
Why did you choose EvCC?
The reason why I chose EvCC was because of its well-known aviation program. By having the aviation campus (aka Paine Field) and also Boeing Field near there so we can really tell it is the school’s pride. Also I believe that our school has high quality classes and selects high quality professors. For example, when it comes to exams, I always try to reach out to friends from other colleges in Washington to compare and I must say that ours test are more difficult compared to the rest of the colleges, so it helps me a lot to create a very good base to be ready for university, where the classes will be even harder.
What did you study at EvCC?
As I mentioned before, I first studied aviation, however some changes were made due to some life events and my inner thoughts. I switched to Business because I love to communicate with people, be interactive and use the language of business that I learned from my father.
Where are you transferring to after EvCC?
I will be transferring to WSU Pullman, a well-known place for students who are interested in Hospitality Management/Business program. I actually will start my school in summer so I can better adapt and prepare for the future.
What is your career path?
I’m thinking of pursuing my MBA degree after finishing my Bachelor. Then I will probably work for an airport under the business field or find myself going to work in the hotel and restaurant industry.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an International student?
As an International student, I figured out that there are 3 most difficult that I’ve faced myself.
Language Barrier: Speaking a different language than your mother tongue is such a challenge. Especially, when you want to express your feelings or deliver a message. It is so easy to be misunderstood and it is hard to understand. I’ve experienced it myself and to be honest sometimes I felt very worthless.
Homesick: Imagine you have spent your entire life living in the same place for and now you have to move to a different continent without having the friends that you used to hangout with, the family members you used to meet every day, or the same hangout spaces that you used to go. Sometimes, I walked through the heavy rain on the way back home and thought about those beautiful days that I’ve had before in the past and got very tired of the life here.
Food: Talking about this, I cannot get over it even though I’ve been here for 2 years. Waking up in the morning, the first thing that I think about is not family/friends/girlfriend or anything but food I’m very in need of foods from my country, I want Pho for breakfast, not cereal.
How have you overcome these challenges? Who has helped you?
Honestly, I cannot do anything without the help, love and support of my family and friends (from both countries). My family is the greatest motivation that I can ever have in life. They’ve listened to all of my story, the ups and downs and have cheered me up through tough times. I cannot be more thankful for having such a great family that always backs me up no matter what. After every time I told them my difficulty I felt relief and had so much more energy to keep walking on the path that I’ve chosen.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like reading books, watching movies, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. I always had this quote in my mind whenever I workout: “Wake up with determination and go to bed with satisfaction, no pain no gain.” This applies not only to the gym, but also to everything I do in life.
Were you involved with any clubs on campus?
I first joined the International Club as a member and then, a quarter after that, I decided to step out of my comfort zone to become an officer of the club. I was the Secretary at the time and in charge of paper work for the club and also taking notes of the meetings, etc.
Who has helped you succeed at EvCC?
I really appreciate the help of the instructors, International advisors and friends and family. Without them I wouldn’t be able to sit here and write these sentences.
Describe the best experience you had at EvCC?
I have to say that I’ve had so many great memories here at EvCC, but the best experience must be getting to know a lot of people, a lot of friends who I think will be my friends for life. Also, being here today, having such an amazing interview, it’s such an honor to me.
What advice do you have for new students, particularly those coming from other Vietnam?
I would say stay involved with school activities, join as many clubs as you can because you just might meet some people that you really want to tag along with through your student life here at EvCC. Also, always ask if you are unsure about something. The International Education Office is an amazing place to stop by if you have questions or if you are struggling with something, or even if you just want to seek advice in life. Lastly, eat whatever you love, do whatever you want, spend as much time as you can with your friends and family because you will not know how much you are going to miss the lovely life in Vietnam. Good luck!