Connie Zhu: From Saipan to San Antonio
Connie Zhu is a firstgen student and alum of BRDG’s Professional Mentorship Program whose life’s journey started in Saipan -- a U.S. territory in the western Pacific -- involved moving to the States after high school and, today, is centered around advancing a successful career at USAA working as a developer in San Antonio, Texas.
Hers is a story of courage, sacrifice, and resilience that characterizes many of BRDG’s firstgen students.
Connie recalls her dream of moving to the U.S. becoming a reality after high school as intimidating but full of hope, adding, “My parents always taught me that education was the thing that would help me succeed in life.”
Connie chose Cal State Fullerton and because she was the first in her family to pursue a college degree, she had to learn everything “from scratch”: applications, financial aid, and navigating campus life. She learned from other firstgen friends, did a lot of independent research, and eventually connected with BRDG, marking a significant turning point in her life’s story.
“At BRDG, I found great mentors and connections that helped me navigate college life better and affirmed I could do it,” she said.
Through BRDG, Connie attended a USAA information session on campus, applied, and earned an internship. BRDG mentors like Darlene Gardner checked in weekly, coached her through interviews, and helped her build confidence.
Ultimately, Connie graduated Summa Cum Laude and while she had imagined staying in California, a job offer from USAA meant moving to Texas which she did with a close friend. No safety net. Just determination … and a bed frame.
Relocating from California to Texas left Connie in a new city and culture that felt very different from what she had known. Before long, feelings of loneliness and homesickness became overwhelming. There were moments when she questioned whether she would be able to keep up with her internship.
Connie confided in her mentor Darlene who then contacted BRDG CEO and Founder, Cacelia Gotama, who reached out to San Antonio resident and BRDG Board member, Ken Kuwamura, Jr. Ken and his wife, Judy, invited Connie into their home, and it was the start of a connection that changed everything.
"I think the first time they had me over, I slept for two days," Connie shared. "I was so
tired from being alone and worrying about whether I was doing well in my internship."
The Kuwamuras made Connie feel safe, valued, and accepted. They created a sense of belonging during a time when she felt completely alone. Connie still spends holidays and special occasions at their home.
"They helped me navigate so many things, but most of all, they made me feel part of a
family."
Giving back is now part of Connie’s mission, and she’s become a BRDG donor helping to support its Mission.
“BRDG helped me get ready for the professional world and to navigate little things that no one in my family had done or could help me with,” Connie explained. “I want to tell other students that are like me that they are not alone. I want to make first-generation students' journeys easier.”
Click here to listen to Connie share her BRDG experience in her own words.