Meet Lay Wah, who came to the U.S. from a refugee camp at the Thailand/Myanmar border. She graduated in December 2023 with a degree in Child, Youth and Family Studies , and an art minor.
Why did you choose the University of Nebraska-Lincoln?
As a new immigrant, an English language learner and teen parent, I had limited knowledge of my choices when choosing a university to attend. However, it was crystal clear to me that the University of Nebraska-Lincoln could provide me with so much more than what I had without going far. My time as a Husker has proven to be life-changing for various reasons, including the deep connections I have formed with the university community and the many experiences that led to lifelong personal growth.
What activities and organizations were you involved in on campus?
William H. Thompson Scholars Learning Community, UNL faculty-led global experiences to New Zealand and Iceland, and the National Society of Leadership and Success – inspiration and wisdom from Motivational Mondays are priceless.
What was your favorite class so far and why?
I do not particularly have a favorite class. Thanks to life as a refugee where education is nearly non-existent, each class in my major taught me something new, valuable, and exposed me to new priceless knowledge and information. A safe space to learn and grow itself is my favorite. However, I am most fond of my study abroad experiences in New Zealand and Iceland, where I first learned to become fearless of difficult emotions and gained a valuable support system.
What are your career goals?
My initial plan was a year of service with Sitka Ameri-Corps in Sitka, Alaska, and join a therapist master's program. However, I am seeking full-time employment with Lincoln Public Schools. I expect to be advancing based on my job performance and take on new responsibilities in the future.
I would like to extend a special thank you to Education Quest Foundation, Susan T. Buffett Foundation, Federal Student Aid, Office of the Department of Education, U.S. Department of State's Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program, and the UNL community for making this journey possible.
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College of Education and Human Sciences
Child, Youth and Family Studies
