When Jum first arrived in the United States from Thailand, she carried with her a deep sense of responsibility to follow a practical path, one shaped by expectations rather than passion. What she did not yet know was that her true calling lay in creativity, healing, and helping others find their own voices through art.

Jum’s early academic journey began overseas, where she studied business computing, and political science in Thailand. She went on to work in both business and government sectors, always carrying on a sense of being of service to others. Jum immigrated to the U.S. for the first time in 2004, moving around the country following her ex-husband’s career. To discover her identity beyond being a housewife and pursue her childhood dream of being a teacher to the underprivileged, she moved away in 2008 to travel and go to graduate school in Sydney, Australia.

For half a decade, art became more than just a creative outlet. It became a language, a way of living, and a medium of advocacy. Jum immersed herself in artistic practice, discovering how creativity helped her process transition, identity, and healing, all the while engaging with her communities, utilizing her experience and art to empower others to do the same. That realization led her to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), where she enrolled in 2019 to pursue prerequisites in psychology and studio art, setting her sights on a career in art therapy.

At NOVA, Jum found both academic rigor and invaluable support. She completed her coursework during one of the most challenging periods in recent history, the COVID-19 pandemic, when classes shifted fully online. With support from the college, including critical financial assistance, Jum was able to stay enrolled, focused, and moving forward.

“The support I received wasn’t about charity,” Jum shared. “It was about empowerment. It gave me the dignity and stability to keep going and believe in my path.”

Jum credits NOVA’s well-structured online courses, dedicated faculty, and meaningful relationships, especially with professors who took the time to truly connect, with helping her succeed. The skills she gained in psychology and art deepened her understanding of people and strengthened her commitment to helping others reach their full potential.

After graduating in December 2020, Jum continued her educational journey and is now nearing the finish line of graduating from a master’s degree in counseling art therapy. Alongside her studies, she founded Triple E Consulting, a company focused on education, emigration, and empowerment, providing immigration integration services and coaching.

Jum remains deeply grateful to NOVA donors whose generosity made her journey possible. She believes education is one of the most powerful tools for transformation and hopes to give back by fostering creativity and empowerment in others. Looking ahead, she envisions new ways for students and institutions to collaborate, such as art galleries, creative spaces, and art-based fundraising initiatives that uplift student voices and experiences. Jum’s collaboration with a NOVA ESL professor, John Kinney, on “NOVA Keepsake Project,” funded by the NOVA Foundation is a testament to the embodiment of empowerment.

“When donors invest in education, they’re not just funding classes,” Jum said. “They’re giving people hope, agency, and the chance to become who they’re meant to be.”

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