Brandon
Hello, my name is Brandon, and I am a freshman at Herbert Hoover High School. As a first-generation Vietnamese American and the youngest in my family, I’ve watched my parents sacrifice endlessly to build a better future for my family. Inspired by their dedication, I am committed to excelling academically while pursuing my passion for Computer Science, with a goal of attending either UCSD or UCLA.
My parents work tirelessly to support me and my siblings, with my mom working at a nail salon and my dad working late nights as a mechanic. Though they arrived in the U.S. with limited options, they provided us with opportunities to dream big. I carry their sacrifices as a source of motivation, determined to honor their hard work by achieving a future where they can experience the better life they envisioned.
From an early age, I felt connected to computers. Growing up, I spent a lot of time indoors—heat wasn’t really my thing—and watched my brother play games on his laptop. These moments sparked my curiosity for technology, and joining my middle school’s robotics club further fueled this interest. Robotics quickly became more than a pastime; it was a journey that tested my ability to lead and organize a diverse team.
In our robotics club, I took the initiative to set schedules and assign roles according to each member’s strengths. Setting milestones and encouraging collaboration helped us work together smoothly, and we ultimately placed 2nd in our division. This experience taught me invaluable skills in communication, collaboration, and adaptability—qualities that I know will be essential in my future pursuits in Computer Science.
Toward the end of 8th grade, I had an incredible opportunity to tour BrainCorp, a San Diego-based robotics company specializing in inventory-management robots. Observing robots in action and even controlling one myself awakened a new level of excitement in me. This tour allowed me to envision a career in robotics, where I could help innovate and improve lives through technology. The experience deepened my commitment to studying Computer Science and inspired me to imagine my own future contributions to the field.
Starting high school at Hoover introduced me to a larger, more diverse environment that was both exciting and intimidating. Hoover’s five career-focused academies allow students to explore various fields, and I was placed in the AOIT Academy, specializing in technology and computers. This placement has given me a strong foundation for my goals, though I still seek out advanced challenges beyond our current class topics.
In addition to academics, I joined clubs like Key Club, APAC, and First Gen Scholars to become more involved in the school community. Through these roles, I’ve helped organize events, guide participants, and volunteer at college fairs. These experiences have pushed me to become more proactive and independent, reinforcing my commitment to developing both academic and interpersonal skills.
In the spring, I plan to join the Hoover Badminton team. Badminton has been a joy of mine since quarantine, and I continue to play regularly. Beyond badminton, I enjoy team-strategy video games, traveling, drawing, and exploring new cuisines. So far, I’m proud to have balanced these interests with academic success, maintaining strong grades while growing as a person.
Despite my determination, financial limitations have sometimes made it challenging to fully participate in the activities I’m passionate about. For example, I wanted a bag for my badminton equipment, but at $95, it was beyond my reach. Instead, I had to be resourceful, often relying on shared materials and public resources to support my academics. A sponsorship from A Bridge For Kids would allow me to access essential tools—like an iPad for note-taking and new badminton equipment—that would support my academic and extracurricular pursuits.
If your are interested in sponsoring this student, please email Grace today at GJO@ABRIDGEFORKIDS.ORG