PETER CHANG

PETER CHANG is a contributor to the new book “A Career in Student Affairs: Reflections from Hmong Student Affairs Educators.” In his chapter, titled "UNPREPARED FOR THE UNEXPECTED," Peter shares with us about the importance of being ready for the unexpected, even when you might be the only one in the room, because representation is crucial. His role goes beyond just educating; he also aims to represent diversity. In most places he enters, he’s often the only Asian person, and usually the only Hmong person as well.

“Representation matters. All the Hmong people I have looked up to was never behind a desk or had their own office. I never saw someone who looked like me, spoke the same language as me, understood the culture in an influential position. I never realized how much that mattered…” - Peter Chang.

A CAREER IN STUDENT AFFAIRS highlights the unique experiences of Hmong student affairs professionals from a wide range of professional levels, institutional settings, and functional areas. Each author shares a journey into student affairs and how this was navigated to become a student affairs career. Each chapter also concludes with advice for Hmong students who are considering a career in student affairs and provides insights for prospective and current Hmong college students. This book is a great resource for student affairs professionals, faculty, and institutional leaders working with Hmong students exploring career options in higher education. Because many of the professionals were the first in their family to enter higher education, reading their experiences can be very beneficial to many Hmong students.