SoCalGas issues scholarships to two students

NORWALK — The Cerritos College Foundation has announced Rachelle Elhessen and Tran Pham as the recipients of the SoCalGas Scholarship, with both students receiving $5,000 to support the continuation of their higher education. 

Rachelle Elhessen just earned associate degrees for transfer in mathematics and physics from Cerritos College and has been accepted to the University of Southern California (USC). She plans to earn a B.S. in chemical engineering with the goal of advancing technologies in sustainable and clean energy to aid third-world countries. 

A Bellflower resident, Rachelle was active in the Cerritos College's Scholars' Honors Program and NASA Aerospace Scholars Program. She also participated in the Research Experience Program at the University of Southern California. 

"Engineering can be used for so much more than just structurally designing houses and buildings," said Rachelle. "Having visited third world countries in the Middle East, I have witnessed first-hand the consequences of water and electricity shortages. As a chemical engineer, I can remedy this problem."

Tran Pham will matriculate to the University of California, Berkeley where she will continue her business administration studies. After earning her bachelor's degree, she wants to work for a Big-4 accounting firm as a certified public accountant (CPA).  

While at Cerritos College, Tran served as the President of the Cerritos College Accounting Club and Vice President of Education at Cerritos College Toastmasters. She also co-founded the campus chapter of the Association of Latin Professionals for America (ALPFA). 

"I want to become a CPA as I believe it will grant me a better future and help me become a better-rounded professional. Organizations flourish by creating and supporting transparency and other community values. CPAs play an essential role in delivering that mission, as they are well-respected strategic business advisors and decision-makers," said Tran. 

"We are honored to provide scholarships to Rachelle and Tran. Their academic achievements, goals, and volunteer experiences were exceptional," said Julia Emerson, Public Affairs Manager at SoCalGas. 

Emerson is a Cerritos College alumna, who served as Vice President of the Associated Students of Cerritos College and then-mascot Freda Falcon.

"We send our appreciation and well-wishes to all of the students who applied," she said.