For many 15 years old students, a high school diploma is a couple of years away, and a college degree is too far in the future to even think about. But that’s not the case with Zachary Chia, the youngest member of Estrella Mountain Community College’s 2010 graduating class, a title of which Chia is honored and proud to hold. After having attended Millennium High School for a few months and coming to a decision with his parents to take a big step in his education Chia became a special admissions student, and began his experience at Estrella Mountain.
Instead of being met with overwhelming emotions or letting other people underestimate him because of his young age, Chia has always let his hard work, determination and a 3.9 grade point average (GPA) speak for him. This along with a will to overcome all odds has been the key to his success, “Because even if you have all the resources around you, but you’re not willing to do something, you’re not going to be able to succeed in life,” says Chia.
Born in Arizona, but raised in Singapore, Chia says that the culture shock of being reintroduced to the United States was the biggest challenge he faced while beginning his journey though higher education. Being relatively new to his surroundings, he found the most support in his parents, but also in Dean of Student Services, Lauren Shellenbarger. In fact, the decision to make the jump from high school to college was made after speaking with Dean Shellenbarger and listening to her explanation on the process of becoming a special admissions student.
Through his hard work and determination, Chia hopes to someday become the director of a hotel or hospitality company. In order to accomplish this he has decided to transfer to Arizona State University where he plans to work towards a Bachelors of Arts in Tourism and later return for a business degree. This will not only help him be successful but allow him to give back to his community as he has always wanted to do. “I want to have an impact of society, I want to help other who in need in any way that I can.”
Chia will graduate from Estrella Mountain Community College with both an Associate in Arts and an Associate in Business, and is grateful to his parents and his teachers for walking with him this far along his path. Even though Chia might be the youngest graduate this year, he believes to be every bit as prepared to tackle the world and attain the success that he works so hard for.