Name: Han Dinh

College: College 10

Department: Sociology

What Award/ Scholarship did you receive? 2021 Weiss Family Scholarship

What year do you expect to graduate? 2021

Where do you call home? Vacaville, CA

With all of the choices for college, what made UC Santa Cruz stand out? UC Santa Cruz seemed like the perfect fit because of how welcoming the school is and I fell in love with the beautiful scenery all around the campus. I knew when I came to Santa Cruz, I made the right choice. On top of that, it surprised me how much we learn about social issues and the amount of care the school places in inclusivity and equal access.

What is your field of focus? Sociology with a concentration in GISES

What do you hope to do once you graduate from UC Santa Cruz? Once I graduate, I hope to find a career in project management. I want to utilize the tech skills and confidence I’ve gained through my experience with the Everett Program and possibly work internationally in Asia to help companies or organizations in pursuit of social good.

What is one memorable moment that stands out for you as a student here? I don’t have one memorable moment, but my entire time being involved in the Everett Program for the last two years has been one to remember. In the beginning, I came in completely unsure of what I was doing with such low self-esteem and confidence. But now, I’ve grown confidence in myself, gained tech skills, realized there are no limits to my own potential, and experienced so many incredible things. I am sincerely grateful for the Everett Program, the supportive staff, and the peers I’ve worked with.

What is your one piece of advice for incoming students about life at UC Santa Cruz? Push yourself to take risks and do things outside of your comfort zone. You never know if it will lead you to new discoveries or experiences. There are so many opportunities offered that you wouldn’t have anywhere else, so go for it without being afraid of failure. Failure is one step closer to success.

How will this scholarship impact your academic life /research? I am a first-generation college student, so my parents have worked so hard to provide me with all the opportunities they never received. Seeing them working tirelessly all these years has been an inspiration to me and this scholarship will lift some of the financial burdens they have. I’m really thankful for being given this chance.