Nancy Nguyen is a marine scientist who spends most of their time coordinating a phytoplankton monitoring program in Puget Sound to mitigate human health risks and economic losses. They first grew up in Tacoma, in the Hilltop, East Side, and then South Side. When they moved to Alabama on their own as an adult, they experienced another phase of growing up in those few years there.
How do you identify ethnically?
I am part of the Southeast Asian diaspora and specifically identify as a Vietnamese American with an Amerasian parent.
How would you describe the environment and community where you grew up?
I was privileged to have grown in a multicultural environment. Seldom I found myself feeling outcast due to my physical appearance.
How would you describe the academic setting as you pursued higher education?
As I furthered my education, I started to feel out of place. Most of my peers came from a different socioeconomic background and culture than I did. In some ways, this was positive. I met some of my closest friends here that I wouldn't have elsewhere. However, the academic setting did feel more exclusive.
Was there ever a time in your educational journey where you felt behind, misunderstood, or confused because of your ethnic identity?
Yes. I frequently suffered from imposter syndrome during my educational journey. This is partly rooted in institutions failing to recognize and acknowledge the rich and unique histories and current struggles of Southeast Asian Americans. My unique experiences became buried in the Asian monolith perspective and generalizations that made my journey more challenging. Unfortunately, I think this is a common experience and an obstacle that many face. The question now becomes how academia and other institutions can create better methods to survey their students and surrounding communities to create effective support programs to promote success truly.
How has the model minority myth impacted you and your educational experience? Do you think it's harmful to our community and if so, why?
The model minority myth has personally impacted me both positively and negatively. Although, I think the model minority is extremely harmful to our community because it erases the unique struggles and hardships, which then prevents our people from receiving support; and further suppresses others, such as the black community.
How important of a role do you think higher education institutions have in helping to break the model minority myth? What are some ways you see universities and post-secondary institutions doing that?
I think higher education has a vital role in breaking the model minority myth. One reason is that academia conducts lots of research. Whenever people are studied, academic institutions need to improve their demographic labels by rejecting the simple "Asian" label and contextualizing data.
Why did you pursue higher education?
I pursued higher education because this was the only route presented to me to make it out of my family's socioeconomic circumstances.
What led you to this professional career path? Any inspirations or moments that sparked your interest to pursue it?
My professional career path began with a deep passion for serving the environment and its people. When I left for college, I became more aware of the social and environmental injustices in our local and global communities, including the community where I was raised. I became immersed in this subject and learned that the discussion about the health of the environment and people could not be separated. We are all part of the ecosystem. But, frustratingly, popular environmentalism movements have a history of ignoring people of color and their knowledge. Currently, I am one of the few Southeast Asian Americans in the environmental field in a predominately white space. I find it incredibly important to reserve space, listen, encourage, and learn from people of color. The fight for environmental justice is the fight for social justice, vice versa.
How do you relate your ethnic identity to your professional role and goals?
This is something that I have struggled with for many years in my career. In earlier years, I thought it was wiser to keep my ethnic identity separate from my professional role because of the confusion it caused for me while working in a predominately white space. But over time, that didn't sit well with me. I no longer wanted to suppress my voice and experiences. I now understand and honor the great value in sharing my unique perspectives.
Any words of wisdom or tips you have for fellow SEAA students who plan to pursue higher education?
I recommend SEAA students' intentional plan for what they want and consider their career path's lucrativeness. Too much advice out there is for folks who have generational wealth. Also, find your circle by getting involved with activities you care about and stay connected with friends. A supportive group of friends will bring clarity and sanity during your educational journey.
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