Linda Phan may only be 17, but she already has two years of working in the City of Seattle government under her belt. She’ll be studying politics at Pomona College and is excited to continue working in the political sphere. As an Asian-American woman with a low-income background, this 1,000 Dreams Fund Scholarship recipient has unique insight to share with other community leaders — and that’s precisely what she intends to do!

What is your professional dream?

I want to become a congresswoman.

How will you use the 1,000 Dreams Scholarship? 

I’ll use it to fund my college-related expenses — a laptop is my first priority!

How is this scholarship helping you get closer to your dream?

With the scholarship, I’m able to access essential resources I’ll need to succeed in college.

​What advice do you have for other young women who are wanting to pursue their dreams?

Your past doesn’t define your future. My background discouraged me from dreaming big. But now, knowing that I have the support of 1,000 Dreams Fund and other organizations emphasizes my success despite my struggles. I let my doubts and misconceptions about myself prevent me from striving for my very best for a long time, and I know this is a common narrative for lots of other women. Never give up and never look back!

​Have you had any setbacks? How did you move past them?

Being a first-generation, low-income student is the hardest part about my life. However, my experiences and tenacity have given me the skills to excel in my desired career field: politics.

What’s next for you? What is your next goal?

I hope to run for City Council in the next few years — whether it’s during college in Claremont or after I graduate back home in Seattle!