While Yauo Yang’s journey through life has taken him far, the next stop is close to home and very special to the one-time refugee from Southeast Asia.

Yang, who represents a growing cadre of successful Hmong graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point School of Education, is more than an aspiring teacher about to embark on his first full-time classroom assignment in Schofield. He is also a proud veteran of America’s Armed Forces.

To his colleagues and friends Yauo is also known as Sergeant Yang of the Wisconsin National Guard. He was stationed in Samarra, Iraq, during Operation Iraqi Freedom 3 from December 2004 through November 2005.

"It is my hope as a teacher to be a role model for my students," say Yang. "I will encourage them to be the best students they can be as excellence in the classroom will ultimately lead to success in life."

Born 28 years ago in a Hmong refugee camp near Ban Vinai, Thailand, he and his family relocated to Central Wisconsin in 1987. He went on to complete public schooling in the Wausau School District and ultimately received his diploma from Wausau West High School.

This fall Yauo begins his first full-time teaching position at D.C. Everest Middle School, having earned a bachelor’s degree in social science with minors in history, political science, psychology, and communication this past May.

"The great students, staff and professors at UWSP have been instrumental in my success," said Yang. "Each person has given me a "tool" that I know will lead to success as a teacher and one who can make　a difference in　my school and community."

This fall he begins his professional life as a classroom teacher and will teach ancient civilization at D.C. Everest Middle School. Yauo student taught in this very classroom and will now succeed one of his mentors.

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