Fresh out of high school into a four year college the following fall, while living with only one parent- must be one of those who has been focused on their dream career since middle school, right? Perhaps, that may not be the case for every student out there. I'm Nou, Nou Yang- and I happen to be one of those students who are able to make this claim. Before I go any further, I suppose I should explain my nickname vs. my birth name. My parents named me "Nou;" nothing extraordinary. Growing up, I've always been the shortest one present for everything- from my childhood friends to just a small group in class. Having that be the case, I began to be labeled as Shortie by everyone- first starting with a previous boyfriend. I've grown since then. It hasn't been by too much, but its still something so my name's been shortened as well to Short for those who are in close relation to me. With that being said, Ill get back to where I originally was getting to. Growing up, I never really established a future plan for myself, nor a goal. I don't know if this was a cause that effected how my adolescent transition came about, but it may have played a role. From my last years of middle school to entering high school, I didn't give a hoot about my future, my family, or my education. Friends and fun were really the only two things that mattered to me. I was almost certain it would be like that forever- until reality hit me...

The things that had seemed surreal to me before began to take on another view: Friends and fun are always going to be there for the rest of my life. I began to collect all the right thoughts- my future depends on my actions today and my education is the thing that is going to lead me to my future. I realized that I didn't want to live my life accordingly to the stereotypical views that are already depicted towards our people and our culture, having me come up with a long term goal. From there, I worked harder than ever to try to get back up to my original academic status. I didn't accomplish it fully, but I accomplished enough. I graduated from high school and went straight to the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. I have yet to declare my major, but I strongly have Communication Studies in mind with an emphasis in Broadcasting and Digital Communications, as well as minoring in Spanish. Hmong Organization Promoting Education and Asian Student Organization are two of the student diversity organizations that I am involved with on campus. I have recently gotten myself involved with non profit organizations and volunteering for them such as the Salvation Army and New Horizons, an organization fighting against domestic violence. Also recently, I have become a part Krave Productions, which has yet to gain more awareness throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. Overall, I believe I have come extremely far-four years ago, I wasn't even concerned about finishing high school. For those who are reading this short bio of mine, I do not strive to have you pity me for my rough ride growing up. I strive to have others realize what I have realized- Your future is entirely up to you, and only you can make it happen. So instead of viewing your dream as someone else's life, take action and live it- that way, you won't have to look at it through the big screen!

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