Nhung Van

Nhung Van

"To be an inclusive educator"

College: Education
Degree Program: Higher Education
Degree: Master's

Why FSU?

I arrived in the United States as an immigrant before becoming an international student. I got married and went from Vietnam to the United States to settle down four years ago. My husband is also a faculty member at FSU, so I barely needed to consider where to get a master's degree. Everything was practically obvious when I lived in Tallahassee and attended Florida State University. What I most considered was the field of study. Prior to arriving in the US, I had eight years of experience in the Vietnamese communication industry. When I chose to apply to FSU for a master's degree, I was torn between choosing a new major and continuing to seek a career in the media. Yet, after considering my experiences and skills, and answering the questions, "what type of individual do I wish to be and what is my ultimate career objective," I determined that I want to become an expert in student affairs and an educator who promotes inclusion.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I completed my bachelor's degree in Vietnam with a concentration in social work, however my English proficiency was quite poor. It was close to zero. I was aware that it was difficult to obtain employment here. The first and foremost reason that I pursued a master's degree at that time was simply to find a job in the U.S. The second issue was the birth of my first child and my anxieties regarding whether or not my child would encounter racism, whether or not she would have a sense of belonging in the school, and whether or not I was knowledgeable enough about the American educational system to accompany her. This motivated me to return to school and select my present major: Higher Education. I believe that only knowledge can instill confidence, make me feel appreciated, and contribute to the greater good of the community. I aspire to instill in my daughter the image of a mother who strives ceaselessly, has resiliency, and does not assign blame but instead addresses her personal weaknesses in order to overcome them. And now, with a starting point of zero in English and returning to master's studies when my daughter was 18 months old, I have at least overcome that difficulty, and I am set to graduate with a GPA of 3.80 and a master's degree in Higher Education.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My area of interest is inclusive education, specifically how to make students more visible in schools. I study how to make students feel truly supported, a part of the community, and equipped with the fortitude to overcome obstacles; how to foster greater tenacity. I understand that inclusion is crucial to assisting pupils in remaining hopeful, resilient, and driven. I concentrate extensively on activities that promote diversity and inclusion among international students. During my internship, with the support of Dr. Kennell, my supervisor, and the director of the Center for Intensive English Studies (CIES), I conducted a series of video interviews with FSU faculty and staff to provide guidance to international students on how to adapt to campus life and be successful. In addition, I am conducting an examination to see how international students at FSU perceive their level of inclusion. I will conduct an open talk for foreign students at CIES with Dr. Cameron Beatty toward the end of March or the beginning of April (2023) to help link international and domestic students and discuss diversity and inclusion.

Career aspirations

My plans include continuing to pursue my goal of being an inclusive educator with an emphasis on international students. I wish to serve as an example for the Vietnamese immigrant community in terms of overcoming barriers and fears, gaining self-assurance, and establishing a life without restrictions abroad. In addition, I cherish a project that aims to raise young people's awareness in Vietnam about how liberal arts education may be applied to self-study to help us become free individuals.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Understanding precisely what you want is the key. Perhaps, when choosing a major after high school, we were just too young and did not fully comprehend what we desired. But for a graduate degree, we have spent four years in college, and may also be individuals with professional experience; now is the moment to be really clear about what we want. What do I want to study at the master's level? Sketch your preferred future self and explain how this master's will help you achieve your long-term objectives. I believe that, if possible, we should work after completing our undergraduate degrees before pursuing graduate school because we should have time to gain experience and determine what we want. I completed my undergraduate degree in 2012, worked for eight years, took a two-year break, and then returned to school, where I discovered that my learning attitude, knowledge absorption, and studying effectiveness were all superior. Several studies demonstrate that non-traditional students have a more serious approach to their education since they know what they desire. For school admissions, select a location where you can not only learn but also experience, practice, enjoy life, and feel included. 

Accomplishments during graduate career