WEBVTT

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My name is Van Kong and I'm
currently a freshman majoring in nursing.

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I want to be completely honest.

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When I first heard
about the groups program, I was hesitant.

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In my mind,
it was just another item on the summer

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checklist
before the real journey of college began.

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I thought, I've made it this far.

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Do I really need this?

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But something
a small voice told me to say yes.

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And now I'm here.

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Looking back now,
I can tell you that saying yes to groups

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was one of the most amazing decisions
I have ever made.

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As a member of the very first cohort,
I feel a special connection

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to the beginning of this program story.

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Walking onto this campus for the first
time can be extremely overwhelming.

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You're thrown into college like,
here you go.

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It can make you wonder
if you truly belong.

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But groups
change that narrative on day one.

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I wasn't alone.

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I was surrounded by familiar faces.

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Students who shared similar backgrounds,
who are also the first in their families

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to navigate this path.

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We went to college not just for ourselves,
but for our parents

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who sacrificed so much for us.

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We found a family with each other.

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Groups transformed this intimidating
campus into a supportive home.

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Being in a class with 13 people
also gave me the courage to find my voice.

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I wasn't intimidated to participate
in class, but encouraged.

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The support didn't stop, though.

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Groups introduced me
to other opportunities like deep

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and trio programs that continued
to provide guidance and resources.

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So to our generous donors
and to the leadership

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of this university,
I want to say thank you so much.

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Thank you for seeing the potential
in students like me.

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My story is just one of many.

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And because of your belief
in the groups program,

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there will be so many more stories
of success and belonging.

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Thank you.