​Mai Xiong comes from a poor background with family roots in Thailand. She remembers as a young child when her parents said they were moving to the US so their children could get an education and break the family cycle of poverty. And wow, did she ever succeed!

Getting married right out of High School, Mai quickly had four children and was expecting her fifth child when she enrolled at Saint Paul College with dreams of a career in Nursing. She promptly learned in her classes that she also had a passion for seeing how the human body works through microscopes. After counseling support from her instructors and advisors, Mai redirected her pursuit to the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program. She worked very hard and recalled studying on campus for many dedicated hours while her husband maintained their busy household.

Even though school was challenging for her, Mai was persistent in pursuing her Technician degree. She was so grateful for her teachers, who were always available to help her out. Mai recalled many times when teachers would go through practice test questions to improve her testing skills. She smiles as she recalls the support she repeatedly received to help make her dreams come true and become a first-generation student with a college degree in her family. Mai appreciated Saint Paul College's commitment to her education journey. She contrasted her experiences with her husband's educational journey at a private college where he received significantly less personal support.

After much persistence, Mai Xiong received an Associate degree in 2020 and quickly landed a job in the healthcare industry. She serves as a Laboratory Specialist at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood and is continuing her educational journey to pursue a Bachelor's degree as a Medical Laboratory Scientist. Mai is pleased to support her large family and realize the fulfillment associated with taking care of her family and living the American Dream. And her parents are proud of her too!