Ser Paw
Ser Paw plans on pursuing a degree in student affairs after her undergraduate graduation. When she is not studying, Ser enjoys drawing, painting, watching Netflix, cooking, and hanging out with friends.
Get to know Ser
- Major/minor: Child, adult, and family services and international studies
- Class: Senior
- Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa (Polk county) and Thailand
- Career goal: Work with underrepresented students on college campuses
- Clubs/activities: Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Multicultural Vision Program, International Student Council (ISC), previous CHS Ambassador
- Awards/honors/scholarships: Multicultural Vision Program scholarship, Carver Roy J. Scholarship, dean’s list, The National Society of Leadership and Success
- Favorite place on campus: Parks Library
- Most influential ISU mentors: Keara Doocy
- Favorite class: HD FS 218, Professional Orientation and Service Learning; HD FS 367, Abuse and Illness in Families
- Why Iowa State: Close to home and Multicultural Vision Program scholarship
Ser Paw aspires to work with underrepresented students on college campuses
Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Ser Paw knows firsthand the challenges multicultural students can face. Ser is preparing to graduate in May with degrees in child, adult, and family services and international studies, and getting one step closer to her dream career of contributing to students’ success.
“My family and I, we came here as refugees. Many things happened in the camp and I saw a lot of families and children struggling, so that’s why I wanted to do something in the future to make a change and help people who are in need — people who come from the same background as me,” Ser said.
Determined to get out of her comfort zone upon coming to college, Ser immediately became involved in many clubs and organizations to build connections. She has been involved in the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, Multicultural Vision Program, International Student Council (ISC), and the College of Human Sciences ambassador program.
Her experience in being a committee member on the ISC helped educate her on many different cultures and the challenges international students may go through.
“I think [the International Student Council] had a lot of impact on me because before, I didn’t understand issues international students face and challenges that they have. After I joined this committee, I understand what they go through and I learned about different cultures and met people from different backgrounds,” Ser said. “It’s just been a great experience for me.”
Along with ISC, the Multicultural Vision Program has also had a large impact on Ser’s college experience. In the program, she works as a peer mentor where she helps students feel more comfortable adjusting to college.
Upon graduation, Ser plans on attending graduate school to earn a degree in student affairs. She has a deep love for college campuses, and hopes to help underrepresented students navigate through college as an adviser or program coordinator.
“Being involved with Multicultural Student Affairs programs has helped me a lot and I have met people who inspire me to pursue higher education,” Ser said. “They help people who come from the same backgrounds as me, so that’s really shaped who I am and what I want to do in the future.”
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