Mia Vu has her whole academic journey mapped out. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to a private Catholic institution in Chicago before progressing to Golden West College where she’s now in her second year and living the #studyabroad life to the fullest. “My life is a unique journey,” she says.
Now a resident of the coastal community of Huntington Beach, also known as “Surf City,” Vu is making the most of every opportunity. In just two years, she’s been made president of the International Club, where she organizes fun activities like pizza parties, karaoke lunches, and even field trips that brought students together, international and local alike.
As the social media assistant for the college’s International Student Program, Vu has achieved what few other students get to do: attend almost all campus events since joining. She gets to work with staff and peers and meets a lot of new people. “The campus events are so engaging and inclusive to the student bodies because all the events/trips are useful, fun, lively and vibrant,” she says. “Every month, we have some different activities. This is also the reason why people know me!”
Student Mia Vu is making the most of her Golden West experience. Source: Golden West College
Why life is golden at Golden West College
The fourth-best community college in California offers enriching, innovative, and inclusive programs that help students transfer to four-year institutions, earn associate degrees, complete certificates in career and technical education, and advance their careers. More than 40 programs are offered. You can major in science subjects like biology and physics or more artistic ones like dance and theater.
Classes for Vu, a biology major who intends to join a nursing program in the future, are lecture-heavy, which pair well with the smaller class sizes and supportive environment. “[They] have made it easier for me to build strong academic foundations and practical skills that transfer directly into future careers or four-year universities,” she says. “To be honest, I think I could be so active and engaged in the campus’s events because of its friendly size. If I chose [going to] university, I probably would never see myself as thrilled and as leading as I am now!”
If you’re still undecided on a major, the college has an academic program map that allows you to explore the majors that align with your interests. It lists the occupations commonly associated with each program, including typical wages and the labor market demand, making it easier for you to decide what program you’d like to pursue at university.
Golden West College is home to over 25 student clubs that unite like-minded learners. Source: Golden West College
A ‘healthy balance’ of American college life
Student Perla Beainy from Lebanon, though, is in no rush to attend university. She chose GWC so she could settle down in a new country without the overwhelming feeling of attending a competitive school. “The scariest part of studying in the US is being alone and feeling lost,” the digital arts major says. “However, there were several utilities that GWC offered, such as bus passes and California tour guides that immediately made me feel at ease.”
Living close to the beach and near downtown Los Angeles is another highlight. Beainy gets to strike a “healthy balance between student life and fun,” one where she gets to play tennis, watch movies, make art, and even start her own athletics club on campus.
Beainy is taking things one step at a time, but with purpose. Her long-term goal is to transfer to California State University, Long Beach for the Biomedical Illustration Prep Certificate. To this end, choosing GWC has given her a strategic preparation. Counselors have helped her map out a clear path into medical illustration, while also connecting her with professors and alumni who can open doors.
“In my experience, GWC has given me everything I could ever need in college,” Beainy says. “Their resources, like tutoring, counseling, office hours, and social events, make it easy to find support wherever needed. Their clubs and campus events give this little school a feeling of comfort and inclusivity. I feel like, as a student, the school cares about young adults beyond pure academics.”
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