In 2013, Elizabeth Do, a founding student of AASuccess, embarked on an explanatory research project in the Philippines for 6 weeks. During her time there, she worked to study more about modern-day social issues in developing countries.
Since the start of her involvement at AASuccess, Elizabeth has always had the aspiration to study abroad. This meant broadening her education and knowledge to include new languages and cultures which would help widen her perspective on different world issues. Noticing her significant involvement with the organization, the AASuccess Board of Directors assisted Elizabeth in raising funds for her trip to the Philippines. She then was able to have the opportunity to study and conduct research on the modern-day environmental issues in developing countries. Elizabeth was able to begin her illuminating experience in the Philippines on May 22, 2013.
Talking about why she wanted to embark on this project, Elizabeth shared:
“I plan to conduct research on how the Philippines government can improve their people’s lives who are living in landfill areas and learn about their challenges, struggles, aspirations, and dreams. Millions of people’s homes are being demolished because the government is building high rises for businesses. Through my research project, I intend to bring awareness about the urban poor in Manila and to expand my understanding of community affairs at the international level.
I am captivated by this project because, as an anthropology major and global health major, I am concerned about the corruption in developing countries and the abuse certain people experience. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to achieve success in his/her life, even if the definition of success is simply to have food for tonight’s dinner.”
Here is a testimonial from her past mentor, Dave Nguyen:
“I believe that Elizabeth has a good trait in being very thoughtful and compassionate about her AASuccess friends and those that she cares about. She has a very good heart. And whatever she excelled in was always tied into working with others. For example, in 2014, she led the Health Fair project and I worked with her on that. She built her work based on the energy coming from those she cared for. After coming back from her trip to the Philippines, I think that she had become more confident and mature, and she was very proud about the difference that she got to make there. She witnessed the environment that underserved communities had to deal with such as overflowing landfills. She grew through the research, people, and experiences that she encountered.”
Now, Elizabeth is currently studying abroad in Europe. This AASuccess alumni has set an example for following students who wish to pursue their education and goals. The members at AASuccess believe that it is important for people to have aspirations and dreams. They encourage the students and provide assistance through our mentorship program. In addition, internships are given to students to give them opportunities in work experiences that they may have not been able to receive otherwise and to train them to become future leaders.
