Born and raised in China, Yu Chen moved to the United States in pursuit of greater educational opportunities for both herself and her son. Now a full-time student at Citrus College, she is working toward her dream of becoming a mathematics teacher while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood, work and college life.
“I came to America to be with my son,” Chen said. “My son wanted a better education, and so did I. We always dreamed of experiencing American colleges and having an education here.”
Leaving China behind was not easy. Chen said adapting to a completely different environment brought many challenges, especially learning English and adjusting to life in America. Even now, she continues practicing her English every day while taking college courses.
“The struggles from transitioning from China to America are definitely the English language,” Chen said. “I’m learning, but it is challenging.”
Despite those difficulties, Chen has built a strong academic path at Citrus College. She studies mathematics and has developed a passion for helping others understand the subject. Her goal is to one day become a high school math teacher and inspire students through education the same way she was inspired herself.
At Citrus College’s STEM Center, Chen has become known for helping fellow students through math tutoring. Citrus College counselor and professor Anthony Giammalva said her kindness and dedication immediately stood out.
“Yu Chen is a kind and caring person,” Giammalva said. “She enjoys helping others, especially with math. Yu Chen is exactly the type of student we love to see in the STEM Center as a tutor.”
Balancing school, parenting and work requires discipline, but Chen continues to push forward. Giammalva described her ability to manage multiple responsibilities while remaining committed to her education as impressive.
Chen’s growth has become especially noticeable in the classroom. When she first arrived, she lacked confidence speaking English. Over time, however, she continued practicing and gradually became more comfortable communicating with classmates and instructors.
Giammalva said that the transformation became most visible when Chen enrolled in a public speaking course.
“Most students are nervous to take public speaking, but especially those who are still learning English, it can be especially daunting,” Giammalva said. “However, Yu Chen has done an incredible job in my class.”
The once quiet student who worried about speaking English now regularly asks questions in class and stays after lectures to ensure she fully understands assignments. Giammalva said that willingness to improve reflects the determination that defines Chen’s character.
Giammalva described Chen as “resilient, dedicated, disciplined, a parent and a mathematician.”
Outside the classroom, Chen hopes to continue traveling and experiencing different cultures around the world. Still, her main focus remains education and creating a better future for herself and her son.
For Chen, education represents more than earning a degree. It symbolizes sacrifice, opportunity and the chance to build a new life through perseverance. From arriving in America, uncertain about speaking English, to confidently helping students solve math problems in the STEM Center, Chen’s journey reflects how determination and education can open doors across the world.
