Quoc Mai
Quoc Mai’s High School in Vietnam Led Him to UMKC
Chemistry | College of Arts and Sciences
Graduation Year: 2015
Where is UMKC taking you?
UMKC is taking me to a place where I can make a difference in life. After graduation, I plan to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and hopefully get into a quality medical school.
When I was a freshman, I started out as an accounting student. But after my grandfather’s death in Vietnam, I changed my mind. I can do more good as a doctor than as an accountant.
What led you to UMKC?
My high school in South Vietnam had a partnership with UMKC, so I heard about it through that. My brother in Rhode Island thinks UMKC is in the middle of nowhere. But I like Kansas City. There’s jazz, barbecue …
How has college inspired you?
It has inspired me to appreciate the boundless knowledge in this world and learn to love all the differences we have as a society.
Are you a first-generation college student? If so, what does that mean to you?
My parents were denied a college education due to their political differences in Vietnam 30 years ago. It would be shameful for me to not pursue a higher education.
What are your lifelong goals?
Hmmmm … it’s hard to say, because so many things can change, and at any time. I want to be in the medical profession, but mostly I want to be ready for wherever life takes me.
What word best describes you and why?
Freedom. I would like to live my life in my very own way and succeed.
What motto do you live by?
It’s something my mom says: “Stop complaining! If you don’t like an idea, change it.”
Do you belong to any organizations?
I am a student senator for the College of Arts and Sciences and the vice president of the International Student Council. These groups make me better, while at the same time I can improve UMKC and the lives of other people.
What’s your greatest fear?
Kittens. They crawl everywhere and get sick.
