The Psychology of Belonging: Creating Community, Far From Home
Student Snapshot: Celine Phan '27
Celine Phan ’27, a student from Vietnam, had never been abroad before coming to Dickinson. She soon found a supportive community as a double major in psychology and quantitative economics. Celine discusses what she loves most about her psychology major, how she overcame her initial nervousness in a new country, the importance of having access to the right resources and more.
Hometown:
Hanoi, Vietnam.
Majors:
Psychology and quantitative economics.
Clubs and organizations:
Friendship Network Study (research assistant), Department of International Business & Management (teaching assistant), Vietnamese Student Association and Library Inclusivity Team.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
Dean's List, Psi Chi honors society and Provost’s Scholarship.
Favorite place on campus:
Drayer Hall, first-floor common room.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
The best thing about Dickinson, to me, is the people. I had never been abroad before coming to Dickinson, and there were many moments when I doubted myself, wondering if I said the right thing, acted the right way or chose the right words. I was lucky enough to find my people here, and they’ve gently pushed me to believe in myself. They’ve shown me that none of us is perfect and that what truly matters is how we rise after a mistake. They remind me that I am greater than any mistake I make. Thanks to them, and thanks to myself, each time when I’ve fallen, I’ve grown from the experience.
Favorite campus food:
Mango smoothie in Denim Coffee.
On choosing Dickinson:
I heard so many great things about Dickinson, but what truly made me choose it were the people and the resources the school provides. Every one of my friends here has brought out different sides of me and has encouraged me. The resources at Dickinson, whether in education, career support, mental health guidance or simply personal relationships, have helped me build a solid foundation for my life. This allowed me to explore and choose what works best for me.
Favorite class so far:
My First-year Seminar, Don Quixote in the Twenty-First Century. After reading Don Quixote in high school, I knew I had to sign up. If you’re looking for something a little sarcastic and thought-provoking, I highly recommend it! What made this class stand out wasn’t just the humor and unique perspective of the text but also how it encouraged self-reflection. Don Quixote helped me see how we all balance rationality and imagination. I took the class with Professor Emeritus Mark Aldrich, who was incredible at making the discussions fun and engaging. On top of that, I made some amazing friends.
Favorite off-campus spot:
Mount Fuji! If you know me, you know good food makes me happy, and Mount Fuji nails every dish. Their boba is delicious too!
On studying psychology:
I’ve always found psychology fascinating. I believe that every behavior carries meaning. Being able to look at people on a deeper level to understand why they act the way they do brings me peace and fosters greater understanding.
About my internship:
Last summer, I worked as a marketing and business-intelligence intern at Vietcombank, a bank in Vietnam. It was an eye-opening experience and an opportunity to step outside of the field I had been focusing on. The most valuable lesson I learned was that everything has its unique appeal. The people I met shared their stories of how they found their way to this career, and that deeply shaped my approach to choosing my own path: Internships are about exploring and choosing what feels right for you.
Advice for younger students:
Never rush to feeling like you're small! None of us is small; we’re just in the process of figuring things out. Embrace the beauty of this learning journey, and I promise you, one day, you'll find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be.
Post-Dickinson plans:
Pursuing my Ph.D. in psychology.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
“If you're not changing it, you're choosing it.” This quote makes me realize the power I hold, the power to create change, for myself and within myself.
Learn about Celine's experience with Dickinson's Leadershape program.
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Published February 1, 2025