Micky Chahcoi’s educational path was far from traditional. Raised in Oklahoma, he faced a difficult upbringing that disrupted his education early on. After enrolling at Oklahoma State University, he struggled academically and ultimately dropped out with a 1.5 GPA. Though he had found success through careers in business, he “felt a sense of emptiness and lacked a meaningful sense of accomplishment.”
In 2023, Micky made the decision to return to school. “I knew I was capable of more, and that’s what brought me to Golden West,” he said. Coming back to the classroom after 13 years posed its own challenges. “Not only did I have to knock off some rust, but I was also much older than everyone else,” he recalled. “Being in a room full of 20-year-olds was definitely a culture shock.” Still, he found the environment to be unexpectedly welcoming.
What began as a simple goal to finish a degree quickly evolved into a deep passion for learning—especially in math—where Micky began to excel. He credits much of his growth to the faculty and staff at Golden West, including Herman Singh, Gita Alemansour, Harry Anderson, and Michael Tran. These mentors, he says, helped him find his voice in and outside of the classroom, and gave him the confidence to use it. “They made me believe I was capable… especially considering all the imposter syndrome I felt about whether or not I belonged,” he shared. “Golden West really fosters a culture of success for those who are willing to seek it. Once you show you're serious and ready to put in the effort, people will go out of their way to support you.”
Micky’s hard work paid off. He earned straight A’s and received several prestigious honors, including the Regents and Chancellor’s Scholarship at UC Berkeley, which covers the full cost of attendance. He was also awarded scholarships from UC Merced, Santa Clara University, UC Riverside, and UCLA, along with UCLA’s Transfer Alumni and Bruin Success Scholarships.
Though his original dream was to attend UCLA or UC Berkeley, a conversation with Michael Tran, a counselor in the Transfer Center, encouraged him to consider applying to other top-tier universities as well. This led to his acceptance to Stanford University, where the transfer acceptance rate is just two percent. While at Stanford, Micky plans to major in Management Science and Engineering and minor in Sustainability. “It’s not the finish line—it’s just the beginning,” he said. Looking ahead, Micky hopes to earn an MBA and create an organization focused on social impact and environmental sustainability.
Reflecting on his journey, Micky speaks to the lasting impact of Golden West. “Every time I stepped on campus, I felt reenergized. I hadn't felt that kind of connection and support in a long time.”
Micky advises those starting their own academic journey to “make your own plan, trust yourself, and embrace hard work. If you stay committed, things will fall into place.”
