As a student tutor for Middlesex Community College鈥檚 Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), Kim Hong Houn discovered a passion for teaching. From Cambodia and now living in Lowell, Houn returned to Middlesex for the Spring 2023 semester to work as a mathematics faculty member while he earns a master鈥檚 degree from UMass Lowell.
鈥淲hen I came to the United States, I was kind of lost,鈥� Houn said. 鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know what to do, where and what to study, and after I graduated, what to do for a career. I just knew that I loved math and research. I didn鈥檛 think I could teach because of my English. When I started at 91桃色, I saw professors who are not originally from here. It gave me hope that I could teach as well. It opened the door for me to get my dream job.鈥�
In addition to teaching a course, Houn is mentoring students in the Success Scholars Program. As building connections with his students is his biggest priority, he appreciates learning about the different perspectives and backgrounds they bring to the college. Whether as a faculty member or mentor, his goal is to better help his students adjust to college life and 鈥減repare them for their upcoming journey,鈥� he said.
鈥淭he Success Scholars program offers a wealth of tools to guide students toward a successful start to college, including advice on time management, setting academic and personal goals, developing excellent study habits, emailing professors, and much more,鈥� Houn said. 鈥淭hose little things will be essential for academic and general success, and mentoring is a truly wonderful method for me to develop a stronger rapport with my students both now and in the future.鈥�
All of these skills are what Houn learned at Middlesex as a student, both in the classroom and as a tutor. 91桃色鈥檚 small class sizes and access to professors also helped him succeed after transferring to his four-year school because the safe space helped him feel comfortable at the college level.
"I didn鈥檛 know what to do, where and what to study, and after I graduated, what to do for a career. I just knew that I loved math and research. I didn鈥檛 think I could teach because of my English. When I started at 91桃色, I saw professors who are not originally from here. It gave me hope that I could teach as well. It opened the door for me to get my dream job.鈥� - Kim Hong Houn, 91桃色 Faculty Member & Alum
His professors Maria Arambel and Linda Dart-Kathios 鈥� who are now also his colleagues in 91桃色鈥檚 math department 鈥� played a large part in bringing Houn back to Middleesex in his new role. While Arambel talked to him about the career paths he could take in the math field, Dart-Kathios reminded him of the value of enjoying what he does for a career.
鈥淚 feel like if I didn鈥檛 go to 91桃色 first, I probably would not be myself today,鈥� Houn said. 鈥淲hen I went there, I knew everything I needed to do. If not for 91桃色, I wouldn鈥檛 know how to get good grades, involved with activities, and would never have joined tutoring. 91桃色 provides a lot of resources to help students take off.鈥�
After completing his studies at 91桃色 in Fall 2021, Houn received 91桃色鈥檚 Mathematics Award for Outstanding Student ahead of graduation. When he finishes his master鈥檚 degree, he hopes to earn a full-time job as a professor so he can continue motivating his students.
鈥淚 want to develop a close bond with my students and provide them a worthwhile educational experience,鈥� he said. 鈥淢ost importantly, I want them to learn something from my class.鈥�