Timeline
United States Air Force
Aug 2023 - Aug 2027
Military Volunteering
What helped get through work was volunteering (and traveling), specifically relating to the military. It is a bit different from helping your typical community in that volunteering can help boost your military career. Sometimes you can use work hours to volunteer as it still relates to the military, use events you led to win military awards, and is a way to stand out amongst the other service members you are up against in order to promote to the next rank. I found that the biggest joys are seeing the impact that these military organizations have as they serve various purposes like increasing benefits for military members and their families, hosting large conventions, connecting people traveling across the world, and training the next generation of the military. Here are the current organizations that I am part of.
Picture: Scowcroft Awards
Air & Space Forces Association - Main Air Force organization prioritizing awards and supporting the overall mission.
Position: Treasurer (2024 - 2027)
Events: Sullivan/Scowcroft Awards, CCAF Graduation, National Convention/Conference
Picture: AFSA Group Photo with Awards
Air Force Sergeants Association - Main military organization advocating for benefits for enlisted members and their families.
Positions: Treasurer (2024 - 2025), President (2025 -2026)
Events: Golf Tournament, POW/MIA Week, The Summit
In-Depth Military Accomplishments
TDYs: Torch Athena Rally 2024, Rated Preparatory Program March 2025
Awards: SrA BTZ Wing Winner, AMN of the Quarter (Group), AMN of the Year (Squadron), Volunteer of the Quarter (Squadron), AFSA AMN of the Year (Chapter)
Others: Foundations 300, WAPS, Toastmasters, Peer Support Volunteer, AFWERX Topics Evaluator, Miles for Military Ambassador, First Four Airman Recreation Center Facility Manager, ITEC Property Custodian, Booster Club Treasurer, Physical Training Leader, 100 PT Score
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I hate bootcamp. I didn’t like getting yelled out, always being rushed, and wondered why I made the decision to join the military. But that was most people. As you go through it, you bond with the people around you even if temporary, improve on your fitness and health, and most importantly gain discipline and respect. Looking back, I would never want to experience again but it was still a memorable aspect of my life.
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Description teThis was really just doing college again but in a short timespan. Going from BMT to job school was definitely surreal at first, but eventually you get used to the more normal life. I still did some strict military stuff like curfews and marching, but you pretty much have the freedom to do whatever as long as you go to class. A lot of it was refreshers as ya know I have a BSCS, but it never hurts to relearn the basics and learn other things like cybersecurity and IT support. I’m proud I got a flawless score on all of my tests, but I didn’t get the top award cause there was some beef between new airmen like me and experienced military members who were training into a different job. Mississippi itself was alright with a just a mid beach and a casino. I enjoyed this quick but refreshing life.xt goes here
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The majority of my time of the military was here. Flying from MS to UT, settling in a dorm room where I only need to share the bathroom, and fully being free to explore were big eye openings of the transition. Actually going to work, getting a car, and just living the official life were my realization of the what my post college life was suppose to be. I didn’t realize Utah was the #1 state to live if you search it up, but I can see why. There’s very low crime, poverty, and hate (the notion of mormons get overblown). I got to visit home a bunch of times
Photo: Me at USO
United Service Organizations - Main organization helping all branches.
Position: Member (2025 - 2027)
Events: SLC Airport Lounge, ARC, MEPS
Photo: Me in front of Plane
Civil Air Patrol - Official organization of the Air Force focusing on non-combat flying and cadet training.
Position: Finance Officer (2026), Training Officer (2026)
Events: RPP, Summer Encampment
I joined the military because I couldn’t find a job after college and my brother, who is in the Air Force, convinced me. I found a software development job there, and was ready to start a new life. Everyone who joins the military has to go through boot camp and then technical school before doing their main job. In the military, you must maintain physical fitness standards, learn the military culture and leadership structure, and be committed for 4 - 6 years each contract.
San Jose State University
Aug 2019 - Dec 2022
I didn’t get into any UCs but for most people living in San Jose, SJSU was the most popular and safe choice, and since I got accepted there for my computer science major, it was a no brainer. Not gonna lie, college was tough both academically and socially. When I started out, I did pretty good in any my classes but there were some that was just hard aka Discrete Math and Philosophy. When I got a B and a C, I realize that I should enjoy the campus life. It didn’t help when the 2nd semester hit and COVID came out of nowhere. Transitioning to online and Zoom calls wasn’t actually that bad. I got to stay home, get free money from unemployment (still worked at Dippin’ Dots), and let’s just say tests were somehow easier. But the #1 definitely was the social aspect, and soon I was just sad. In the summer of 2021, I decided to change my life. In person classes open up again for the fall and I made a post that I will talk to a different person every day for a whole year. From mid 2021 to mid 2022, I talked to everyone both old and new. With this I posted everyday, wasn’t afraid to show my life, and gain new experiences that I never thought I would do: raves, do dragon boat again, do flips again, and actually be a social media person. In the process, I got by all my upper division computer science courses with some many idk how I got through. I finish college a bit early in 3.5 years and graduated in fall 2022. I did suck that I got a 3.48 GPA but I just round up and maybe one day start my masters. With the social goal and finishing college, you would think I got it pretty lined for my adult work life. Well, no. And that leads to my terrible job hunting period and my eventual decision to join the military.
Independence High School
Aug 2015 - May 2019
I really enjoyed my high school life and some aspects of it is still a part of my life today. My main friends are still whom I met in high school and talk to today. A lot of people I used to know were here, and my two hobbies: Track & Field and Dragon Boat are still things I reminiscent to this day. Starting from freshman year, I was getting use to the culture. I hanged out with friends from my middle school, was doing well in my classes, and was introduced to track by my brother who was in his senior year. In sophomore year, I remember being selected as homecoming prince and knowing people through my first AP class, World History. In junior year, I was at peak athletic performance in track excelling in both hurdles (110m and 300m) and recently springs (4×100m, 100m) I qualified for all 4 events in the beginning tournament but didn’t make it past the 2nd round. AP United States History was probably my favorite class with the best teacher and students. I also started working at a part time job, Dippin’ Dots, which gave me money to start spending on things I want. In senior year, I was ready to leave as I decline in my track times and I was struggling with AP Calculus but going through the college application, prom, and knowing this is it helped me finish off the year.
Early Childhood, Vince Park Elementary School, Piedmont Middle School
Dec 2000 - May 2015
It’s kinda hard for me to remember my early childhood days but there were some unforgettable moments. I had a hard time learning how to speak, and I often get very angry over many things. I couldn’t learn Vietnamese and didn’t really care about anything. I remember playing a bunch of old console games especially the DS and adopting very early things that transitioned to my middle school like martial arts, my first phone (Samsung mini), and using Facebook.
Now it’s the start of my teenage years and feeling more familiar with my hobbies. In middle school, I played the clarinet, earned Valedictorian, and realized that I’m pretty fit. I started my interest in smartphones, and got a OnePlus One as my first main phone. I made some early YouTube videos that I’m proud of.