Alumni of Grand Canyon University’s scholarship program addressed new recipients at the Canyon Rising Scholarship Reception held at Global Credit Union Arena. The event marked the start of the academic year for 1,300 new scholars from across the country.
Quyen Phan, a member of the first cohort to receive what was then called the Students Inspiring Students Scholarship in 2016, spoke about his experiences and background. Now an alumnus and co-founder and design engineer for ONYX Design and Manufacturing in Phoenix, Phan described how his family immigrated to Phoenix after his grandfather, who fought alongside U.S. soldiers during the Vietnam War, was released from a prisoner-of-war camp.
“We came from nothing,” Phan said. He noted that his parents do not speak English or have high school diplomas but encouraged him to pursue education. Phan recalled struggling as an English Language Learner until his sophomore year of high school and initially pursuing pre-medicine due to family expectations before discovering a passion for engineering.
Phan advised incoming students: “Smart people lose out because they lack confidence. Find your confidence.” He emphasized making connections on campus, seeking opportunities, and working on projects beyond academics. By graduation, he had four job offers and secured a position at SpaceX with support from GCU professors.
Joining Phan on the panel were alumni Brianna Castro and Luis Peña Espinoza, both 2022 graduates. Castro now works as a university admissions counselor at GCU; Peña Espinoza is a product owner at PrePass, a Phoenix transportation technology company.
Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli congratulated scholarship recipients during the reception and challenged them: “It’s the start that stops most people.” She encouraged students to remain eager and open to growth rather than focusing on perceived skill gaps. “My challenge to you is to say yes more than you say no,” she said.
Peña Espinoza told students: “You are never going to be ready, so get ready to be uncomfortable.” He urged them to embrace challenging situations—whether starting businesses or making friends—and accept awkward moments as part of growth.
Castro addressed feelings of impostor syndrome among students: “Don’t believe them. I tell my students it is going to be hard, there is going to be hardship, but that’s where that resilience comes in.” She reflected on her own challenges balancing schoolwork with family hardships but highlighted how perseverance made a difference for her family.
New scholar Antonio Ibarra Tabullo shared his career goals after the event: he works as a medical assistant at HonorHealth and aims to become an emergency physician there. He appreciated Peña Espinoza’s advice about facing discomfort: “That’s something that will stick with me: It’s OK to be scared.”
Victor Garcia, another new student who recently moved from Mexico, echoed these sentiments as he began studies in engineering: “It’s the start that stops most people.”
The reception set an encouraging tone for incoming Canyon Rising Scholars as they begin their academic journeys.
