Voices

Dreams Fulfilled: A Journey with the Chung Family

One conversation sparked a years-long friendship with a special family.
My bond with the Chungs reminds me why I’m passionate about my work. They are living proof of the transformative power of education and the depth of connections it can build across continents and generations. Photo: Courtesy Lewis Cardenas
 

In the spring of 2010, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the U.S. Educational Group Recruitment Fair in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, representing my alma mater, Albion College. At the time, I was beginning my journey in international student recruitment, thrilled to be traveling, connecting with students and families from diverse backgrounds, and sharing my passion for global education.

It was at this fair that I first met the Chung family. Raymond and Jennifer, originally from Goa, India, had settled in Dubai before it transformed into the vibrant metropolis we know today. With their two daughters, Jacqueline and Kristine, they approached my table, full of curiosity and excitement about the possibilities for their daughters’ education. They wanted the best for them, seeking study options in the United States for their future. 

We instantly connected. The Chungs were warm, thoughtful, and invested in learning all they could about a small liberal arts college in south-central Michigan. It was their first university fair, and I was deeply committed to making it an informative and memorable experience. I answered their many questions, provided insights into campus life, and reassured them that their daughters’ well-being and happiness were priorities at Albion. As it turned out, that conversation would start something much more lasting than simply discussing study options.

Flourishing on Campus

Jacqueline and Kristine applied to Albion that year, and I was thrilled to see them admitted and welcomed on campus the following fall. They both excelled as premedicine students, showing resilience and determination as they pursued their dreams of becoming doctors, fully aware of the challenges of studying medicine in the United States. I still remember the professors who would approach me, asking if I could bring more students like the Chungs. They left a mark on Albion with their academic dedication and character.

Every time that Jacqueline’s and Kristine’s accomplishments were highlighted during their four years at Albion it made my day. Watching their journey unfold from a front-row seat was a privilege. They dove headfirst into everything Albion had to offer, immersing themselves in research opportunities, joining campus activities, and always trying to build connections with faculty and staff. They were not just students; they became an integral part of the Albion community.

I still remember the professors who would approach me, asking if I could bring more students like the Chungs. They left a mark on Albion with their academic dedication and character.

Their eagerness to learn and grow was evident in everything they did. Faculty members often commented on their dedication, and it felt incredibly rewarding to know that the advice and support I had provided at that initial Dubai fair had, in some way, guided them to Albion. The Chungs brought such a positive energy to campus, inspiring others and setting a high standard for making the most of one’s college experience. They seized every opportunity, and in doing so, they reminded me why I am so passionate about this work.

Depth of Connection

After graduation, Jacqueline and Kristine moved on to medical studies in Cyprus.  In a wonderful twist of fate, it was there that they met Louise, one of my dear friends and an Albion alum who had decided on a career change and enrolled at the same university as the Chungs in Cyprus. It was amazing to see worlds collide like that. I kept track of the Chungs’ progress, watching them grow and evolve while staying connected with their family. Over the years, they visited my mother in Michigan, and I visited them in Dubai regularly. I also had the opportunity to attend the wedding of Raymond and Jennifer’s other daughter, Kayleigh, in Nebraska with my friend Jessica, with whom I stayed in touch after my study abroad program at the University of Newcastle, Australia. Since moving to India, I’ve visited the Chungs when they have traveled to Mumbai to see relatives.

This past June, I had the chance to experience a truly beautiful, full-circle moment. I attended Jacqueline’s wedding in the United Kingdom, celebrating her achievement as a doctor and as a remarkable young woman embarking on a new chapter with her husband, Roy. It was an emotional day filled with joy and reflection. I looked around the room at the extended Chung family, who had become my family over the years. I even sat at the Bur Dubai table, a reminder of our first meeting.

 Moments like these, celebrating life’s milestones and witnessing the impact of education in such a personal way, make every interaction meaningful. 

Seeing both sisters, whose journey I’d been fortunate enough to support from those early recruitment days in Dubai to their success in medicine, was incredibly moving. Their determination, the sacrifices they made, and their perseverance to reach their dreams were all so evident.

My bond with the Chungs reminds me why I’m passionate about my work. They are living proof of the transformative power of education and the depth of connections it can build across continents and generations. Moments like these, celebrating life’s milestones and witnessing the impact of education in such a personal way, make every interaction meaningful. They reaffirm the true essence of this profession: helping students fulfill their potential and becoming part of their lives. •


Lewis Cardenas is the EducationUSA regional manager for South Asia.

About International Educator

International Educator is NAFSA’s flagship publication and has been published continually since 1990. As a record of the association and the field of international education, IE includes articles on a variety of topics, trends, and issues facing NAFSA members and their work. 

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About NAFSA

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is the world's largest nonprofit association dedicated to international education and exchange. NAFSA serves the needs of more than 10,000 members and international educators worldwide at more than 3,500 institutions, in over 150 countries.

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