Student Spotlight: Thanh Nguyen

You think 2020 has been an interesting year for you? Consider what Thanh Nguyen has experienced. In January she left her home in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam to come to Onondaga Community College. By mid-March, all classes became virtual due to COVID-19. "When I was in Vietnam I was involved in many activities and I expected that here. I cried a little bit when I wasn't able to do anything."

She survived the spring semester, stayed in the area throughout the summer, and has had a great fall semester. She decided to become an officer in Student Government and it played a significant role in her transition. "Everyone around me is really nice. It's wonderful to have friends here!" OCC's Faculty has also played a significant role in making her feel at home. "The professors have been really nice to me. They know I'm an international student and take care of me. They tell me if I have any troubles to reach out to them. I really appreciate it."

Nguyen wound up at OCC on the advice of her cousin, who also attends the College. "She told me this place is amazing and I could prepare for university here. I agree with her. It's been amazing here!" She's excelling in the Mathematics & Science degree program and earlier this month was sworn-in to the College's chapter of international honor society Phi Theta Kappa.

She will earn her degree in December 2021 and plans to pursue a career related to biomedicine. She wants to help improve health care systems in underdeveloped countries. "I did research in Vietnam and chose to move to the United States because I would have more career opportunities here. The U.S. has the best biomedicine and research in the world. I can help more people and have more value to contribute to the community."