First-Generation Student Alan To Finds Purpose through Leadership at SJSU

Growing up in eastside San Jose, Alan To, '26 Software Engineering, always had his sights set on SJSU.

Its location in Silicon Valley, combined with the strength of its engineering program, was appealing to To, who is a first-generation college student.

"Since coming here, I've fostered this identity where it's about working to cultivate an environment that's welcoming for students," says To.

Prior to SJSU, To didn't have a rigorous computer science or software background. But he was focused on working hard and learning all he could to pursue his desired career path.

"Within the world of software engineering, there are so many avenues and paths you can pursue - game design, AI or software systems. I wanted the flexibility to take these resources and adapt them to the prevalent industry of Silicon Valley," he says.

To is currently president of the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE), which provides networking and professional opportunities for students of Asian heritage,who are pursuing a career in science or engineering.

"SASE really offers a sense of belonging to students that would otherwise have trouble finding a place," he says. "Personally, SASE gives me a sense of fulfillment. I'm able to contribute to the greater community and help students to grow and embrace not just their heritage, but also the disciplines that they're going into."

To grew up with a mixture of both Chinese and Vietnamese cultures; as a young child, he didn't have many opportunities to connect with others who had similar backgrounds and experiences.

When he started his first year at SJSU, To joined the Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment's Empower Mentorship program . At that time, it was a pilot program, and To was one of the first students to participate. Not only did his mentor help him to navigate his first year at SJSU, but the program also served as a turning point, helping him to recognize and understand the API experience at an entirely new level.

"As a first generation Asian student, being able to have those conversations with a mentor was a rigorous experience. It helped to have all of those pressures accounted for. Talking about all of it brought me back down to earth. It opened my eyes to this area of hindrance that a lot of Asian students might not identify with or experience within themselves without having a proper reflection of who they are," says To.

During To's second year at SJSU, he became a mentor in the Empower Mentorship program. And right away, he experienced a challenge - the feeling of imposter syndrome. As a second year student, he still felt fresh and new to campus. He worried that he didn't have the skills to help others. But he quickly adjusted to his new leadership position, and has continued to serve as a mentor into his final year at SJSU.

"What broke the ice was understanding the series of circumstances that I cultivated for myself. And then I understood my experiences could help students find success and their sense of footing, while initially traversing the college environment," says To.

Along with mentoring students, To is also a McNair Scholar . The McNair Scholars program supports first-generation or low income students with applying to doctoral programs and doing research.

"I'm thankful for that program because it's allowed me the opportunity to focus on research," he says. "My personal interest is diving into the world of humanities and how typical interactions can better fulfill a community. The topic in my research is an intersection between my current major and my interest in humanities. My research touches on the recent advancements in software tech, artificial intelligence and the machine learning field, and how that all connects and impacts how democracy functions."

Like many first-generation students, To's path forward hasn't always been a linear one. But through mentorship and community, he has found purpose in offering support to others along the way.

"I feel grateful that I've had the opportunity to have so many conversations and interactions with different students," says To. "To be able to provide a level of impact and give back to this campus community has been really fulfilling."