Dance Student’s International and Research-Based Journey Imparts Confidence
Nhu Nguyen
April 26, 2017
Dance major Nhu Thuy Quynh Nguyen worked closely and intensively with national and international artists in her field during her education, which strengthened her skills and confidence. Nguyen also engaged in several summer research sessions, which resulted in culminating performances in New York City and San Diego, as well as presentations at the Annual Student Research Symposium in 2014, 2016, and 2017. Nguyen expects to turn her SDSU experience into a career as an internationally acclaimed dance artist and designer.
An immigrant, Nguyen faced challenges unique to a college student—from learning a new language and new culture, to struggling with the dichotomy of pleasing her family versus pursuing her passion.
Since 2012, Nguyen has worked with a nonprofit organization called transcenDance Youth Art Project in various roles including teaching artist, choreographer, company manager, and Co-Artistic Director of the Junior Division. Her work there focuses on transforming the experience of underserved youths by engaging them in social-change curriculum disguised in the form of artistic performances. Through this experience, Nguyen has learned to be more resilient, patient, daring, and empowering as a leader, collaborator, and mentor.
She advises incoming freshmen to dive-in head first, and take time to enjoy the journey of becoming the ultimate version of oneself. After graduation, Nguyen seeks to fulfill her career as artist and collaborator, feeling well-equipped after the education she received at SDSU.
The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.
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