Graduate Honors Immigrant Mother at Commencement

Here is a happy holiday story.  Michelle Tran, a first-generation college graduate, graduated from UC Davis last week.  Her mother, Yen Nguyen, came from Vietnam with a sixth-grade education and raised her five daughters on her own, making many sacrifices so they could all go to college. All five are graduates.Tran, an English major, recalls something her mother has always said: “Education is a way to give yourself opportunity.”

The December 15 commencement took place on Yen Nguyen’s birthday — and she received a surprise gift when Tran stepped forward as the class speaker.

KJ