Lilie Hau '18: Student Spotlight
Lilie Hau ’18 never thought she would be a Justice, Community and Leadership major. After a few semesters at Saint Mary’s, however, and time spent deeply involved in Jumpstart, she has realized just where her passion lies. Jumpstart is a program that works with small groups of preschool children in underserved communities on literacy and language programs, giving them a greater chance to succeed. According to Lilie, working 10-15 hours a week developing classroom activities for children and attending trainings on childhood education, family involvement, and social justice is by far the most rewarding experience she has had at the College. Lilie enjoys watching her students learn, grow, and excel in the classroom and is considering becoming a teacher one day.
A San Francisco native and first generation Vietnamese American, Lilie is the recipient of the Robert S. & Kathleen A. Sattui Endowed Scholarship, the Kalmanovitz Bay Area Scholarship, and the Brother Mel Anderson Endowment. Lilie’s parents, who work in a restaurant in San Francisco, moved to the United States because they wanted better opportunities for their children. Lilie has an older sister and two younger siblings. With the generosity of her scholarships, the financial burden of attending Saint Mary’s College was lifted and Lilie and her family are very grateful.
Lilie chose Saint Mary’s because she had attended De Mariallac Academy which is co-sponsored by the De La Salle Christian Brothers and the Daughters of Charity. Many of her teachers there had attended Saint Mary’s and shared stories about their wonderful experiences at the College. She also attended Sacred Heart High School and her counselor there had attended and highly recommended Saint Mary’s. Lilie was intrigued, came on a campus visit, and fell in love with both the programs offered and the environment at the College.
Lilie’s favorite professor is Manisha Anantharaman an, Assistant Professor in Justice, Community, and Leadership. She says Professor Anantharaman has “a unique way of teaching that is intriguing and understandable” and that “when dealing with Social Justice, it’s easy to point out all the problems but that Professor Anatharaman has a way of making things seem hopeful and positive.”
Lilie also volunteers in the Legacy Garden and has tutored at Monument Crisis Center in Contra Costa County, a community based non-profit family resource center. The Center offers nutritious food, quality resources, and referrals to low-income individuals and families in order to help them become stable and secure in our community.
After college, Lilie is considering volunteering for the Peace Corps or working in education or in the nonprofit sector. Through Jumpstart, she has learned how much she loves working with and teaching children and is eager to give back. She loves to see their growth and is inspired when they strive to reach their potential. This summer, Lilie plans to work at a restaurant with her parents and do some volunteering and tutoring. Lilie is very appreciative of the scholarships she has received at Saint Mary’s: “I would like to thank those who are giving me the opportunity to achieve my dreams to learn and grow, and to meet and work with incredible people. Saint Mary’s has given me that experience, and I will always be grateful. Thank you.”