Yang ’21: You’ll Make it Through

By Molly Rolon, Associate Editor

When Kevin Yang ’21 became interested in the Institute, his parents weren’t so sure about the military aspect, but once they heard more about how VMI trains cadets to be honorable leaders, they approved.

“We actually would like that of you,” Yang’s mother said after an open house. “It’s OK, I’ve always been strict on you; you’ll make it through.”

For Yang’s part, he was “awed” by the camaraderie and brotherhood he saw at VMI. He applied to the Institute Honors program. When the letter came, he left it on a table overnight. When he opened it, his hands were shaking—but the envelope contained good news. He had been accepted to VMI and chosen to be part of this Institute Honors program. Cadets selected for this program are called Institute Scholars and also receive scholarships.

He hasn’t regretted his decision. He had learned a few things at the open house but quickly realized on Matriculation Day that he “had no idea what to expect.”

“It was a totally different type of experience; nothing I expected at all,” Yang said, thinking back. “It was total shock. As soon as you sign that book, you’re shuffled away, and boom! Your experience starts.”

One of his favorite experiences at VMI was shortly after Breakout. He and his roommate joined the running club. They competed in a 10-kilometer race and finished No. 1 and No. 2 in their age group.

Aside from the Rat Line, Yang’s major—electrical and computer engineering—has also been tough. The Class of 2021 began with 32 in the major. About half remain. Some of Yang’s best friends are also ECE majors. When things get tough, “the No. 1 thing” that keeps him going are these friends. The group is very close knit and always looks out for each other; Yang is certain he would not have had the same experience at another college.

During his 1st Class year, he’s been the assistant program manager for the electrical engineers’ capstone. This year’s project is building a robot for the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers SoutheastCon, the annual IEEE conference. The design, chosen by the IEEE, is a Pac-Man style robot, Yang explained. Students need to build and program the robot to go through a maze, pick up pellets, and avoid ghosts.

Looking back to when he matriculated, Yang said the biggest change he sees in himself is his overall maturity. “The Rat Line kind of teaches you what’s right and what’s wrong,” he said. “But it ... doesn’t force you to do that. You have to ... improve yourself, be a better person, and that takes a degree of maturity I think all cadets here have.”

His parents, who immigrated to the U.S. from China as teenagers, are excited to see Yang graduate in May. Graduation will be “a really special moment for me and my parents,” he said. “They didn’t know what college was like. My mom was so worried that, ‘Oh, no, not only are you going to college, but you’re coming to VMI. And that military lifestyle, it’s just going be so hard on you.’ But now ... she’s just so proud of me. And she can’t wait for me to walk across that stage.”

Yang’s education at VMI is funded through the Institute Honors program. When Yang became an Institute Scholar, he didn’t just enter a prestigious academic program. The academic stars he wears on his collar are a return on investment for his benefactors. “Without my scholarships from the alumni, I wouldn’t be able to come here,” Yang said. “It’s essential to me.”

The program goes beyond funding educations. Institute Honors cadets are required to take certain classes and to talk about many issues—some controversial, some not—with fellow cadets.

“The whole program in itself has just been wonderful to me,” he said. “It really opens my eyes when there’s a whole array of opinions different for your own, and without honors forum ... you really don't get to speak out and talk in a civil manner to lots of different cadets from totally different backgrounds and political standings.”

As a high-schooler, when Yang interviewed for the scholarship and the program, one of the interviewers told him they were not looking only for academic superstars—they were looking for cadets who “could make a difference.” They were looking for a “mindset.”

Going forward, Yang will carry that mindset with him. He is planning on going into engineering following graduation. He wants to rise through the ranks and face different challenges in the workforce.

“And I think VMI has definitely prepared me for that.”

At the time of this writing, Yang had accepted an offer from General Dynamics Electric Boat in Connecticut. Cadet Kevin Yang ’21 is a 1st Class private and electrical engineering major from Altavista, Virginia. He was accepted into the Institute Honors program and through that, receives a scholarship which funds his education. — Photo by Micalyn Miller, VMI Alumni Agencies.