Annual Report 2016_web

student profile:
Airada Daamdee
BRICKER
“
...I know what its like to be
different and be in a new land,
to experience a new culture.”
Airada Daamdee Bricker is a role model for getting the
most out of a college education. She’s also a role
model for her family and a living example of the
American dream.
Bricker, a psychophysiology sophomore, is involved in several
clubs and organizations including: Student Government Association,
Bonner Volunteers, Upward Bound and the marching
band. She also serves as a tutor.
Bricker broke new ground at LWC when she was selected
field commander for the LWC marching band, the first time a
freshman has held that honor. She was also elected LWC’s 2016
homecoming queen by her peers.
But being crowned queen wasn’t the most memorable thing
she experienced homecoming weekend. Less than 24 hours before
her crowning, she became a naturalized U.S. citizen.
“That was a really big weekend for me,” Bricker said. “Others
at the naturalization interview asked me if I was going to go
party. I said, No, I’m going to go practice.”
Bricker said it was humbling that her classmates voted her to
be homecoming queen.
“I didn’t think I would win,” she said. “I told my family to
not expect very much.”
Bricker is from Elizabethtown, Ky., but she was born in Thailand.
When she was 8, she and her mother immigrated to the
United States. Bricker said she is driven to be successful because
of a promise she made to her family.
“My whole family – my grandparents, aunts, uncles and
nieces – are in Thailand,” she said. “They are my motivation.
We didn’t come from a wealthy family. We started at the bottom
and are still working our way up.”
“My grandparents have experienced a rough life, and have
lived in poverty. My mom went through it as well, she didn’t
have the chance to finish high school. In a way, I’m their hope
and their chance to have a better life. There’s a lot of pressure
on me to do well in school because I promised them that someday
I’ll be able to take care of them.”
Bricker said it was difficult to immigrate to America. Because
of her experience, she works with LWC’s International Student
Program.
“We play together, pray together, study and eat together,” she
said. “I am passionate about it because I know what it feels like
to be different and be in a new land, to experience a completely
new culture. The least I could do is give them guidance and be a
person they can go to when they need help, love, and support.”
Bricker said the people have been the best thing about her
LWC experience.
“Lindsey has made a huge impact on my life and my faith,”
she said, “I am surrounded by so many great people who have
helped me find my way.”
Recently, Bricker won first place at a student showcase event
called “Lindsey’s Got Talent.” She dedicated her performance to
one of those friends she met at LWC.
“I represented her on the stage because she has been such a
great friend and has helped me through so much,” she said, “She
was homeless before coming to Lindsey, and she has no support
from her family. The first-place prize was money and I gave it to
my friend to show support and to say thank you.”
Bricker plans to attend medical school after LWC.
“Originally I was signed up as a biology major but switched
because I also enjoyed the psychology aspect of psychophysiology,”
she said. “I plan on going to medical school, so it’s a perfect
major for me. I couldn’t imagine being in a better program
or at a better school. I just love this place and the people here.”
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