(PHOENIX, AZ) – In 1957, American writer and journalist, Allen Saunders said, “Life is what happens to us when we are making other plans.” Perhaps no one knows this better than Shu Ping Hsu, a Chinese native, born and raised in Colombo, Sri Lanka. While Shu’s unique career path may be anything but traditional, she is right where she wants to be.
Before coming to the United States, Shu was a rising star in the fashion merchandising industry in Sri Lanka. Within 10 years, she quickly moved from merchandiser trainee to manager and worked for some of the biggest companies in Sri Lanka: Brandix, MAS Holdings, Next PLC, and Norlanka Manufacturing. It was her position and keen industry knowledge that led to many opportunities working with buyers in the United States and the United Kingdom. Shu worked with some of the most popular buyers in the fashion industry including Abercrombie and Fitch, Rennoc, and Next. She also worked with a buyer from the UK to launch FG4 in the Middle East.
However, in 2013 Shu left the merchandising world and Sri Lanka and moved to Phoenix, Arizona, to share her life with her husband. While she may have said goodbye to a career she loved in Sri Lanka, she continued to explore her passion by registering for English-as-a-Second Language (ESL) classes at Phoenix College. She needed to improve her English skills before she could enroll in fashion design classes at the college. Ironically, it was this decision to register for ESL classes that led to her next unexpected journey.
“My husband was the one who actually found Phoenix College,” she said. “It is the only community college that offers fashion design classes. I loved taking classes at PC. The environment is cozy and the teachers are friendly.”
Again, Shu quickly became a rising star. However, this time, she excelled in her ESL classes at Phoenix College, and ESL Program Director, Jeff Eldot noticed not only Shu’s strong academic ability, but also her collaborative nature and leadership skills. He asked her to join his team of Student Success Specialists, a group of former ESL students who act as teaching assistants and tutors in the classroom.
“To be honest, when I suggested to Shu that she consider becoming a Success Specialist, I wanted her to work with me in the classroom. Shu can put a smile on anyone’s face. She easily connects with students from many different cultures, age groups, and academic backgrounds. She has superior content knowledge and always works with students in a professional manner,” Eldot said.
While Shu was drawn to the fashion design classes at first, she discovered a new passion for education and helping other students.
“These opportunities changed my life,” Shu expressed. “I gained a lot of experience in both roles, which helped me to become an Instructional Assistant at Alhambra High School. I love working with the students and watching them succeed,” she said.
Currently, Shu is working as a Students Success Specialist at Phoenix College and as an Instructional Assistant at Alhambra High School.
“Shu is the longest serving ESL Success Specialist in our program, and in that position, she has supported 100s of English language learners realize their hopes and dreams. She is a wonderful role model,” added Eldot.