Transfer Spotlight: Dior Muankaew
Q: What program/degree are you pursuing at San Jac, and when will you graduate?
A: I am pursuing an associate degree in computer science. I will graduate in the spring 2024 semester.
Q: Share your San Jac story:
A: I graduated high school at 16, and I felt like attending a four-year university wasn’t feasible for me at that age. I would have accrued a lot of debt, and I wasn’t mature enough to be on my own just yet. So I decided to enroll at the San Jacinto College South Campus for the affordability, time to mature, and an introduction to higher education before I head off to a four-year institution.
Q: What have you enjoyed most about your time at San Jac?
A: I have enjoyed my ability to connect and learn about people. The beauty of San Jacinto College is the diverse and nontraditional student body. I have met people from different countries from Vietnam to Pakistan, single parents, veterans, and many more. I found this experience invaluable and enlightening, as I got to learn about different people’s walks of life that weren’t similar to mine.
Q: Do you want to give a shoutout to any faculty or staff who supported you?
A: I would like to give a shoutout to Dr. Abbie Grubb for her unwavering support in my transfer process and for providing me with countless opportunities. I would not have been able to do my climate and sustainability research experience for undergraduates (REU) at Rice University this summer without her telling me to apply!
I would also like to give a shoutout to Professor Steven Schneider for providing me with mentorship, encouraging my questions in class, and working alongside me to start the Computer Science Club here at the South Campus.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: I hope to transfer to a four-year university and graduate with a bachelor’s in computer science, finance, or statistics. After acquiring my bachelor's degree, I hope to get a job as a software engineer or a data scientist.
Q: What advice would you give someone else who wants to start at San Jac, then transfer?
A: The transferring process can be overwhelming, so it is important to start your applications early and keep your mental health in check. Utilize your academic advisors, mental health counselors, and the writing center when writing those application essays! Lastly, it is going to be hard at times, but remember: You got this!
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