​HELLO!​​​​
As you have already read in the welcome page, my name is Thaila (pronounced "Ty-la"). I am not only a South Piedmont Community College student, but also an Union County Early College one. After receiving the greatest opportunity to attend a high school where I am able to graduate with an associates degree, I took it. With four years of high school and two years of college under my belt, I'm proud to say that I am graduating with an Associates in Arts degree at SPCC in May 2025! As you read through this page, you will get to know more on what has shaped my individuality!
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." -Eleanor Roosevelt
PERSONAL BACKGROUND
Growing up as a Vietnamese American, I faced the typical standards for a student. My family valued hard work, education, and respect. They believed that through hard work in school and respecting what was given and by whom, that a successful life would follow. Being that I am first-generation student in my household, I was sure to cherish those values throughout my academic career. I studied hard, turned in assignments on time, and pursued beneficial extracurriculars. More than education, I truly treasure how resilient my parents are. When I got my first job as a receptionist at my family owned nail salon, I learned of the pressure it took to run a business. Moreover, this job changed me for the better. I learned to speak up and connect with others, which led me to seek a leadership role in school.
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MOTIVATIONS
"What do you want to be when you grow up?"
The question that I pondered as I grew up. From wanting to be a fashion designer to a baker to a physician assistant, I had wild aspirations. Coming into high school, I decided that I would work in the medical field because I loved learning about the human body. In junior year, I started my volunteering at a hospital in the medical imaging department. Learning of this career field from my cousin who works in that department, I took on the opportunity to explore the medical field. Through shadowing and interacting with the technologists, I became incredibly intrigued with radiography. So, as I signed up for new courses at South Piedmont, I was sure to base my classes on the ones that would grant me into a radiography program. While SPCC does not have a program for me to receive my associates in radiography, there are courses for an already certified X-ray tech to become an MRI or CT tech. I love South Piedmont's guide in the medical field, and it has inspired me to continue my hard work and graduate with an associates degree in the arts where my general education will be transferred to a university.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
Over the past few years, I discovered my love for photography. Starting with a cheap digital camera, I use it to take pictures while on a family vacation at the beach. Then, I found another digital camera that belonged to my parents. Switching up, I used the red camera that held sentimental value. Through social media, I learned beyond digital cameras and started to explore film photography. Although I have yet to buy a professional film camera, I often like to use disposable ones, as well as a cheap camera in which I am able to load film in. While a costly hobby, I find happiness in capturing fun moments with friends and family. On the left, a film photo of me and my younger cousins are cheesing holding our homemade pizzas!
SPCC LEARNING EXPERIENCE
Pictured to the left is a group of amazing people from SPCC at a tour of North Carolina State University.
Through the Student Government Association (SGA) at this school, I was able to learn great things about myself and my leadership. Because of South Piedmont, I got to develop connections and friendships that lead me to explore communication, decision-making, and how to lead a team. SGA at SPCC has allowed me to attend state-wide conferences in which I sat in on development workshops and people of all ages that had the same goal as me. Through many productive dialogues, I developed skills that shaped me student leader and even pursuing my passions in radiography. I am pleased to say that my learning experience at South Piedmont was nothing but the best.
All photos on this page belong to Thaila Dao