Alex Luong is from Alhambra, CA, a city south of Pasadena and east of Los Angeles. As the child of survivors of the Cambodian Genocide, Alex's morals, ethics, and perspective on life have been profoundly shaped by his family's history. Growing up, Alex faced academic challenges and dropped out of community college three times. However, heartfelt discussions with his father and uncle motivated him to make the most of his life. Determined to turn his life around, he enrolled at Rio Hondo Community College. Motivated by his family's resilience and history, Alex successfully transferred to Cal State Northridge, where he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology. This achievement marked a turning point in his life. After graduation, Alex began working for the USC College Advising Corps, where he discovered his talent for using his personal narrative to serve students from underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. As a first-generation college student himself, Alex was driven to help community college students access opportunities and achieve their goals. While pursuing his master's degree in educational counseling, Alex served as a Student Success Coach at Long Beach City College (LBCC). At LBCC, he thrived in an environment that valued students' sense of mattering and belonging. In his role, Alex co-created the Asian Pacific Islander Desi (APID) Student Club in partnership with APID students and LBCC Student Life. Through this initiative, Alex engaged in his life goal: to inspire others to do what inspires them. The APID Student Club has hosted cultural potlucks, the APID Fashion Show, and the APID Food Fair Market, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride among students. Currently, Alex serves as the Interim Director of the First Year Experience and DESTINO (Title V) Programs at LBCC. He is also pursuing his Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Innovation at Arizona State University. Alex's journey, marked by perseverance and dedication, continues to inspire others as he works tirelessly to support and empower students from all backgrounds.