As a student tutor for Middlesex Community College’s Academic Centers for Enrichment (ACE), Kim Hong Houn discovered a passion for teaching. From Cambodia and now living in Lowell, Houn returned to Middlesex for the Spring 2023 semester to work as a mathematics faculty member while he earns a master’s degree from UMass Lowell.

“When I came to the United States, I was kind of lost,” Houn said. “I didn’t know what to do, where and what to study, and after I graduated, what to do for a career. I just knew that I loved math and research. I didn’t think I could teach because of my English. When I started at MCC, I saw professors who are not originally from here. It gave me hope that I could teach as well. It opened the door for me to get my dream job.”

In addition to teaching a course, Houn is mentoring students in the Success Scholars Program. As building connections with his students is his biggest priority, he appreciates learning about the different perspectives and backgrounds they bring to the college. Whether as a faculty member or mentor, his goal is to better help his students adjust to college life and “prepare them for their upcoming journey,” he said.

“The Success Scholars program offers a wealth of tools to guide students toward a successful start to college, including advice on time management, setting academic and personal goals, developing excellent study habits, emailing professors, and much more,” Houn said. “Those little things will be essential for academic and general success, and mentoring is a truly wonderful method for me to develop a stronger rapport with my students both now and in the future.”

All of these skills are what Houn learned at Middlesex as a student, both in the classroom and as a tutor. MCC’s small class sizes and access to professors also helped him succeed after transferring to his four-year school because the safe space helped him feel comfortable at the college level.

"I didn’t know what to do, where and what to study, and after I graduated, what to do for a career. I just knew that I loved math and research. I didn’t think I could teach because of my English. When I started at MCC, I saw professors who are not originally from here. It gave me hope that I could teach as well. It opened the door for me to get my dream job.” - Kim Hong Houn, MCC Faculty Member & Alum

His professors Maria Arambel and Linda Dart-Kathios – who are now also his colleagues in MCC’s math department – played a large part in bringing Houn back to Middleesex in his new role. While Arambel talked to him about the career paths he could take in the math field, Dart-Kathios reminded him of the value of enjoying what he does for a career.

“I feel like if I didn’t go to MCC first, I probably would not be myself today,” Houn said. “When I went there, I knew everything I needed to do. If not for MCC, I wouldn’t know how to get good grades, involved with activities, and would never have joined tutoring. MCC provides a lot of resources to help students take off.”

After completing his studies at MCC in Fall 2021, Houn received MCC’s Mathematics Award for Outstanding Student ahead of graduation. When he finishes his master’s degree, he hopes to earn a full-time job as a professor so he can continue motivating his students.

“I want to develop a close bond with my students and provide them a worthwhile educational experience,” he said. “Most importantly, I want them to learn something from my class.”