Web and Digital Media Design graduate Yeng Tha Vue found a place to belong at MATC.
Yeng Tha Vue
How Yeng Tha Vue overcame his struggles
As a minority within a minority, Yeng Tha Vue struggled to be seen. Vue grew up in Milwaukee, the son of Hmong parents who immigrated to the United States from Thailand in 1994. At 17, he came out as gay. His family was confused and struggled to understand. While their love for him never vanished completely, he said, it began to feel more distant and out of reach. “I felt invisible. I navigated silence, hid parts of myself and tried to find spaces where I truly belonged,” he recalled. “I spent lonely years searching for purpose.” Vue, also known as Cloud, found acceptance, support and direction at MATC. He enrolled in the college’s Front-End Web Developer program and earned a technical diploma in 2024. He stayed at the college and, in only three semesters, completed his associate degree in Web and Digital Media Design. He made the college’s honor roll, and he served as vice chairperson of the District Student Association and as president of the Asian Student Association for two semesters. For his perseverance, his academic excellence and his community involvement, Vue was recognized by the college at its Spring 2025 Commencement as the outstanding associate degree student, an award that came with the honor of delivering the student address at the ceremony. In his speech, Vue shared how MATC helped him appreciate the positive things in his life, rather than dwell on the negative things that made him feel invisible. “It’s about showing love and support at all times,” he said in his speech. “At the end of day, I chose kindness. If I had chosen anger and revenge, I would have lived a life of misery.” He added, “You need to have the heart to serve, even when the work is quiet and unseen. When we serve others, we begin to heal the parts of ourselves that once felt unworthy. I carry that lesson with me always, and I know now that even in small acts, we have the power to change lives, including our own.” Vue attended Milwaukee Public Schools, but he struggled to learn proper English. After high school, he worked in fashion design. “But I quickly discovered that pursuing my passion wasn’t paying the bills,” he said. He thought about being a truck driver, but he decided to study web design at MATC. “Web design stuck out to me,” he said. “It was a creative outlet, and I could work behind the scenes.” Vue liked the web developer program and the college so much, he stayed to complete his associate degree. “I have been consistently impressed by Yeng’s design and coding skills,” said Antonio Garza, one of Vue’s instructors. “Yeng’s ability to quickly learn and apply new skills in web coding, responsive design, user experience and interactive design demonstrates a keen eye for aesthetics and a deep understanding of user-centered design.” Vue wants to use his web design and digital storytelling skills to empower underserved communities, including the Hmong. “My aim is to create inclusive, accessible websites that promote cultural identity, mental health awareness and workforce development,” he said. “I think that would be a great way to help my community.” After years of feeling alone, Vue found a belonging, welcoming place at MATC. “The college is very helpful and full of resources,” he said. “I appreciate the culture the college has. The employees here are clearly taught to treat people with dignity and respect. They understand and they listen. And many times that makes all the difference.”
It's about showing love and support at all times. At the end of day, I chose kindness.
