A Love for Learning
Anh Nguyen ’18
Whether she’s investigating the true nature of Richard III, pondering the cosmos or untangling complex international ties, Anh Nguyen ’18 loves learning. And she loves giving back by teaching children in Cambodia and working with Habitat for Humanity. Below, Anh discusses the class that surprised her, her fascination with international relations and why she enjoys spreading the word about the need for education.
Major:
Clubs and organizations:
Photography Club, Habitat for Humanity, Admissions Volunteers and Popel Shaw Center for Race and Ethnicity.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
John Dickinson Scholarship, Dean’s List and Alpha Lambda Delta.
Favorite book:
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling.
Favorite movie:
Before Sunset.
On choosing a major:
For me, it simply begins with genuine appreciation for diverse people, cultures and politics. In an increasingly interdependent world where issues relative to one country can be entangled with the interests of other powers abroad, it is essential for me to have an understanding of how this complex and fascinating world of politics operates.
As a kid, I wanted to be …
… a famous comedian, but life has a way of changing our best-laid plans.
Favorite class:
Astronomy with [Associate] Professor [of Physics & Astronomy Catrina] Hamilton-Drager. I initially took astronomy just to fulfill the lab requirement and never thought that it would be one of the most amazing learning experiences I’ve ever had. It is humbling but enlightening to realize how little we know about our universe and that the beauty of the universe is not limited to what is immediately visible to our naked eyes. Just a look at the pictures of deep-space objects, such as the Crab Nebula and the Eagle Nebula, leaves me in awe.
Favorite place on campus:
Biblio Café.
Favorite Dining Hall food:
Cream dried beef on a biscuit.
Most important thing I’ve learned (so far):
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned during my freshman year in college is to never be afraid to venture off into new territories. Exposing myself to new experiences—new classes, people and ideas—is an important part of my college life. I don’t think I can grow as a person just by following the same routines over and over again.
If I could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, it would be …
… Richard III. For centuries, he has been one of the most controversial figures in British history. Shakespeare has painted him as a “hunchbacked toad” and vilified him as a ruthless, power-hungry monarch who killed the “princes in the tower.” However, Shakespeare was writing for a Tudor audience, and there is still no concrete evidence indicating that Richard III murdered his own nephews. It remains an enigma to me (and, I believe, to a lot of people) who Richard III was as a person: Was he as bad as Shakespeare painted him to be, or was he a hero maligned by Tudor propagandists?
About my service trip:
This summer I went on a service trip to Cambodia to promote education to underprivileged children on the outskirts of Phnom Penh and to raise awareness about their living conditions among Phnom Penh community members. Education means the world to my mom, as she could not finish high school when the Vietnam War was raging. I remind myself how lucky I am to know that my parents are willing to make the sacrifices necessary to afford my education, so I was thrilled by the opportunity to share my excitement about learning with Cambodian youths. The kids I worked with are incredible, with big hearts and boundless energy and enthusiasm. They learned from me, but I also learned a great deal from them. It humbled and inspired me to hear their stories and see how, despite their difficulties, they embrace life.
Learn more
- Department of International Studies
- Department of Physics & Astronomy
- Civic Engagement at Dickinson
- Student Service in the Community
- More Student Snapshots
- Latest News
Published December 11, 2015