What is your major?
My major is
Film Studies and also minor in
Journalism
What is something you wish everyone knew about your major?
Film studies is an aspect of communication that acquires scholars to understand the context of history, society, and filmmaking. Film has been irreplaceable medium of entertainment for decades. I think my major is essential in studying the culture of communication and liberal arts.
What was your most impactful class or professor?
The most impactful class for me was “The Public and The Media” taught by Dr. Sara Shaban. The class helped me navigate the knowledge for multimedia and the understanding of where I should move forward as a journalist/multimedia student. Both Dr. Shaban and Dr. Peg Achterman were my two saviors and inspiration in becoming a woman in the media field. I’ve learned from them to be brave, to step out of my comfort zone and to continuously learn about things that I haven’t known. I’m grateful to have many amazing professors at SPU who care about students and root for our success.
What are some of your career goals?
In hope that my studies of communication and multimedia will help me make impacts for more youth and women in Vietnam. I have always wanted to start a campaign of sex education awareness in Vietnam. Growing up from the concealed culture of Asia and studying about social issues, I feel the importance of starting this discussion in Vietnamese schools. In educating the youth about this essential, we provide a protection for them from unwanted outcomes from not knowing the facts. I believe education in improving the public’s awareness.
What advice do you have for incoming students?
I think this is the period that you need to try out everything and find your way of doing. I think there may be a rocky road ahead and sometimes you won’t feel like moving, just remember that you can take time and rebalance as you’re not alone. Don’t be afraid reaching out for help if you need to; you will be surprised by how many people are happy to help. Making more friends if you can; they will be your source of happiness for years to come. Finally, trust yourself and put in the work, everything will be OK!
What SPU has meant to you?
I think SPU was meant to be my second chance like Alexander Graham Bell’s reminder that “When one door closes, another opens.” I came to SPU after my academic disruption at The Art Institute of Seattle due to its bankruptcy. As an international student, it was a strange and frightening experience, as I was not sure what I could do when my school closed down. Thankfully, SPU welcomed me at the College Fair that was organized for AIS students to transfer. SPU was definitely a restart to something more special and positive. I spent my time at SPU to re-navigate my academic journey to the career that I wanted to do. Being able to do that and connecting deeply with SPU community were a life changing experience.