Counselor (EOPS)

Theresa Tran serves Mission College students in EOPS. She is bilingual in Vietnamese and English. Motivated by the wonders of life, Theresa believes that while "life can be painful and uncertain at times, there is so much beauty and magic if we are open to seeing it. I want to support students achieve their version of success by optimizing all opportunities available to them. No one is you and that is your power!"

Although Theresa has a graduate degree, she encountered the following At-Promise factors. According to Dr. Victor Rios, At-Promise students already possess the tools necessary to succeed in school, but just need support and assistance to utilize those tools. These challenges are listed below.

• She is refugee from Vietnam and first-generation college student.
• Learned English as a second language.
• Raised by single mother in low-income family.

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Education

• MA, Counseling Psychology
  • Institute of Transpersonal Psychology (now called Sofia University)
• BA, Psychology and Sociology
  • University of California, Santa Cruz

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Privilege Acknowledgement

Privilege is an unearned advantage that is highly valued but restricted to certain groups. Everyone has some form of privilege. Acknowledging your privilege does not mean you believe you are better than others. It is a way of demonstrating gratitude for an advantage you have and acknowledging that those without the advantage experience the world differently than you do.

Theresa states. "While I have encountered many challenges in my life, I am aware that I've never had to worry about homophobia. Being a cisgender woman who is heterosexual means that I don't have to worry when showing affection to my partner in public. I know this is a privilege that some others don't feel safe to do."

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Fast Facts

Theresa has travelled to 49 countries and counting. She loves savoring delicious food, and loves her family and friends.