By Shayan Abbasi
Emma Nguyen is the type of person who could probably teach a biology lesson while hiking up a mountain and reciting fun facts about the stars. A junior in high school, Nguyen describes herself as “quiet, kind, and open-minded,” but don’t let that modest exterior fool you. Her passions and ambitions stretch as far as wide as the sky she’s hiking under, and she’s already well on her way to making her mark.
Nguyen’s love for nature is only matched by her love for stories. Her favorite book? Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren, a second-chance romance about two teenagers who connect later in life. It’s a fitting choice for someone who thrives on deep connections. Whether those connections are with her friends, her favorite books, or the random facts she picks up along the way.
“I just love, like, learning random facts about things,” Nguyen said.
She’s particularly fond of Vox, a YouTube channel that keeps her up to date on everything from the latest news to oddball trivia.
“It’s like my favorite channel, which is a little nerdy,” she said, “but it’s always current and keeps me updated with what’s going on in the world.”
When she’s not busy absorbing knowledge, Nguyen is diving into science, her academic passion. Biology tops the list of her favorite subjects, but she’s not just aiming for a traditional career path.
“I’m unsure about becoming a doctor, but I’m really interested in research,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen is highly involved in her community, thanks to her role as vice president of Girls League, a club aimed at increasing the involvement of women throughout academia and professional settings.
This year, she’s planning to get even more involved in campus life, seeking out extracurriculars and volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s in journalism, biology or computer science, Nguyen’s goal is to explore different majors and find what excites her the most.
Her advice to her younger self shows her growth over the years.
“I would tell my 10-year-old self not to be afraid to say what you want,” Nguyen said. “Even if the people around you might not agree, you should still say it because your opinion is so important.”
“Shoot for the stars. Even if you don’t land on the moon, you’ll land among the stars.”
For Nguyen, it’s a reminder to aim high and embrace the journey, even when things do not go exactly as planned. And with her thoughtful, fearless approach to life, there is no doubt that Nguyen is already well on her way to finding her place among the stars.