Originally from Mongolia, Khulan Tsolmon moved to the United States in 2015. As a first-generation immigrant and college student, she faced challenges during the college application process due to her unfamiliarity with its requirements. After enrolling at Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), Khulan began taking general college courses, which represented a significant step up from her high school studies. Motivated by the new learning environment, she developed a passion for her required courses, particularly an accounting class.

Khulan reflects on her time at NOVA, praising the high-quality professors. She is grateful to NOVA for providing a strong foundation for her education that helped her transition to her four-year college. Reflecting on her path, Khulan shared that after high school, she felt as though she was behind her peers due to her visa status and an additional year of study at NOVA. She advises new students to stay consistent, focus on long-term goals, and never be discouraged by obstacles or setbacks. "It's never too late," she emphasizes.

Financial struggles were also a major hurdle for Khulan as an international student at NOVA. She highlights the critical role of financial support, noting that even small amounts of assistance can be a powerful motivator and help students overcome significant challenges.

In 2021, Khulan graduated from NOVA with an Associate's degree in Business and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from George Mason University. During her time at Mason, she took advantage of the university’s Handshake platform to secure an internship, which ultimately led to a full-time job offer from CLA (Clifton Larson Allen LLP). Grateful for the opportunity, Khulan credits the internship with providing valuable experience in both administration and accounting, which has been pivotal in her current career.  Khulan would also like to encourage donors to assist not only financially, but by providing career opportunities such as internships. Sometimes, experience and lessons can be far more valuable.

Khulan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of enthusiastic support, and the foundation that a strong academic background provides.

To join the NOVA Foundation Alumni and Friends Network, please click here.

To empower bright futures for students like Khulan, please click here.