Sharon Jang

Wherever I go, I represent my cultural values and stand as both a learner and teacher."

A bilingual Korean-American who is adept at cultural switching, Sharon Jang was inspired to study Dentistry after a job-shadow experience in the Dominican Republic. At TCC, Jang began an educational journey she hopes will lead to a Bachelor of Science in Community Health, and then to a Dental Science Doctorate.

Through her work with the College’s award-winning Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) chapter, Jang also began a journey of personal and social transformation. Jang became involved with PTK’s 2017-18 Honors in Action project, which involved hosting a symposium titled “Detained in Tacoma,” about the Northwest Detention Center. Midway through the complex, high-pressure project, the PTK President and Treasurer resigned.

“Ms. Jang, along with a fellow officer became Co-Presidents of the chapter and had to pick up the pieces to carry and finish the research and action component of the project,” wrote PTK Advisor Dr. Tomas Ramos in a letter of recommendation for Jang. “I can assure you I have observed, experienced and benefitted from her ability to be organized, easygoing, and always open minded.”

The symposium, which Jang and her fellow PTK members carried through to completion, went on to win accolades at the international PTK conference in Utah that spring. Jang says she was inspired to take the lead on the project partly because of the contradiction she saw between the welcoming, multicultural Tacoma of her childhood and the Tacoma that is home to the nation’s fourth largest immigrant detention center.

“My drive for wanting to share my work surrounding detainees led me to take the co-lead on the project, said Jang. “The event ended with positive feedback from faculty, students, and the community. Although opportunities for change remain for the future, this particular endeavor was one step closer in fulfilling Tacoma, WA's title as the "Welcoming City."

Jang also holds a regional position within PTK, as Vice President Regional Officer of District II. In that role, she provides scholarship information for PTK members and resources for PTK international students. As a result of these experiences, Jang has started writing an eBook based on her own scholarship-seeking experiences. Her fellow students will be able to download the book for free.

About the All-Washington Scholars

Every spring, two outstanding students from each of Washington's 34 community and technical colleges are celebrated at the All Washington Scholars event, held at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia. The students are selected for high academic achievement and ongoing commitment to community service.