VCU Honors College

Angela Tran

The easy route has never been Angela Tran’s approach to learning.

“Whether it was an AP class or an honors class in high school, I always took the hardest classes that were offered to me,” Tran said.

This drive led Tran, a senior chemistry major, to apply for The Honors College when she was accepted to Virginia Commonwealth University.

“I wanted to continue that high standard of learning and excellence and I knew The Honors College would provide that,” she said.

In The Honors College, Tran took advantage of its early registration and specialized courses to map out a college career that matched her desire for an advanced education.

“There are a lot of perks, but the selection of classes and knowing that I’ll get into the classes I want really helped,” she said. “I took an honors variation of an international relations course and we did extra readings and went more in depth than the average class would have. It gives you the extra learning experience.”

Tran also volunteers with the VCU Medical Center where she assists the nursing staff in the Ambulatory Care Center’s post-anesthesia care unit and brings drinks and snacks to patients undergoing treatment at the VCU Massey Cancer Center.

“It’s a lot of patient interaction, which I really like,” she said. “I feel like medicine has a lot of opportunities to make a difference.”

Tran makes a difference in the lives of other students as well, by helping them find their way in The Honors College and at VCU. As a sophomore in The Honors College Mentorship Program, she was paired with an incoming freshman to help answer questions and facilitate the transition to college.

“The experience has definitely improved my communication skills,” she said. “Every student is different so I have to bring something different each time.”

Tran hopes to apply the experience she’s gained through VCU and The Honors College as she looks toward medical school after graduation.

“If you have questions or any interest in pursuing research, mentorship programs or national scholarships, The Honors College staff has all of the tools you need,” she said. “You have a plethora of opportunities.”