Cypress College 2018-2019 APIA Scholarship Recipient

Vishal Sunny Mehta is the Cypress College 2018-2019 APIA Scholarship recipient. Despite extreme hardships including losing his parents at a young age then being abandoned in France by his foster parents, Sunny earned his nickname by maintaining an easy-going demeanor and a desire to help others. He is working on a degree in engineering or molecular neuroscience, but whatever he decides, Sunny's plan includes working with Latino young people and helping them reach higher education goals. Sunny volunteered  for the LAPD Eye and Ear program to prevent crimes in the community and also to help illegal immigrant crime victims. While keeping up his grades to make the Dean's Honor list, Sunny also volunteered at the Cypress College food bank and as a STEM scholar helping students enrolled in science classes.  

Fullerton College APIA Scholarship Recipient for 2018-2019

Shizhe (Shane) Fan immigrated to the United States when he was 8 years old. His family struggled to make ends meet while adapting to their new country. Shane found a home in libraries, reading books daily while learning English. His love for books and reading translated into becoming an English major at Fullerton College. While earning a 4.0, Shane also became a tutor in the Writing Center, the president of the Psychology Club, and secretary of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Shane is also an accomplished musician, playing trumpet in the Fullerton College Jazz Band as well as the college's Symphony Orchestra. In 2018, Shane was also invited to perform at the Lincoln Center in New York. 

NOCE APIA Scholarship Recipient 2018-2019

Herllaine Asistio is the first APIA scholarship recipient at the North Orange Continuing Education program. APIA expanded its scholarship program to include NOCE students during the 2018-2019 academic year. Herllaine took classes in the Medical Assistant program in pursuit of her goal to become a nurse or nurse practitioner. The COPE Health Scholar Program from St. Joseph’s of Orange was the biggest influence in shaping her career path. Herllaine completed 300 hours of volunteering in the COPE program which gave her invaluable experience in the various departments including oncology, pediatrics, and emergency care.  After experiencing the impact of dementia in her own family, Herllaine plans to specialize in caring for dementia patients.