What is your major?
I am a double major, so I am graduating with a BA in
Business Administration: Information Systems from the School of Business, Government, and Economics and a BA in
Apparel Merchandising from the Family and Consumer Sciences Department. I love how I was able to study all my passions — business, fashion, and tech.
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Something I wish everyone knew about my major(s) is that non-STEM majors can make a positive impact on the world as much as our peers pursing healthcare and engineering roles. Business and fashion roles have the power to shape the lives of billions — consumers, employees, suppliers, etc. Business is more than an office cubicle and fashion is more than pretty clothing!
What was your most impactful class?
My most impactful class was Statistics for Business and Economics with Dr. Hau Nguyen during Winter Quarter 2019. Navigating the higher education system has been particularly difficult as a first-generation student and woman of color. While I do love statistics, seeing a Vietnamese professor for the first time in a classroom has contributed in large part to why I plan to become a university professor. He has shown me that I deserve a seat at the table and that my experiences as a Vietnamese American woman can positively inform how I treat others, especially underrepresented students in the classroom.
What are some of your career goals?
After graduation, I will be teaching English abroad as a grantee of the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Award to Vietnam. Upon returning to Seattle, I will enjoy a robust career in a technology role at a fashion company before completing my Master's in Business Administration. Eventually, I will earn my PhD in a business-related field and teach at the university level. My goal will always be to strive to utilize my unique upbringing by educating others, bridging cultural differences, celebrating diversity, and ensuring my classroom is an inclusive space for ALL students.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
As a first-generation college student, daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, and woman of color, I feel for all my first gen and BIPOC peers — you deserve to be here just as much as your peers. In addition to excelling in the classroom, it is so important to get involved, utilize your resources, and do things that make you uncomfortable. During my time at SPU, I have served in seven leadership positions including lead resident advisor, vice president of MODE Fashion Group, and Hill Hall Council public relations director. The Center for Career and Calling became my best friend and helped me land many roles off campus. During my time at SPU, I held four work roles at companies such as American Eagle Outfitters and Nordstrom, and completed two internships, one of which was a year-long Executive Store Internship with Target. I studied abroad for a summer in Florence, Italy, and traveled to new places during school breaks and every chance I had. I was busy but do not regret any bit of it. Please make sure to take care of yourself too. You can do it!