Yu Can Do It
Sophomore Yu Li couldn't be more encouraging in his words to fellow first-generation college students: "Don't get discouraged. We can come to college and use the same resources that all of the other students use to succeed." Currently a Chemical Engineering major, much of Li's success is a product of firmly-set goals and self-motivation. "I want to be at the top of my class," he declares. "If you want to be successful here, you have to prepare yourself."
As one of the first in his family to attend college, Li works hard at his major, and at helping others to focus their own academic goals. He currently participates in the Chemical Engineering Honors Program and holds a membership with the American Institute of Chemical Engineering. With the help of the Reno Cruz Scholarship for first-generation college students, Li spends his extra time working as an advisor in the College of Engineering Dean's Office, and doing drop-in advising in the dorms. "The money definitely helps," he says. "It allows me to help out others that really need it instead of just working a job for money."
It makes Li feel good to know that there are scholarships available to students like him. "It's nice to know that there are people out there who want to help," he says. "Reno and Margie Cruz inspire me. If one day, I have the money, I would like to set up a scholarship myself." As a sophomore, Li feels it's too early to decide on a career. Right now, he can just enjoy his schoolwork, and the help he provides to others. "As long as you have positive support," he says, "you can overcome anything."
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