Inspiring Others to Make the World a Better Place
We believe that when you combine a curious mind, a tenacious will and an industrious spirit with a caring heart you have the power to transform your life and the world around you!
jeff shih
Associate Dean
of Student & Community Development, UNLV
1. What drives your interest in tackling problems?
I am most interested in addressing issues that have real impact on communities, especially when they are education-related and have direct impact on children. As a child, I remember memorizing state capitals, but the significant achievements of Asian Americans throughout history was not a part of the regular curriculum. By increasing awareness among current teachers and giving them the tools to share those stories in their classrooms. I think we can preserve the memory of those who came before us and learn from them.
2. What impact has CTF support had on your work?
Simply put, the work around the creation of an online course about the Asian American experience in Nevada would not be possible without CTF support. CTF funded our postdoctoral scholar, Julie Pham, who is the primary creator of the course. We look forward to bringing this knowledge to current and future teachers, who will then pass along the knowledge to their students.
3. What inspires you to give back?
My parents, who are both immigrants, have instilled in me the values of education, hard work, and giving back. They have always been very conscious of the impact and importance of community. Their desire to foster cultural knowledge and social connections of Chinese American children led them to found the Westside Chinese School in West Los Angeles in 1981.
