Yen Tran, from Vietnam, is a full-time graduate student at Missouri State University and a single mom of twins.

Pregnant while she was still in school, Yen tried her best to attend every class, fulfill all class requirements and assignments. Things got much more complicated when she had the twins. Yen delivered the twins three months before her due date. Her twins had some medical complications due to being born earlier than their due date.

How does Yen juggle school work and being a single mom to twins? “I work on my homework assignments whenever they fall asleep,” said Yen. “You think that exams are horrifying? Try imagining taking those while still taking care of your babies,” Yen continued. “I do not think much on how I do it, but I just do it because I simply have to survive and raise my kids, giving them a happy and fulfilled life.”

Her one-year-old twins require special medical care.  However, Yen still lives her life to the full and stays positive. People around Yen describe her as a “ray of sunshine.” Yen is thankful for the help she receives from her friends, neighbors, and her professors at MSU.

“I love the Department of Communication. At first, I thought it was going to be so tough, but then I found out school work in this major was very pleasant. I learned so much on communication issues that are helpful for my twins in the future. I managed to solve problems, do things creatively, and believe there is always a way to every issue.”

Yen said she loves going to class. “I learn new and useful things, meet wonderful people. It is amazing how creative the students at the Department Communication are.”