ABSTRACT

Mr. Chu is a 21-year-old Chinese American sophomore at a researchintensive university. He was on the preengineering track preparing to declare a major in electrical engineering. Toward the end of his sophomore year, however, he failed the qualifying examination to be accepted into the College of Engineering. Mr. Chu disclosed some suicidal ideation while exploring other possible majors with his academic advisor, who then referred and escorted him to the counseling clinic. During the intake session, Mr. Chu appeared distraught, confused, and anxious. He felt ashamed and did not want to tell his immigrant parents, who both worked hard to pay for his out-of-state education with the expectation that his engineering degree from a prestigious university could earn him a high-paying job and help with the family’s future finances.