As a Vietnamese daughter of non-English-fluent parents, Anh Nguyen overcame the language barrier to excel in the Intensive English Language Center program at California State University, Bakersfield. 

Anh was able to attend CSU Bakersfield with the help of need-based financial aid and is currently a sophomore majoring in biochemistry with an emphasis in chemistry. Anh’s interest in the pharmaceutical field has led her to be actively involved with biology, chemistry and pharmacy clubs on campus. 

Anh also gives back to the Vietnamese American community by tutoring students—who are also first-generation English-language learners—in chemistry, math and English.

Ahn plans to eventually earn a doctoral degree and work locally in the San Joaquin Valley region as a pharmacist.