Finding community through challenges
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Kody Chen’s first semester at the University didn’t go as planned. The academic demands of computer science were greater than he anticipated, and he struggled in some of his classes.
Chen went to Boynton Health during his freshman year to see if they could help. He was soon diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). From there, counseling, medication and help with his study skills allowed him to better understand his needs and improve his academic performance.
The experience also showed him how difficult it can be to navigate college when no one in your family has done it before.
“Being a first-gen student is scary,” Chen says. “You don’t really have that support behind you. Because no one before you really paved the way.”
Since then, Chen has changed academic pursuits and is now a senior studying management information systems and supply chain management at Minnesota Carlson. Chen, who grew up in Alexandria, Minnesota, as the child of Chinese immigrants, changed directions, in part, after receiving advice from older students.
Joining Pi Alpha Psi, an Asian-interest fraternity, during his sophomore year gave him a community he hadn’t found growing up in a predominantly white town.
“I think my fraternity also helped me because it was that community of other Asian men,” he says. “I think having that representation and community really helped me. That wasn’t something I had growing up.”
That community encouraged him to pursue leadership. Chen became involved with the Chinese American Student Association, first as a treasurer intern and later as its advocacy chair. He now serves as president of the Multicultural Greek Council, which oversees eight Greek organizations.
At Minnesota Carlson, the Design Your Career course helped him write his resume, network with employers and improve his interview skills. Those skills helped him secure an internship and a full-time job offer.
But for Chen, college has been about more than preparing for a career.
“College is one of the most rewarding struggles, especially in your early adult life,” Chen says.
Explore more stories in the series
First-generation students find community and support at the University of Minnesota
Explore more stories in the series
First-generation students find community and support at the University of Minnesota
