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Ngan Tran

1,595

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

1x

Winner

Bio

Travel to every places in the world is my life goal. Check out my journey here : https://www.facebook.com/julia.tran.1588

Education

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Computer Science
  • GPA:
    3.8

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Computer Software

    • Dream career goals:

      Cyber Security Engineer

    • Cyber Security Intern

      Sky Mavis
      2022 – 20231 year

    Sports

    Tennis

    2021 – Present3 years

    Soccer

    2018 – Present6 years

    Awards

    • Silver in City Competition

    Table Tennis

    2019 – Present5 years

    Awards

    • Silver in Girls Doubles City Round

    Taekwondo

    2012 – Present12 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Cam Phong Pagoda — English teacher
      2013 – 2015

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    Vietnamese Student of Excellence Scholarship
    I am Ngan Tran, 19 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is a country where war has been elevated to an art form after thousands of years of nation-building and defense with guerrilla tactics. The legendary resistance war has become a trademark and a very special heritage of the entire nation, most prominently demonstrated in the three victories against the Mongol invasions in the 13th century. Even in California, there is a statue of Tran Hung Dao built by Vietnamese people living in the United States to commemorate his contributions in the resistance war against the Mongol invaders. As a Vietnamese, I am naturally deeply influenced by national heritage. My family did not have the economic means for me to study abroad in the United States, so the prospect of studying there was very difficult, if not impossible. My family focused on solving two problems to enable me to study in the United States: since I was in first grade in a village school, they instilled in me the motto of long-term striving like the long-term resistance war, and then focused on leveraging my strengths to highlight my study abroad application, akin to guerrilla tactics in war. Á an international student, the first problem was obtaining a visa. My family allowed me to self-study at home instead of attending extra classes throughout my 12 years of secondary education, so that I could develop self-learning abilities, independent thinking, problem-solving skills, self-study English, and most importantly, I had time for sports and life skills training. This way, I had access to the student training programs of developed countries. I became the Vietnamese record holder for mastering the most sports. I communicate fluently in English because I didn't focus on learning vocabulary and grammar like the majority of Vietnamese students. I was a math specialized student in Ho Chi Minh City's secondary and high school levels with many math awards. I studied online at Funix information technology university of FPT Corporation since I was 15, alongside my high school program. I worked full-time continuously for 18 months in the cybersecurity team of Sky Mavis Company from before I turned 18 and before graduating from high school until I got my U.S. student visa. All of these factors helped me impress the consular officers during the visa interview for my U.S. study visa. My family solved the first problem. The second problem is the cost of studying abroad. I have an aunt living in the United States, so I applied to the university closest to her home, and now I am staying with her, so I don't have to spend money on living expenses. As for tuition fees, my aunt provided me with a full loan. I think with over two million overseas Vietnamese in the United States, many families in Vietnam can also rely on relatives in the United States to support their children's study abroad, like my case. My family has solved the second problem. Studying in the United States is definitely the biggest event in my life. Looking back on the journey I've been through, I am proud that my family is Vietnamese, deeply imbued with the heritage of thousands of years of nation-building and preservation, which has been flexibly applied in my life, leading me to my greatest success: becoming a Computer Science student at University of Colorado Denver.
    Anime Enthusiast Scholarship
    My childhood is closely tied to Naruto. I followed every step of Naruto's journey, from the time he was isolated by Konoha because of his tailed beast, until the day he put on the mantle of the Seventh Hokage. I didn’t miss any episodes on TV. From Naruto, I learned countless valuable lessons. Every character has their own story, their own color. I remember all the characters in the show and am moved by their stories. There's an Itachi willing to bear the burden of evil for the sake of peace in the village. There's a Gaara who overcomes gossip and rumors to become a pillar of the village. There's a Sasuke who strays from the path, but through friendship and bonds, he finds his way back to righteousness. Above all, I am most impressed by Naruto's tumultuous journey. I learned his confidence. No matter how difficult the circumstances, he always faces them optimistically, always smiling and looking forward. Moreover, his strong will to overcome obstacles has transformed Naruto from the darkness into a hero recognized by all. At Naruto, I deeply understand the camaraderie, where teammates will not abandon each other, where teammates always accompany, share and sympathize. When I was a child, I dreamed that one day I would become a ninja, transforming into a character in Naruto. I laughed and cried while watching Naruto. I cried a lot when Itachi or Neji sacrificed themselves. This shows that the author has been very successful in breathing life into his characters, even though they are fictional characters, they have brought countless emotions to the audience. Naruto's influence has extended far beyond Japan, with a global reach. The audience of the anime series includes not only young teenagers but also adults. My childhood grew up with Naruto. I feel very proud to have such beautiful childhood memories.
    Learner Math Lover Scholarship
    During elementary school, I studied math at home after regular classes. Every time I studied math with my father, it was a struggle because I couldn't focus on the numbers. I hated math even though I consistently ranked at the top of my class in math competitions. Perhaps because I attended school in a rural area, it was easy for me to excel in school, leading to complacency and laziness in studying math. In 6th grade, I attended Tran Dai Nghia high school for the gifted in Ho Chi Minh City and studied alongside the best math students in the city. I became a naive lamb among extremely talented math peers. The pride of being a math leader in elementary school pushed me to strive for more. With my father's support and guidance, I gradually improved. In 6th grade, I participated in dozens of math competitions but didn't win any awards. During the summer break, I took the opportunity to study advanced math with my father from books and the internet. In 7th grade, I rose to the top of the class in math and began to receive awards in math competitions, starting with a bronze medal at the 5th VTMO Titan Olympic in December 2016. Although it was the lowest award at a very small competition, it was a huge boost of confidence for me to believe in my ability to pursue math. Then, the pinnacle was winning the gold medal at the SASMO in May 2017, placing me at the top of the city and helping me develop a love for math. After that, I participated in many math competitions both domestically and in other countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia, and won medals. From then on, I oriented my studies towards specializing in mathematics. Mathematics is a fundamental subject, serving as the foundation for many other disciplines. Excelling in math helps me excel in natural sciences because studying math helps develop logical thinking, problem analysis, and problem-solving skills. Thanks to this, although I focused on math, I also excelled in Literature even though I didn't invest much time in it. During the transition exam from middle school to high school, I passed both the specialized math and literature classes, something that only a few students in Vietnam achieved.
    Bald Eagle Scholarship
    My father has been the most influential person in my life. He is a technical person but ventured into business, which resulted in much less success compared to his friends. He often says that his only success in life is equipping me with knowledge, life skills, and physical fitness perfectly, so I can confidently step into the future. His career setbacks have taught me the greatest lesson: understanding my own worth and living true to my capabilities. My father's parenting philosophy revolves around love, responsibility, and discipline. Regarding love: In Vietnamese culture, there's a saying, "Hổ dữ không ăn thịt con," roughly translated as "A wolf won't eat wolf." My father believes that without love, it's impossible to raise children successfully. The lesson for me is that one must be mature enough and loving enough before deciding to have children. Regarding responsibility: My father has always been close to me. When I was young, I was always within reach of my parents, and as I grew older, I remained within their sight. Even now, despite being halfway around the world, I still feel safe under my father's protection because he equipped me perfectly with knowledge, life skills, and physical fitness. I learned about responsibility from how my father raised me. Regarding discipline: When I was eight months old, my father sternly taught me not to hit others, even unintentionally. At the age of eight, in 2012, I got a tablet but was only allowed to use it for studying because my father strictly prohibited playing games. Not playing games gave me time and clarity for studying, sports, and developing life skills. As a result, I became a Vietnamese record holder in mastering numerous sports. I learned discipline and self-control from my father, avoiding impulsive actions and distractions in life. My father doesn't talk much about himself; he often focuses on three lessons when teaching me: One mistake: He was negligent and overlooked signs of my nearsightedness when I first started school, leading to my severe nearsightedness now. One regret: When my father had a lot of money, I was too young. When I was old enough to play with Lego, my father had very little money, leaving me with many regrets. One failure: My father diligently taught me to sing, even enrolled me in a music class, but I've never had a passion for singing and lack confidence when singing in front of others. These three issues taught me the lesson: "Live to the fullest to avoid regrets." My father and I have participated in many Half Marathon races together, which is very rare in Vietnam. My father imparted to me the lesson: Without health, there is no success in life. At the age of 18, I obtained a driver's license, also very rare in Vietnam. My father guided me in driving through the mountainous roads in the South and Central regions of Vietnam. Through these journeys, I learned from him courage and a passion for exploration. My father is half of my success, providing me with so many lessons for my growth.
    Redefining Victory Scholarship
    I am Ngan Tran, a 19-year-old girl from Vietnam. The field of science and technology is currently experiencing rapid development, making cyberspace an incredibly vital part of society. The explosive growth of technology brings unprecedented benefits to humanity, but also presents significant potential risks. In fact, there is an increasing number of large-scale cyber attacks with high intensity and severity, posing direct threats to national security and social order. Worldwide, there have been numerous cases of hackers stealing data, cryptocurrencies, and more, such as the theft of over $600 million in cryptocurrency from the Axie Infinity blockchain network. My dream is to become the CEO of a cybersecurity company in the future. This would be a successful aspiration for me because I would have a job I love, with a good and stable income. Below are my dreams for success in the future: I will be a knowledgeable and creative CEO in the field of cybersecurity. I am a high school math student of Le Hong Phong high school for the gifted from Ho Chi Minh City, which provides the foundation for my learning and creativity. At the age of 15, when I started high school, I enrolled in the online Software engineering program at Funix, a member of FPT Corporation, and simultaneously pursued two programs. Learning Software engineering early allowed me to gain knowledge in various areas. I will be a resilient CEO with a clear strategic vision, capable of leading the company's development. While in high school in Vietnam, most students attend extra classes outside of regular school hours, but I studied independently at home, which helped me develop resilience and independence. At the age of 18, in June 2022, after graduating from high school, I completed 3/4 of the Funix program and was accepted to work in the Cybersecurity team at Sky Mavis until I obtained a US study visa in December 2023. Starting work early helped me mature and develop resilience and vision. I will be a durable CEO with enough stamina to work long-term under high pressure and decisiveness. I hold the record for being the most proficient athlete in Vietnam. Playing multiple sports that require independent combat skills such as tennis, swimming, and surfing has helped me develop the decisiveness needed for a successful CEO in the future. Playing over 20 sports shows that I will be an innovative CEO, adapting well to any changes. Please see the article at the link: https://kyluc.vn/tin-tuc/ky-luc/xac-lap-ky-luc-viet-nam-hoc-sinh-cap-thpt-choi-thanh-thao-nhieu-mon-the-thao-nhat-dat-cac-thanh-tich-trong-cac-hoi-thi-cap-quan-va-thanh-pho?fbclid=IwAR0eGZNAWdlWpe2VBbcOOAmQmVKhq8qexkdMzSYeDtOCrAY9P7uHRqXeJbg I will be a CEO with an open-minded approach, capable of engaging in direct dialogue with all partners worldwide because I am fluent in English and have basic communication skills in Japanese. I will be a CEO who understands knowledge beyond my field and can comfortably debate with partners, superiors, colleagues, employees, etc., on various topics outside of work such as sports, economics, culture, history, politics, etc. All of this will help me become a CEO with strong leadership and financial management skills. All that allows me to dream of future success is to become a successful CEO in a very realistic way. Currently, my aunt is lending me the entire living and studying expenses in the US. Both my aunt and I are under financial pressure. This scholarship, combined with the fact that I will work part-time in the future, will help us reduce financial pressure. Then, surely, the path to realizing my dreams of success will be easier, achieving greater success, and thereby making better contributions to society. Furthermore, this scholarship helps me reinforce my belief in the American dream, in the good things in life.
    Rose Ifebigh Memorial Scholarship
    1. I'm Ngan Tran, a 19-year-old girl from Vietnam. I have been in the United States for four weeks to study Computer Science at University of Colorado Denver. Vietnam has a unique education system where most high school students attend extra classes outside regular hours. However, I am entirely self-taught outside of regular school hours. Therefore, I have exceptional abilities in self-learning and research compared to my peers. I hold the record for being the most proficient student in various sports in Vietnam. I have been trained physically to perfection to prepare for the future. Please see the article at the link: https://kyluc.vn/tin-tuc/ky-luc/xac-lap-ky-luc-viet-nam-hoc-sinh-cap-thpt-choi-thanh-thao-nhieu-mon-the-thao-nhat-dat-cac-thanh-tich-trong-cac-hoi-thi-cap-quan-va-thanh-pho?fbclid=IwAR0eGZNAWdlWpe2VBbcOOAmQmVKhq8qexkdMzSYeDtOCrAY9P7uHRqXeJbg I am a math-focused student from Ho Chi Minh City, and with my mathematical background, I find myself well-suited for the field of Cybersecurity. In fact, my full-time work experience with Sky Mavis' Cybersecurity team from June 2022 to December 2023 has proven that I have chosen the right profession for myself. I am proficient in English, enough to communicate and engage in academic research. My story is to come to the United States to study Computer Science at the university level, then seek opportunities to become a Cybersecurity researcher, and eventually become an expert in Cybersecurity. From there, I aim to inspire those with potential and determination but lacking economic means. 2. Thanks to my proficiency in English and a solid social knowledge foundation alongside good life skills, I was able to integrate smoothly into the new environment. In school, I am treated equally like all other students. I am currently waiting for an interview to work part-time at the university. The only difficulty for me is the financial pressure; currently, my aunt is providing loans to cover tuition fees and living expenses here. 3. About myself, I have learned perseverance, independence, and a thirst for knowledge. Regarding my family, I have learned honesty, selflessness, and the willingness to sacrifice personal interests for others. About my homeland, I have learned unwavering determination to protect our nation. In the United States, I have learned pragmatism, the honoring of individual rights and the right to trade, the celebration of freedom while being controlled by strict, fair, and transparent laws. All of these are assets that help me step into a bright future with confidence. 4. My educational and professional journey in the United States has only just commenced. I have been fortunate to glean valuable lessons from my personal experiences, family upbringing, homeland, and my time in the United States. These insights have made me realize the substantial opportunity I have to self-improve, akin to a fish discovering water. With meticulous preparation and a deep understanding of American culture, I'm confident in my ability to achieve my goal of pursuing Cybersecurity research in the U.S. and eventually becoming an expert in the field.
    Combined Worlds Scholarship
    Travel is an essential part of life, something that can reach almost unimaginable limits. Just look at tours exploring outer space with Elon Musk or diving to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. Such tours are incredibly expensive and dangerous, yet they remain highly sought after, even after accidents like the sinking of the Titan submersible in 2023. People still participate because they want to experience it. So what is experience? Quite simply, experience stems from observations, interactions, challenges, and continuous exploration in life. From our own experiences, we become more mature in life. Vietnamese people have a saying, "Đi một ngày đàng sẽ học một sàng khôn", roughly translated as "Travel broadens the mind," which accurately summarizes what experiences bring to us. In life, experiences offer us many valuable lessons that neither parents, schools, nor teachers, and especially money, can provide. Therefore, experience is something essential that everyone, in any country, needs to have. Here we can affirm that travel can be a profoundly positive transformative experience for individuals. I obtained my driver's license when I turned 18, as required by Vietnamese law, and immediately experienced driving through all the mountainous roads in the South and Central regions of Vietnam. Experiences such as driving over Khanh Le Pass in foggy weather or crossing Hai Van Pass at night significantly changed my mindset, giving me more courage and determination. I fully agree with the perspective that travel allows you to engage with different cultures, perspectives, and environments, leading to personal growth and development. The environment deeply influences people, which is evident. Vietnamese people have a saying, "Gần mực thì đen, gần đèn thì sáng," roughly translated as "A man is known by the company he keeps." In August 2023, I had a three-week summer study trip to Toronto, Canada, sponsored by financial assistance. The summer study trip was akin to a sightseeing tour of the university and the country of Canada. It was my first direct exposure to one of the most modern cultures in the world, with progressive views and an environment of complete freedom, in stark contrast to my home country of Vietnam. The trip to Canada completely changed my mindset, despite having previously seen a lot through books, movies, the internet, or hearing from people who had visited developed countries. Upon returning from the summer study trip at York University, I immediately decided to apply to University of Colorado Denver and apply for a visa with the financial assistance of my aunt, who currently lives in Denver. Although my university program in Vietnam was in the phase of completing my final project, I decided to defer it in order to pursue further self-development through studying abroad. I believe that traveling reflects the success and maturity of an individual.
    William A. Stuart Dream Scholarship
    At the age of 15, when I started high school, I chose to study Software Engineering and simultaneously pursued two programs: Funix online university and high school. During the day, I attended high school classes, while in the evenings, I pursued the Funix university program online. Funix is the online program of FPT University. At that time, my academic goal was to complete the Software Engineering program in Vietnam and then apply for a scholarship for a Master's degree in Software Engineering abroad. In the summer of 2023, I obtained a visa and spent three weeks studying in Canada, funded by friends of my parents who were university classmates. Securing the Canadian visa opened up a pathway for me to immediately apply for a student visa to study at a university in the United States, where my aunt was ready to provide financial support for my living and tuition expenses. I deferred my academic results in Vietnam to study in the United States in pursuit of a better future. I worked full-time at Sky Mavis' Cybersecurity team for 18 months from June 2022 until December 2023 when I obtained a U.S. visa for studying abroad. I believe that with the knowledge I have gained and applied practically, I will quickly integrate into the new environment, and I will make significant strides in the field of Cybersecurity. Now, I am in the United States, studying Computer Science at University of Colorado Denver. I plan to complete my undergraduate degree in Computer Science and then pursue a master's degree specializing in Cybersecurity, followed by a doctoral degree in Cybersecurity. My direction since starting my studies at Funix has been to become an expert in Cybersecurity. I believe I will succeed on the path I have chosen because I have the suitable qualities. I have several years of studying mathematics in high school, followed by university-level coursework while still in high school, and most importantly, I performed well at Sky Mavis' Cybersecurity team while still in university. Equally crucial is my proficiency in English; during my three weeks here, I have faced no language barriers, which boosts my confidence in pursuing my chosen path. I know that American students can take out loans to pay for tuition, which is a dream for me. If I receive a scholarship, I will use it to cover tuition fees. Having a scholarship to cover tuition fees reduces financial pressure, allowing me more time and effort to invest in studying, researching, and improving myself. Consequently, I will study better, undoubtedly advancing further on the academic path, and having a more solid career, making more positive contributions to society.
    Eleven Scholarship
    I've experienced numerous failures, and for me, that's normal because, in Vietnam, we have a saying, "Thất bại là mẹ thành công" (Failure is the mother of success) or “Failure teaches success”, emphasizing the positive aspects of failure as a valuable learning experience. I'll share my early-life failure, starting at the tender age of three when I began attending kindergarten. Strangely, I disliked going to school from the outset, often citing reasons like fatigue, stomachaches, or sleepiness to avoid attending. My excuses were comical, and I consistently failed. Facing failure at such a young age deeply influenced my personality development. I found solace in solitary play, often engrossed with a single toy for an entire day without bothering anyone. Despite the obligatory kindergarten attendance, I overcame failure by seeking joy and passion on my terms. I'd choose toys I liked, create a secluded space, and play independently. Thus, years passed, shaping my character into one of independence and a strong affinity for freedom. In Vietnam, students are required to memorize extensive lessons across various subjects, despite the ease of accessing information on the internet. As an independent individual, I detested rote memorization and favored researching knowledge freely, even during my high school years. However, refusing to memorize led to poor grades, equating to failure in academics. Reflecting on my ability to overcome failure at the age of three, I devised a unique memorization method—photographing the page. While the average student would read through lessons repeatedly until memorized, I read a page several times, imprinting every detail in my mind as if capturing a photograph and storing the entire page in my memory. This unconventional study method enabled me to recall several A4 pages for exams or quizzes, and just as swiftly, I'd forget them, akin to deleting a file from a computer. Though it may sound fanciful, this approach saved me considerable time on memorization compared to my peers, affording me ample time to explore subjects of personal interest and revel in freedom. Overcoming failure at the age of three significantly influenced my educational path, fostering self-learning and research skills. It led me to choose the right field—computer science—a profession that offers freedom, unrestricted by conventional office hours or settings, breaking the confines of a typical office. My dream is to one day work in Google's open office space, an aspiration fueled by my ability to overcome early-life failures and carve out a unique path to self-discovery and success.
    Crenati Foundation Supporting International Students Scholarship
    When I was in Vietnam, I was someone who created a positive impact for others. As a record-breaking athlete in Vietnam, excelling in numerous sports, I inspired many people to become more active in sports. Now, I am in the United States pursuing a degree in information technology, which is currently one of the hottest fields. The U.S. is the world's leading country in science and technology, and naturally, its education system is equally renowned. Graduating from a university program or higher in the U.S. will undoubtedly create a positive impact on my home country, motivating people to strive for success, improve themselves, and aspire to opportunities to study and work in the U.S. Before enrolling at the University of Colorado Denver, I completed three-quarters of the Bachelor's program in Software Engineering at FPT University. I started my university program in the 10th grade, alongside my high school program. The university program allowed me to study online. After completing high school, I finished half of the university program, significantly shortening the time compared to my peers. During this time, I also joined Sky Mavis, founded Axie Infinity as a Cyber Security Intern. I balanced work and offline studies at the university until December 2023. Afterward, I transitioned to studying Computer Science at the University of Colorado Denver. Despite always juggling two tasks simultaneously, I maintained regular sports training every day. In 2023, on average, I participated in at least two 21km running races every month. I inspired many colleagues in the company and friends at the university to join running events with me. Additionally, I provided significant support to many individuals learning to code. I believe I am fully deserving to be a role model for many who aspire to follow the path of education and physical fitness. Despite my family's financial constraints, I have managed to study at a university in the U.S. thanks to my personal efforts and the support of my family. In the future, I envision contributing to my home country by leveraging the knowledge and skills gained through my education and career. As a technologist, I aim to pioneer initiatives that bridge the technological gap, fostering innovation and progress. By establishing educational programs and mentorship opportunities, I aspire to empower the younger generation, ensuring they have access to quality education and guidance. Ultimately, my goal is to cultivate a thriving ecosystem that propels Vietnam forward in the ever-evolving landscape of technology and education.
    Evan T. Wissing Memorial Scholarship
    I was born and raised in Vietnam, with my father being Vietnamese and my mother of Chinese descent. It seems that I carry the Chinese heritage within me, prompting me to consciously seek my roots. Therefore, whenever possible, I choose to embark on a journey to Taiwan, not only to explore my roots but also to learn from a modern and civilized country. Last month, I had the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a peaceful and beautiful land. Alongside Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, Taiwan embodies the characteristics of a modern nation while preserving the traditional aspects of East Asia. During my five days in Taiwan, I visited various places and explored many famous tourist attractions. I was most impressed by the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, a magnificent architectural structure with profound historical significance. Chiang Kai-shek is a figure of great importance in contemporary history. However, perspectives on him differ significantly across the Taiwan Strait. While one side views him as an antagonist, subjected to public criticism, the other praises him wholeheartedly, honoring him as a leader who protected and built Taiwan. Being here, I understand why the people of Taiwan venerate Chiang Kai-shek, witnessing firsthand that Taiwan is not much different from Canada, where I spent a month studying abroad. Visiting Taiwan, I gained deeper insights into the contradictions, something I had studied extensively in philosophy classes during high school and university. In the future, my next destination is China, specifically Tiananmen Square in Beijing. I aim to comprehend why China considers Chiang Kai-shek a villain and to complete my journey back to my roots. Tiananmen Square is considered a symbolic center of China. As an avid learner, born and raised in Vietnam, a country with a political system similar to that of China, I am particularly interested in the events of June 1989 at Tiananmen Square. Everyone knows that China is a socialist state led by the Communist Party, following the ideologies of Marx–Engels–Lenin, in stark contrast to Taiwan, which aligns more with Western ideals, particularly the United States. This curiosity led me to Taiwan and later to China. Contradictions are the foundation of development. Resolving internal contradictions within each entity, phenomenon, is the driving force of progress. Taiwan has successfully navigated its conflicts with China by relying on the United States, using it as a counterbalance to China and maintaining the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. This has provided political stability, enabling the country to focus on its development. Hence, I hope to visit Tiananmen Square in my future travels. I want to expand my perspective, witness how China resolves its internal contradictions, and draw lessons for personal growth. This, I believe, is the only way to truly develop oneself.
    Allison Thomas Swanberg Memorial Scholarship
    Community service has played a significant role in shaping my perspective on societal development and the importance of providing opportunities for everyone. Hailing from Vietnam, my academic journey specialized in mathematics, complemented by my achievement in excelling in 20 different sports during high school. These experiences have fueled my commitment to giving back to the community. From 2013 to 2015, I devoted my time to teaching English to orphaned children at Cam Phong Pagoda, offering valuable insights into the challenges they face. Witnessing their resilience and determination ignited my passion for community service and instilled a desire to make a more meaningful impact. Armed with proficiency in mathematics and coding, I now aspire to extend my assistance to children with autism. Teaching data structure and algorithms to an autism student in 2021 provided me with firsthand insight into the unique challenges they encounter in the learning process. This experience served as a catalyst, strengthening my resolve to contribute more meaningfully to their educational journey. Looking ahead, I envision integrating my passion for sports into my community outreach efforts. By creating a holistic program that combines mathematics, coding, and sports training for children with autism, I aim to provide a well-rounded and inclusive educational experience that nurtures both their physical and cognitive development. My extensive background in various sports has taught me the transformative power of physical activities, fostering discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Tailoring sports activities to the specific needs and preferences of the autism community is a key component of my vision, aiming to enhance their overall well-being and contribute to their social integration. To further strengthen my motivation, I have seen that Vietnamese children with autism do not receive enough care and attention. This realization makes me even more determined to help solve this problem and improve their quality of life. Expanding on my commitment, I understand that orphaned children not only face the challenges of their immediate circumstances but also need someone to guide them in envisioning their future goals and ambitions. It's crucial to address their concerns and aspirations, as they are susceptible to feeling lost without proper guidance. In conclusion, my commitment to community service is deeply rooted in understanding the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly orphaned children and those with autism. By combining my skills in mathematics, coding, and sports training, I strive to make a positive impact on their lives, ensuring they have access to a comprehensive and inclusive education that empowers them to thrive in all aspects of life.
    Chris Jackson Computer Science Education Scholarship
    I have been interested in pursuing a computer science degree since I was in 7th grade. At that time, my father’s friend told me about his software development job. His story motivated me to take part in computer science. I have a natural aptitude for mathematics, having specialized in it throughout my high school years. With a strong ability for self-study and excellent logical reasoning skills, I have been a record holder in Vietnam for proficiency in various sports, mastering 20 kinds of sports. This has equipped me with a high degree of flexibility in handling different situations. Given these qualities, I believe I am well-suited to pursue a degree in computer science. I enjoy working with lines of code, where each software project I undertake yields one or more tangible results. I plan to work for approximately two years to accumulate experience before furthering my education in the field of cybersecurity. I aspire to work in the role of Security Operation Engineering, monitoring logs, and writing rules to detect anomalies within the system. I have achieved the gold medal in the Singapore and Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO) three consecutive times from 2017 to 2019. During my high school years, I enrolled in the online university program offered by Funix, affiliated with FPT University. I maintained good performance in both the high school and university programs. Upon completing high school, I had already completed three-fourths of the university program, allowing me to shorten my time at the university. Currently, I am transferring credits from Vietnam to the University of Colorado Denver. Despite being a female, I possess all the necessary qualifications to pursue a computer science degree. Before coming to the U.S., I worked full-time for 18 months at Sky Mavis, the founder of Axie Infinity. The only difficulty I face now is a financial constraint, which could hinder my full potential development.