Introduction - Van Nguyen

Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Van Nguyen -
Number of replies: 6

Hi everyone my name is Van Nguyen! I am Vietnamese-American and I am from Houston, Texas. My favorite thing about home is the diversity which gives way for learning about new cultures and meeting new people. However, as diverse that we are we are very much self-segregated and not very inclusive which creates barriers for those who strive to leave their situations. I also work for the Asia Society Texas Center as our youth council facilitator which I am currently doing remotely here on campus. Our youth council gives students a safe space to explore identity and have cross cultural conversations with students from all around Houston and the greater area.

Outside of work, some of my hobbies include knitting, writing letters,  and watching k-dramas. The most recent k-drama that I watched was "When the Camilla Blooms" and I definitely recommend it. One interesting skill I have is that I can maintain a perfect ratio of boba pearls to tea when drinking boba, also known as bubble tea. I am definitely looking forward to meeting you all!    

In reply to Van Nguyen

Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Alexander Rebhun -
I'm curious - what is the secret to maintaining the pearl to tea ration? I always end up running out of pearls too quickly.
In reply to Alexander Rebhun

Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Van Nguyen -
Every place has a different ratio so it really depends. However, I normally stick to two pearls per every sip.
In reply to Van Nguyen

Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Kate Southerland -
Hi Van! I love learning about new cultures as well. Unfortunately, my town is not as diverse as Houston, but is trying to make an effort.
Also, I love k-dramas as well! Which one is your favorite?
In reply to Van Nguyen

Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Sophia Malatesta -
hi van! thanks for giving us an intro to your life in houston. i love writing letters and finished my first kdrama (camellia) that i could appreciate for its complex characters that break gender norms and adored it. the boba tea trick is about to change my life.
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Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Kelly Peterson -
Hi Van! I also love boba, however I usually get extra bubbles so I always have lots of extras when I'm done lol. I also love learning more about different cultures, so it's very exciting to be so close to a big city. Can't wait to be able to explore it eventually!
In reply to Van Nguyen

Re: Introduction - Van Nguyen

by Michelle Tran -
Hi Van! I'm half Vietnamese and Thai. I thought what you said about self segregation was really interesting. It shows that inclusivity requires a working relationship. It's interesting to think in what ways self segregation is a form of self preservation/security and a reaction to exclusion from a larger community or if there is an active desire to self segregate. I hope it's something we can explore more in class!