Testimonials from Past Students
Yushi O., Graduated from University of Madison, Wisconsin
"I am a Wildlife Ecology student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. My dream is to become a wildlife researcher in my home country, Japan and contribute to the coexistence of humans and wildlife at the national and international level. To approach this goal, I am now striving to obtain a solid background in natural sciences, fieldwork, and research. In my undergraduate Honors Research Program, I am expecting to develop a project that has significant relevance to wildlife medicine, one of my areas of interest. I truly enjoy university life, feeling that the preparation now will become my great strength when I reach graduate level, and eventually, a professional."
"Professor Le and his Philosophy 003: Critical Thinking and Writing (Fall 2006, De Anza College, Cupertino) changed the way I live and pursue my dream. In class, I was shocked to learn that the current society, serving the interest of the dominant few, suppresses our inner growth and happiness by degrading our reason. Indeed, this control by the liberal democratic government, the media, business corporations, and materialistic culture had diverted my attention from what I ought to be thinking about: critically analyzing the past and logically planning the future to realize my dream.
"It was not easy for me to reach this self-awareness, and Professor Le and my fellow classmate from Phil 003 devoted considerable amount of time out of class discussing with me. Through their guidance, I became a constructive planner of my life. Self-awareness also gave me a level of optimism, confidence, and imperturbability that was previously unattainable. It is worthy to note that my admittance to Wisconsin and current success owe greatly to these abilities. As I continue to create my destiny and advance toward my goal, I embrace Professor Le’s teaching and feel extremely grateful for his contribution to my spiritual growth."
"Professor Le and his Philosophy 003: Critical Thinking and Writing (Fall 2006, De Anza College, Cupertino) changed the way I live and pursue my dream. In class, I was shocked to learn that the current society, serving the interest of the dominant few, suppresses our inner growth and happiness by degrading our reason. Indeed, this control by the liberal democratic government, the media, business corporations, and materialistic culture had diverted my attention from what I ought to be thinking about: critically analyzing the past and logically planning the future to realize my dream.
"It was not easy for me to reach this self-awareness, and Professor Le and my fellow classmate from Phil 003 devoted considerable amount of time out of class discussing with me. Through their guidance, I became a constructive planner of my life. Self-awareness also gave me a level of optimism, confidence, and imperturbability that was previously unattainable. It is worthy to note that my admittance to Wisconsin and current success owe greatly to these abilities. As I continue to create my destiny and advance toward my goal, I embrace Professor Le’s teaching and feel extremely grateful for his contribution to my spiritual growth."
Darija W., Graduated from St. Mary's College of California
“I entered into Philosophy 130 (Diablo Valley College, Spring 2007) simply seeking to fulfill a transfer requirement. I did not realize that I would leave at the end of the semester with my scholastic, social, and professional goals changed forever. I knew that I was ready for the big time. I had just started an internship with a major investment firm, I was already planning for graduate school (even though I was barely through junior college), and I was determined to take the patriarchy by its horns and show it what a woman unaffected by gender stereotypes could really do! The direction of my future hasn’t deviated much, but the way I have approached it has. I’ve learned to build my career on focus and determination rather than arrogance, and I have learned that running out of steam just isn’t an option. I’m currently a junior at St. Mary’s College, and am preparing for the LSAT as I will be applying to Law School next fall.”
“What I will never forget about being in Mr. Le’s class is the inspiration he gave me in pursuing my goals, and to really examine my ideas about success. I realized that most of my goals were based upon the acquisition of material things, and had little to do with spiritual fulfillment. He questioned my belief that happiness could be bought, and that relationships were just temporal things that had no purpose other than a distraction.”
“Originally, I thought that he was going to be another pessimistic teacher who was going to write the world off as doomed. It was when he began to talk about obstacles and how to avoid setting yourself up for failure that I became really intrigued. By sending students the message that you should never limit yourself or underestimate your own intellect, he really made me think twice about the colleges I applied to and the jobs I took in the future. I can testify to the fact that his teachings not only affected my life, but other students who took his class that semester and also experienced a change of perspective. I see him now and again, and come to him when I need direction. He offers patience, objectivity, and most of all that nudge we all need to keep going."
“What I will never forget about being in Mr. Le’s class is the inspiration he gave me in pursuing my goals, and to really examine my ideas about success. I realized that most of my goals were based upon the acquisition of material things, and had little to do with spiritual fulfillment. He questioned my belief that happiness could be bought, and that relationships were just temporal things that had no purpose other than a distraction.”
“Originally, I thought that he was going to be another pessimistic teacher who was going to write the world off as doomed. It was when he began to talk about obstacles and how to avoid setting yourself up for failure that I became really intrigued. By sending students the message that you should never limit yourself or underestimate your own intellect, he really made me think twice about the colleges I applied to and the jobs I took in the future. I can testify to the fact that his teachings not only affected my life, but other students who took his class that semester and also experienced a change of perspective. I see him now and again, and come to him when I need direction. He offers patience, objectivity, and most of all that nudge we all need to keep going."
Mar C. , Graduated from University of California, Davis
"Many lawyers had advised me that if I want to pursue, in the future, a degree in Law, I must take courses in either Economics or Philosophy. A year prior to entering the classroom, I was sent to Iraq to support the “Global War on Terrorism.” While I was there, any opportunity I had I would inquire information from fellow soldiers who had already graduated from college across the U.S. to conceived of what they think of Philosophy as a subject in college, for I know nothing about it. Few said the subject was dreadful, and majority were glad that they had taken such thought provoking class because it had reformed in how they perceived life despite of all the chaos that we were currently in at that time. My curiosity of the subject further blossomed which lead me to purchased great books such as The Story of Philosophy, and Plato’s Complete Works. The effects after reading these books over time was like a child had eaten a chocolate for the first time. I demanded for more!"
"After I returned from overseas in the Fall of 2006, I decided to enroll in Diablo Valley College because of its well known reputation of great quality of transfer students. In the Spring of 2007, one of the classes I ended-up registering was Mr. Trung Le’s Philosophy 120: Introduction to Philosophycourse. Initially, I thought of two things only and these were: one was that I will either drop the class if it puts me to sleep, or secondly, I was to stay until the end if it was intellectually stimulating. I never would have imagined in a subject such as Philosophy that the word “fun” was even possible." "On his extraordinary approach of questioning his students, Mr. Le somehow managed to make the entire class exciting on the first day. Empirical questions such as 'Why are you here?' and 'What would you do if I give you $50,000 every year for the rest of your life?' were stimulating enough to make majority in his class stay until the end of the semester." "In addition, one of the compelling topics that he taught in his class which was deeply intriguing to me was the idea of 'Liberal Democracy'. I learned that only few, who are the elites, who managed to rule the majority of society, for the majority are incapable of conducting important matters even the ones that are beneficial to them. Unfortunately, these elites tend to successfully get selfish on the course of their operation." "On the other hand, Mr. Le greatly influenced the way I think about my academics especially on the importance of maintaining a higher grade point average so that it will not become a hindrance on my opportunities for transferring to prestigious universities. Furthermore, he helped me realized that there are more positive things in life if you look at it in a holistic and logical way."
"After I returned from overseas in the Fall of 2006, I decided to enroll in Diablo Valley College because of its well known reputation of great quality of transfer students. In the Spring of 2007, one of the classes I ended-up registering was Mr. Trung Le’s Philosophy 120: Introduction to Philosophycourse. Initially, I thought of two things only and these were: one was that I will either drop the class if it puts me to sleep, or secondly, I was to stay until the end if it was intellectually stimulating. I never would have imagined in a subject such as Philosophy that the word “fun” was even possible." "On his extraordinary approach of questioning his students, Mr. Le somehow managed to make the entire class exciting on the first day. Empirical questions such as 'Why are you here?' and 'What would you do if I give you $50,000 every year for the rest of your life?' were stimulating enough to make majority in his class stay until the end of the semester." "In addition, one of the compelling topics that he taught in his class which was deeply intriguing to me was the idea of 'Liberal Democracy'. I learned that only few, who are the elites, who managed to rule the majority of society, for the majority are incapable of conducting important matters even the ones that are beneficial to them. Unfortunately, these elites tend to successfully get selfish on the course of their operation." "On the other hand, Mr. Le greatly influenced the way I think about my academics especially on the importance of maintaining a higher grade point average so that it will not become a hindrance on my opportunities for transferring to prestigious universities. Furthermore, he helped me realized that there are more positive things in life if you look at it in a holistic and logical way."
Eugene C., Graduated from University of California, Berkeley
"Mr. Le is simply one of the best instructors I’ve had in college. He is obviously passionate about his subject, but what truly sets him apart is his even greater passion of helping his students improve as a person. Indeed, as an educator, that is the way it ought to be. Mr. Le has his own political views and beliefs but one never feels pressure from him to adapt his opinions. He is thought provoking and emphasizes on how to think rather than what to think; the very meaning of education – though admittedly we tend to lose sight of that."
"Mr. Le is extremely approachable; he never comes off as an intellectual snob or a high and mighty, infallible professor. If a student is willing, Mr. Le always has time to work with him or her outside of class. Don’t be afraid to bring your own thoughts and ideas to the table either; show him (and us) what you’ve got! Mr. Le is the epitome of the eternal student; he is humble enough to learn from you."
"The most important counsel I received from Mr. Le was his advice to pursue a career in academia. His was tailored to my interests, strengths, and personality (I do not doubt that for you he may suggest something different). He explained the importance of applying to a prestigious university if I think I may want to pursue a doctorate. Mr. Le also elaborated on the difference of the CSU and UC system. Simply put, it would be extremely difficult for me to attend an UC if I first attend CSU. I had not known this. I had also never entertained the idea of applying to a prestigious university, let alone being admitted to one. With his explanation of why I may enjoy the life of an academic and the subsequent encouragement of applying to UCs, he gave me the nudge I needed to set off on my path. Today, I am attending UC Berkeley and majoring in philosophy. After my undergraduates work, I will apply to institutions such as Stanford, NYU, and Harvard for my graduate studies. Before I met Mr. Le I did not allow myself to entertain such notions. Thankfully, I did in fact meet him, and was shown the possibilities."
"Mr. Le is extremely approachable; he never comes off as an intellectual snob or a high and mighty, infallible professor. If a student is willing, Mr. Le always has time to work with him or her outside of class. Don’t be afraid to bring your own thoughts and ideas to the table either; show him (and us) what you’ve got! Mr. Le is the epitome of the eternal student; he is humble enough to learn from you."
"The most important counsel I received from Mr. Le was his advice to pursue a career in academia. His was tailored to my interests, strengths, and personality (I do not doubt that for you he may suggest something different). He explained the importance of applying to a prestigious university if I think I may want to pursue a doctorate. Mr. Le also elaborated on the difference of the CSU and UC system. Simply put, it would be extremely difficult for me to attend an UC if I first attend CSU. I had not known this. I had also never entertained the idea of applying to a prestigious university, let alone being admitted to one. With his explanation of why I may enjoy the life of an academic and the subsequent encouragement of applying to UCs, he gave me the nudge I needed to set off on my path. Today, I am attending UC Berkeley and majoring in philosophy. After my undergraduates work, I will apply to institutions such as Stanford, NYU, and Harvard for my graduate studies. Before I met Mr. Le I did not allow myself to entertain such notions. Thankfully, I did in fact meet him, and was shown the possibilities."
