Loan Thi Kim Nguyen has overcome major lifelong obstacles in her pursuit of an education. The single mother of a three-year-old daughter, Loan was herself raised by a single mother, except for a period of time when she lived in foster care.

A resident of San Leandro, Loan earned AA degrees in both liberal arts and social science at Laney College in Oakland. She transferred to California State University, East Bay, in the fall of 2011 to pursue a bachelor’s degree in sociology-social services. Supported by CalWORKS, she wants to give back to the community that has helped her in her time of need.

Despite her full schedule as a mother and student, she volunteers for the Frank Kiang Medical Center in Oakland as a Vietnamese language interpreter. Loan, who has maintained a 3.5 GPA, anticipates receiving her bachelor’s degree in June 2013. She plans to earn a master’s degree in social work in preparation for a career as a social worker serving foster youth.