Quyen Pham (Rachel)

Country: Vietnam

Language: Vietnamese 

Major: Master of Business Administration (specialized in Accounting)

Why did you choose Fresno State?
I have a California dream and I want to live that dream. And of course, the good reputation of the California State University system has been a crucial factor in helping me to make the final decision to come here.

What’s the best thing about Fresno State?
The beauty of the campus and the friendliness of people here. Especially in the wintertime, after a rainy day, I love to walk in our alluring campus and look further up to the high Sierra Mountain range being covered with snow in the background. What else can be more breathtakingly beautiful than that!

What are your favorite campus activities?
Going to the football games at Bulldogs stadium, or basketball games at Save Mart Center, enjoy lunch and listen to nice live music performed by some local bands at the outdoor area outside of USU, etc.

What are your favorite local activities?
Going to Asian / Vietnamese Supermarket, and explore nice Vietnamese restaurants near my neighborhood.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Fresno, California?
All four seasons in Fresno has its own interesting features. One of my favorite things to do here is taking a short road trip through freeway 168 up to China Peak Mountain for skiing in the winter. Or a daytime road trip together with my friends from Fresno to San Francisco in the summer to see the mesmerizing “California golden hills”.

What are your plans after you graduate?
I will apply for a job here in the Central Valley and in the Bay Area. Furthermore, I want to spend more time exploring California and other states of the United States.

Advice for new students?
Get over self-doubt and connect with people. Self-doubt can be the limitation in our English speaking skills, our networking skills, our backgrounds, and so on. You can begin with baby steps, go say hi and start a conversation with people in your classes, student clubs, professionals, and the local community. Every opportunity you get to know new people will be a precious moment because they may change your life.