Tuan Tran

For Tuan Tran, becoming the 2025 salutatorian of Harry S Truman College represents a fresh start, years of hard work, and the opportunity to build a new future in the United States.

Tuan had already attended university in Vietnam, where he studied engineering, before moving to Chicago with his family. However, when he arrived, he learned that his degree was not recognized in the United States. He began working, including earning a cosmetology license and working in a nail salon, but soon realized he wanted something different.

“I know the only way I can get over that is education,” Tuan said.

After researching colleges throughout Chicago, he found City Colleges of Chicago. Truman stood out for its affordable tuition and flexible class schedules, which allowed him to balance work and school. He returned to the classroom, first taking English as a Second Language (ESL) and high school equivalency courses before pursuing credit classes.

Working while attending school was not easy, but Tuan said Truman’s flexibility helped him manage both responsibilities. He also appreciated the professional, respectful environment and the opportunity to express himself in ways that differed from his educational experience in Vietnam.

“My experience was excellent, wonderful,” he said.

Now studying chemical laboratory science, Tuan hopes to combine his new U.S. education with his previous engineering background to pursue a career in a laboratory. He is considering continuing his education at the University of Southern California or Rush University.

For Tuan, Truman gave him the opportunity to rediscover his passion for science, build on his previous experience, and take an important step toward the future he envisioned.