A widowed mother of two children, Kintra Thongdyxay came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam. Once a school teacher, Thongdyxay found work in a restaurant and donut shop in America.

She raised her two sons and provided for them the best that she could. Both have now graduated from California State University, Fullerton with bachelor’s degrees and have started families of their own.

With the encouragement of her sons, Thongdyxay came to NOCE to improve her English and earn her high school diploma at age 71. She enjoyed working with the supportive faculty and staff as well as meeting people from all around the world in her classes.

Instructional Aide Robin San Roman from the High School Diploma Program shared, “Thongdyxay always strives for the best. She completed a great deal of credits with outstanding grades in a short amount of time at the Anaheim Campus High School Lab.” Thongdyxay plans to continue her education at a credit college with the goal to teach in the classroom once again.