Continuing Support Through the College Journey

Four years after immigrating to San Francisco, Emujin Batzorig is charting her course in data science at the University of Virginia. A member of College Connect who arrived in 2021 and lived with her aunt while attending Galileo High School, she’s now part of UVA’s unique B.S. in Data Science program, where she works closely with professors and classmates.

For first-generation students like Emujin, the transition to college can be particularly challenging—which is why College Connect’s support continues long after high school graduation. “Mission Graduates continues to actively support me from thousands of miles away as I progress through my college journey,” Emujin shares. She participates in online workshops covering everything from internship searches to self-care strategies, and during her freshman year, joined the program’s near-peer mentoring initiative.

When she returns to San Francisco for breaks, Emujin stays involved with Mission Graduates. Through professional development opportunities, she and other college students connect with industry professionals who share similar backgrounds. This summer, she toured Bay Area companies and met with leaders in her field. She also spoke with incoming seniors about navigating college life, especially the challenges of being far from family.

“Every day, as I study courses in my major, I feel closer to the career I envision for myself,” she says. Beyond academics, she’s active in multicultural clubs while pursuing data science and finance opportunities. “The workshops provided by College Connect and Mission Graduates guided me through not only academic growth but also personal growth, which is crucial to my life beyond college.”

Looking ahead, Emujin plans to secure an internship combining data science and finance, building both practical skills and industry experience. She maintains strong ties with Mission Graduates, knowing she has a supportive network ready to help guide her next steps.

Emujin’s story showcases how comprehensive college support can help students thrive, even when pursuing opportunities far from home.