John was born in Taiwan and relocated to the US at the age of nine. He explored various jobs and served in the Marines, where he learned the value of discipline, teamwork, and dependability. Yet, it wasn't until a decade later, after a stint in construction and becoming a father, that John found his true passion for helping others.

Encouraged by a counselor at Chabot College, he changed his major. At Chabot, John immersed himself in the community, with support from his mentors, including English Faculty Kristin Land, Math Faculty Christine Coreno, and Psychology Faculty Felicia Perez. Their belief in his abilities encouraged him to apply to UC Berkeley. For John, Chabot was not just a stepping-stone, but a gateway to a world of opportunities never imagined possible.

At UC Berkeley, John received the Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholarships. After graduating with his Master's in Social Welfare in 2023, he works at the Department of Veterans Affairs as a Program Data Analyst and serves as a member of UC Berkeley’s Dean’s Alumni Advisory Board at the School of Social Welfare, a role that allows him to contribute to the shaping of future generations in the field he is deeply passionate about.

Interview Credit: Tomoko Roudebush

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