“I’m a first-generation college student. I’m able to attend through the First Ascent Scholarship. It’s helped me tremendously throughout my entire college experience as the most transformative scholarship. Because of it, I met a diverse group of people that I call my friends and family. I want someone like me, coming from a difficult background, to also be able to experience that.

I grew up in a strict family. I couldn’t hang out with friends after school and didn’t have access to many resources. I barely had any time with my parents as they were working countless hours just to provide. It was hard.

I was super shy as a kid. So shy I didn’t have the courage to ask my teachers to go to the bathroom. Growing up as one of the few people of color at my high school, I didn’t feel like I belonged. I wasn’t valued as a person until I came to the U.

There was a little culture shock, seeing how many different cultures and people there are on campus. But I found my community, and I’ve done so many amazing things here. It’s been transformative for me as a person from my background, and it’s opened up so many opportunities for me. I’m part of the business student government, I’ve worked with ASUU, and serve as a Lead Presidential Intern, among other positions.

As a Presidential Intern, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about higher education and how it works. Now, as a Lead Intern, I have the ability to shape the internship to incorporate a community element. I want to build a tighter-knit group, promote more cross-collaboration, and do great things within this institution together. We’re all in this together, and I feel like we could all contribute together toward a greater goal for higher education.

I love being able to meet new people through the many leadership positions I’ve had on campus. I’ve kind of thrown myself all over campus to meet different groups of people that I wouldn’t meet in the business school. It’s fascinating to work with them, learn what they do, and how they differ from business students.

I strive to be the best person that I can be, always looking for positive change in the world. I love helping people, and I’m empathetic to those going through hard situations. I want to donate time and resources and to be able to mentor and guide others. I want to be there for somebody through the hard situations they’re going through. That’s what drives me every day to be better.”

A personal message from Brendan: If you would like to reach out for support or advice, you can contact him at btsang@asuu.utah.edu

—Brendan Tsang, a senior double majoring in Operations and Supply Chain and Information Systems at the David Eccles School of Business, from Salt Lake City.