Celebrating Dedication to Diversity in Science and Engineering
Award Winner:Van Duong, Senior (Physiology)
Giving yourself to others is one of the greatest gifts in the world. As a Vietnamese refugee, I have seen the traumatizing effects of misinformation and people’s unwillingness to help those who are less fortunate. From this vision, I am motivated to help my peers better themselves so that we can become better people. In 1991, my family and I fled our Communist country and immigrated to America in search for freedom and happiness. As a small girl, I quietly endured an overwhelming childhood while my parents and siblings strived to earn employment. Empowered by years of English deficiency and peer mockery, I excelled to achieve excellence. As an underprivileged child, I realized that little things such as time and effort do make a tremendous impact in human lives. John F. Kennedy proudly stated in his 1961 inauguration speech, "Ask not what your country can do for you... ask what you can do for your country." As a philanthropist, I work with individuals from all walks of life to give back to the community. As a junior at the University of Arizona, I can proudly say that I have spent my time in college well. I involve myself in a myriad of activities that foster interactions with individuals from various ethnic backgrounds, both men and women, and together we can always reach our academic and philanthropic goals. As a Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics Ambassador, I help incoming high school students make decisions that accentuate their college academia and allow them the opportunity for a smooth transition into a state university. These students are typically minority students from low budget high schools; they have endless potential, and it is gratifying to know that I am able to help them realize it. This past year my greatest contributions have been directed to a non-profit student organization called InnoWorks. InnoWorks members write curricula on their own time during the academi school year, and in the summer the organization holds a 10-day science camp for low-income middle school children. Many children in south Tucson cannot afford summer camp, and for those who have an interest in medicine, biology, architecture dynamics, inventions, etc., we provide them with the learning environment. Through fun hands-on activities, the children learn about Nobel Prize discoveries and gain an early understanding of what their future classes will teach! These children gain more self-confidence and develop a greater passion for their scientific interests. In addition, I am an active member of the African Students Association (ASA), an organization that promotes the awareness and diversity of the African culture. Being the only non-African student in ASA, I did not know anything about African culture. After being involved for two semesters, I have learned more than I ever could in a classroom setting. Most of the African-American students have immigrated over to America to better their education, and unfortunately, many of them set limits on their education. I have been able to offer my advice and tutoring services to those who need it. I learned that many African-American students believe in a stereotype that African-Americans are less intelligent in the sciences than other ethnic groups, and that stigma greatly affects their learning abilities. Disproving that label is the first step for these students to overcome society’s expectations, and I am there to push them to reach their full potential. Diversity is truly what keeps this world moving—-mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. As a child, I was given the chance to succeed at something in life, and as an adult, it is my duty to return that gift to those who need a helping hand. It is worth all the time and exerted effort to know that underprivileged individuals could gain more hope, comfort, and a sense of self-worth.