RASC Scholarship in Action: Shaping the Future

Tammy Tran’s Journey in Transit Engineering

A scholarship can change the way you see the world. Discover how Tammy Tran’s RASC scholarship led her down an unexpected path to reimagine public transportation.

From damaged roads to crowded buses, Tammy Tran started noticing problems all around her, and if it were not for her scholarship, she might not have seen them in “a whole new way.”

For Tammy, the Railway Association of Southern California Scholarship award was more than recognition; it became a launchpad for a career transforming public transportation.

“Through studying transportation, my view of the world has changed. I notice everything—from cracked roads to limited access to transit in key areas,” she says. She recalls LAX overnight parking buses getting stuck in the same lanes as cars, creating inefficiency and safety risks. She has even recognized aging freeway bridges in LA with no clear solutions due to space and historical constraints.

The RASC scholarship sharpened her perspective and opened doors in her professional journey. It reconnected her with a mentor who introduced her to a rail industry internship. “That experience confirmed my path, there’s a growing need for public transportation in Orange County,” she says.

Guidance from mentors has been a cornerstone of her development. Tammy credits Josue Vaglienty, her past manager at OCTA, for teaching her to “always give back and never be scared to ask a question.” That mindset now extends beyond her career, as she mentors her younger brother through college and engineering programs.

Her journey reinforced a powerful lesson: learning never stops. “Even with meticulous planning, life can lead you to a different path. I didn’t expect to further my career in rail engineering, but I welcome the surprise.”

Through it all, gratitude remains at the center of her story. “I want to thank everyone who saw my potential. I have a lot to offer the rail industry and will continue working toward a more accessible public transportation system.”

RASC is proud of what you’ve accomplished and what you’ve learned. We look forward to seeing what you do next.