Understanding the Importance of Community
My name is Chloe Wong, and I’m a junior at USC studying Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing and a minor in public relations. But if we rewind a bit, it all started in San Lorenzo, where I grew up in a traditional Chinese household.
Most of my childhood memories center on my older brother and me spending time together. Our parents worked long hours, and our family didn’t come from a strong socioeconomic background. They worked hard so that we could have better opportunities in life. Even if I did not see them all the time, I could always sense their love. My grandparents were my main caregivers, and some of my most cherished moments are from the Saturdays we’d head into Oakland, Chinatown for Chinese school, followed by a stroll through the markets or a treat like avocado boba (yes, it’s a real thing, and yes, it’s life changing). In a way, I got to explore the Bay Area through my own lens, one cup of boba at a time.
In elementary school, I was extremely shy. I was the kid who stuck with two close friends and rarely raised her hand. I didn’t want to take up space. But that started to shift when I started middle school at KIPP Summit. From day one, there was this culture of care.
The teachers didn’t just show up to teach; they showed up for us. I started to feel seen, heard, and encouraged to speak up.
I even got into public speaking, something I never imagined doing, especially since I was so used to avoiding eye contact in elementary school.
In 5th grade, I remember walking past a mural about college on KIPP Summit’s campus and, for the first time, actually believing it was possible to go to college. That belief only grew stronger when I transitioned to KIPP King for high school, where I found an even tighter sense of community and a stronger drive to excel academically. Most of my friends from KIPP Summit also transitioned to KIPP King, so I was able to retain friendships with those I loved. In classroom settings, I also found the confidence to ask for help and focus fully on my academics because I felt secure in my environment.
KIPP King was a safe space, but it was also an environment that gave me the tools to lead. From 10th to 12th grade, I was in an advanced leadership class where I helped plan school-wide events, with prom being the biggest one. I led the team that handled everything from purchasing decorations and budgeting to liability waivers. We even managed to secure a yacht for our venue!
Transitioning to USC was a roller coaster. At KIPP, I had this close-knit friend group and community. At USC, it was hard to find that at first. I had to learn that not every friendship lasts, and that’s okay. Food was another challenge. Los Angeles may have some good food, but nothing compared to my grandpa’s comforting Chinese dishes and the amazing local Asian food from the Bay.
Another big challenge I faced at USC was joining clubs, especially with professional clubs that required a whole recruitment process, and as an introvert, that was overwhelming. Academically, the shift was just as stark. KIPP King teachers were always within reach; at USC, I found myself in 100-person lectures where it can be difficult to build close relationships with professors. But the habits I built at KIPP, such as being organized, prepared, and self-driven, helped me navigate college life without getting stretched too thin.
I’ve found my rhythm now. I’m deeply interested in marketing, especially in the beauty and fashion space, and I’m currently working as a marketing coordinator in the beauty space while being a full-time student.
Looking ahead, I hope to travel the world and continue doing meaningful community service. I want to combine my passions of marketing, service, and creativity in ways that uplift others. KIPP Forward has been such a great resource as I figure that out. Over the past summer, I attended the KIPP Alumni Symposium and felt so inspired connecting with other alums. I didn’t realize how supported I still was until then. I signed up for the newsletter and have been exploring job opportunities shared in that space.
Even now, I’m still in touch with my KIPP friends. We’ve gone through so much together, and our bond hasn’t faded with time or distance. That’s the power of community. That’s what KIPP gave me, and it’s a gift I’ll carry with me wherever I go.
