CAEM Senior Shares Her Journey to Graduation
At CAEM's annual spring convocation ceremony on May 10, outstanding senior Yen Do spoke about the path that took her from her hometown in Vietnam to the University of Arizona.
Do received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering with an emphasis in structures. She transferred to the UA from Pima Community College in 2017, and interned with M3 Engineering and Technology in Tucson, where she now works full time as a structural designer.
A Graduate's Timeline
Good afternoon, family, friends, fellow graduates and faculty members. Today, I feel honored to join my classmates and mentors to celebrate a commitment made many years ago in the journey of study.
Yesterday, my heart felt fulfilled. It was the first day in a very long time where I sat on my sofa and did absolutely nothing. Our last exam was the previous day.
A week ago, when our team submitted our final design work, was when we felt relieved knowing that we were definitely going to make it.
A month ago, we actually thought that this semester was never going to end.
Six months ago, I realized that I will never be able to pay back the tremendous support and leadership that the faculties here have given me beyond their standard of duty. And for that I am forever grateful.
A year ago, engaging in our first internship, we had a taste of why we need to be in school.
Two years ago, we became a team when some of us transferred from Pima and joined forces with many of you here at the UA.
Three years ago, some of us, including myself, hungered for knowledge when we began to realize our true potential.
Four years ago, like many of you, I discovered my passion for this profession.
Six years ago, after leaving my home country Vietnam, I discovered a dream when I first step foot into the U.S., became a certified bartender and began saving for my college tuition.
Twelve years ago, I discovered true compassion when my father drove me on his motorbike, 6 hours from our hometown, Bao Loc, in the countryside along the mountains to the city of Saigon for my first day of college to major in English. I am the first and only person in my family to go to college.
Fifteen years ago, I met my future husband, who is here with me today.
Twenty years ago, my parents gave me a choice: to either pick up a shovel to work in the field or to pick up a book and start learning. My parents spent their whole life on the farm growing tea and coffee to put me through school so that I can find my own purpose in life.
And now, like many of you, I am certain of my purpose. For life is a journey of learning, and learning was the first place where I discovered myself. And tomorrow, like some of you, I will be on an airplane to revisit the place where I come from. For me, the little town in Vietnam was where it all started. My name is Yen Do, and I am so happy to have the opportunity to share this journey with you. There are not enough words for me to express my deepest gratitude to all of those who have guided me to this day. Congratulations, Class of 2019, and thank you.