Love of technology by design

Enid Truong found her connection in the College of Education.

A Coca-Cola First Generation Scholar during her four years as an undergraduate at the University of Georgia, Truong is now pursuing her master's degree in learning, design, and technology in the College of Education's Department of Career and Information Studies.

She discovered the field with the help of her advisor, professor Janette Hill, after she took a course focused on developing tools to help students learn to code. With a love of learning instilled by her parents, Truong also knew she wanted a career that inspired her.

"When I started college, I didn't want to go to medical school, and my parents were very supportive of that," says Truong. "They said, 'I understand you're not going to enjoy going to work if you hate the field.' I'm really happy where I am now."

But, her parents were also supportive of Truong getting her degree, no matter what. When they came to the United States to escape the Vietnam War, her parents originally planned to continue their education. It turned out that dream of a college degree would be realized through their daughter. Truong is the first person in her family to receive a college degree. She now plans to stay at UGA to receive her Ph.D.

"My parents are very proud," says Truong. "My dad always kept himself educated on his own, and so he and my mom always encouraged me to learn and really enjoy learning. It put me in the educational mindset."

With a strong background in math and engineering, Truong plans to pursue a career in a STEM field. She now realizes her passion for instructional design.

"Enid is a bright and very creative student with a lot of drive and self-initiative," says Hill, who is also graduate coordinator in the Department of Career and Information Studies. "Given Enid's keen interest in learning and her natural sense of curiosity, I know we will greatly benefit from her knowledge and experience as well."