Michelle and her family emigrated to the U. S. from China in hopes of a better life. Her parents’ relationship was extremely turbulent while she was growing up. Michelle had to struggle to learn English and fit in at school, and then return to a difficult situation at home. When her father eventually abandoned the family to return to China, his departure caused increasing financial and emotional stress for Michelle and her siblings. Today, Michelle works to help her mom make ends meet, paying all her own personal expenses including extensive orthodontia. In addition to studying hard and working, Michelle is a member of Summer Search, Upward Bound and PACT. She wants to major in dentistry, and aspires to become an orthodontist. She is attending UC Davis.

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