Christine Nguyen

​

Major: Molecular and Cell Biology

Hometown: New Canaan, Connecticut

Age: 21

Parent Home Countries: Vietnam

​

​

"College was always a must in my family. I came to college because it was expected of me and a privilege after all my parents had sacrificed for my siblings and I to pursue higher education. My parents immigrated to the United States, not only for a chance at a better life for themselves, but mostly for opportunities for their growing family.

​

I think that being a second-generation American is very significant to me because it has allowed me to look at life possibly differently than others may. In my parents’ experience, their journey to the United States was difficult and painful. Not only did they come to this country for the opportunities for my family, but mainly to escape the war and politics of Communism that was impacting their everyday lives in Vietnam. Their journey here was long, and for a year they were separated, with my mom having to take care of my brother on her own. Often times today, in a period where our society and politics have caused much debate and dispute, I have been one of many who are frustrated by all that has happened. One thing that I think is humbling is when I voice my opinions to my parents, who support me but also remind me that they believe that America is a wonderful country in all of our freedom to voice opinions and to have the advantage of chance for a bright future. I think about the adversities that my parents went through to allow me to be where I am today, and I look at the adversities that many people face not only in our country, but especially in other developing or suppressed countries. This experience of being a second-generation American has given me strength to feel as though I can overcome all because my parents did, gratitude for the fortunes that I have been given, and empathy to the circumstances of those who are underprivileged."