Tony Pham doesn’t do anything in a small way – from goal setting, to helping his family and dreaming of changing the world he is always ready for the next big adventure.
In an effort to give their future children a chance to build a better life, Pham’s parents immigrated to the United States from Vietnam in the 1990’s. Pham was born the same year his parents became homeowners and from a young age he has worked hard to help in any way he can.
Pham graduated high school in 2015 from Humble, Texas and quickly packed his bags for College Station and the engineering program at Texas A&M University. After two years in that program he realized that it might not be the best fit for his interests and goals.
“I am a first generation college student so there was a lot about the college experience I didn’t know,” said Pham. “It was easy to get lost in the shuffle competing with 50,000 other students for one seat without a mentor or someone to help me navigate the experience.”
Pham knew engineering was his calling, but that he needed to try something different. He made the choice to enroll in computer science courses at Blinn and knew quickly he was in the right place.
“From a young age I enjoyed building and creating things so I’ve always known I wanted to be an engineer of sorts,” said Pham. “I was really curious and interested in how we are able to turn electronic signals and bits into what appears on the screen and how we are able to create complex visuals today.”
In the spring of 2019, Pham was preparing to graduate with his Associate of Science in Computer Science and already looking for the next step. After researching several bachelor’s degree programs he opted to enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program offered by Texas A&M University-Commerce at the RELLIS Campus.
“When I looked into bachelor’s options I saw that the Commerce program really touched on all the major components of computer science – from databases, to IT management and cybersecurity,” said Pham. “Learning parts of all of those industry areas really helps build a solid foundation and skill set that will help you be successful when you do get into a job.”
Currently in his third semester at RELLIS Pham is now preparing to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and is keeping an eye on the big goals he has set for his future.
“I am really focused on improving user ability and efficiency and would like to be a part of something really historic that improves my community,” said Pham. “The foundation I built during my time at RELLIS was based on replicating the ideology of being on a team together in a real job environment, and I know that experience will help me be successful.”
Originally published November 19, 2020.
