Alumni

Crytal Tran UCSB Transfer Future Entrepreneur, Rising Star!

Crystal grew up in an entrepreneurial family. Her parents were forced to flee their native country of Vietnam during the war. First relocated to Canada, and later to America, Crystal's family had to rebuild from scratch. They bought, sold and successfully managed a number of small businesses ranging from service stations to grocery stores. Crystal began helping with her family's enterprises at the age of 11. She learned to thrive on the challenges associated with running small businesses. It's no surprise then that she aspires to be the future owner of a small business: a spa, because Crystal says, "What I find most rewarding is to help others to feel good about themselves."

Early in life, Crystal made a decision to earn a college degree. After graduation from high school, she decided on West Valley, at the recommendation of her cousin, and because of West Valley's excellent reputation and beautiful campus. From the start of her college career, Crystal worked closely with her counselors to plan her classes so she would meet her UC General Ed requirements and also satisfy the major requirements for an AA Degree in Business Administration. Crystal's dream has always been to attend UC Santa Barbara. Crystal's dream has come true! Crystal plans to complete a BA degree in Business Economics and then earn an MA degree in Marketing.

"My two years at West Valley College have been an extremely positive experience. The instructors here are great and have amazing backgrounds. The giant campus oaks, with their spreading branches, are like a symbol of me and how I've expanded and blossomed during my time here." Crystal's advise to fellow students: "Be optimistic about your future and let nothing stand in your way. Be confident, disciplined and ready to make certain sacrifices. Your future is what you make it."

In addition to her studies, Crystal is employed as an Assistant Real Estate Agent and a WVC Outreach Ambassador. Crystal serves on the WVC Marketing Committee, volunteers with "Contract Cares" as a crisis hotline counselor and is a member of the Alpha Gamma Sigma and Psi-Beta Honor Societies.

More to come!