International Student Stories brought to you by Study in the USA Study in the USA

Introduction 
Danny Nguyen returns for Part 2 of his two-part interview. In this episode, Danny shares his optimistic outlook for the future of international students and the importance of elevating student voices. Despite his optimism, he sees areas for improvement, particularly in accounting for the experiences of international students. Join Simon and Danny as they discuss the state of job prospecting, the weight of comparison, and the importance of community. 


Episode Summary 
02:09 - Danny speaks on how humbled he was meeting international students from all walks of life during his time as a teacher.  05:30 - How have Danny’s experiences as a teacher played into his current role as the Vice President of Administrative Services at Mission College? 07:42 - Danny speaks on his current mission to listen to and elevate student voices. 10:44 - What can we do as friends, family members, or higher ed workers to elevate the voices of students? 13:46 - Danny shares his optimism for the future of international students and the diversity of thought, innovation, and creativity that’s been sparked in the industry.  16:36 - Simon and Danny speak on how valuable the experiences of international students are and how that’s lost in job prospecting. 18:49 - As someone who knows the weight of comparison, how did Danny deal with it, and what advice does he have for students? 20:51 - Danny stresses the importance of finding community as an international student. Links 
Mission College
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals 

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Introduction 
1977 — In a year remembered for the “Fall of Saigon,” and “Black April,” Danny Nguyen and his family were caught in the middle of a war-torn Vietnam. Call it courage or call it desperation — Danny’s parents wanted a better life for their five children, and if that meant sailing out into the dark, cold ocean to find it, then so be it. The VP of Administrative Services at Mission College you see today is in stark contrast to the four-year-old who’d just landed in America in 1977. As the saying goes, “sometimes you have to lose yourself to find who you are.” 

Episode Summary 
02:48 - Danny reminisces about a recent family trip, a big hot tub, and one memorable family picture. 04:18 - Danny looks back on the state of Vietnam in 1977 and what urged his family to flee on a boat in the dark of night.06:24 - Danny reflects on his most vivid memories of leaving Vietnam, and how he rediscovered a part of himself when visiting Ho Chi Minh City in 2015. 10:37 - As a young kid in a new country, what was life like when Danny arrived in the U.S.?  12:28 - How has the theme of ‘belonging’ impacted Danny throughout his life? 16:32 - How did Danny balance holding onto his culture vs. assimilating to American culture? 20:14 - How did Danny go from despising academics to making it such an integral part of his life today? 23:25 - Danny shares how his decision to pursue academics was more of a journey than an epiphany — one that saw him rebel, pursue pharmacy, and so much more. 28:24 - Danny shares his appreciation for his music choir instructor from Sylvandale Middle School, who went the extra mile for him.  
Links 
Fall of Saigon
Mission College
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
District 11 
Finding His Place at Mission College
Eli Lilly Pharmaceuticals 
Sylvandale Middle School 

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Introduction

Jessie Gentles is the 3%. The world of IT has thrived as a highly-lucrative, high-growth industry — but the caveat? You’re not going to find many Black women crowding in to become the next IT specialist. As a Jamaican-born woman and software engineering student at Miami University, Jessie represents a demographic that’s shied away from IT — one that’s representing only 3% of the IT space, but she’s not alone. Black Wings is a small, but growing community that supports underrepresented women in IT. Change is on the horizon.

Episode Summary 
02:42 - Simon shares the meaning behind Jessie’s last name, Gentles. 03:14 - Jessie shares her educational background and how it was inspired by a desire to explore the world.  04:52 - How did Jessie adapt to the culture shock of moving to the U.S.? 05:53 - Jessie questions how her life would’ve been different if she’d chosen to stay in Jamaica. 06:46 - What has Jessie’s experience been like as a black woman in STEM at Miami University? 08:09 - Jessie compares the accessibility to technology in the U.S. vs. in Jamaica. 09:09 - How have organizations like “Black Wing” and “Rewriting the Code” aided women like Jessie in their academic careers? 10:27 - How did Jessie first get involved with the Black Wings organization, and how has it impacted her? 12:11 - Historically, why might black women have been underrepresented in the STEM field? 12:56 - Jessie speaks on the impact that mentorships and internships can have on the next generation. 14:49 - As part of the “Hackathon Committee,” Jessie shares what this exciting event is all about. 16:18 - With her background in software engineering, does Jessie have any ambitions to start a company of her own?17:27 - There are numerous ways to network with others — Jessie shares some of her favorites.18:37 - Which professors have been influential in Jessie’s journey? 19:47 - Jessie shares what it’s been like navigating through American slang, holidays, and new traditions. 23:24 - Jessie shares some final words for students considering a study abroad. 
Links 
Miami University
Salem Academy 
Status of Women in IT
Rewriting the Code
Black Wings
Hackathon 2022 

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Study Software Engineering 
American Slang Words You Need to Know

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Introduction 
Paige Steffy returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Paige reflects on themes that follow every international student on their journey; hope, empathy, and connection. She’s walked the walk of an international student, and now she’s walking beside them on their student journey as part of Unibuddy. Join us to hear how Paige envisions the future of international students. 
Episode Summary 
02:26 - Simon and Paige take a moment to explore the roots of Paige’s last name, ‘Steffy.’03:32 - Why is international education so important to Paige? 05:29 - Paige shares how her experience as an international student in the U.K. helped her to be a bridge between cultures in a diverse work environment.  09:18 - As someone who’s been on every end of the international student spectrum — what’s unique about Paige’s current placement in the EdTech industry? 10:30 - Why are student ambassadors so vital to the decision-making process for prospective students?13:51 - Paige mentions an international student with big dreams at Willamette University who specialized in Aquaponics. 18:34 - What is it that gives Paige hope for the next generation of students?20:05 - Paige speaks on why it’s important as adults to foster hope in international students, even if we may not know what they’re going through. 21:33 - What does the U.S. international education system do well, and vice-versa? 23:28 - Where does Paige see the international student industry going in the next five to ten years?25:01 - Paige shares what she’s most grateful for in her life and career in the international student industry. 
Links 
UC Davis
Willamette University
Royal Holloway, University of London 
EdTech
Aquaponics

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Unibuddy
What is a Student Ambassador?

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Introduction 
The magic of Harry Potter captivated a generation of dreamers and stood as a gateway to another world; for one Paige Steffy, it was also a glimpse into her future. Paige graduated from UC Davis with a double major in psychology and Spanish, then worked in the admissions office at Willamette University. Her next adventure wasn’t quite Hogwarts, but, for her Master's program, Paige moved to the U.K. and attended Royal Holloway, University of London. Today, Paige is taking the lessons she’s learned and using them to guide international students through the Unibuddy, student ambassador program, platform. Join us for part one of our two-part interview! 


Episode Summary 
03:20 - Paige gives a recap of her background, her educational journey, and the work she does in student education. 07:05 - Paige speaks about the influence that her love for stories has had on her career.  08:09 - Inspiration is all around; Paige mentions how not only her teachers, but the story of Harry Potter fostered her interests. 09:24 - Why did Paige decide to continue her studies in the U.K., rather than the U.S.? 11:44 - Simon ties in how Steve Jobs’ Stanford commencement speech relates to Paige’s own story. 12:37 - Paige shares how her study abroad opened her eyes to the wonders of being an international student. 16:55 - Paige and Simon speak on the National Health System in the U.K. vs. the U.S. 19:36 - How has Paige’s experience in the U.K. shaped her ability to help international students looking to take on similar challenges? 20:53 - Who is someone dead or alive that Paige would like to spend a day with? 
Links 
UC Davis
Willamette University
Royal Holloway, University of London 
Harry Potter
Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech
National Health Service
Princess Diana

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Unibuddy

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Introduction 
Juliana Pereira returns for Part 2 of a two-part interview. In this episode, Juliana talks about her career as a Geotechnical Engineer who’s carrying the weight of purpose for women in STEM — and that’s not even her greatest challenge. Juliana was diagnosed with uterine cancer just a few years ago, and her most daunting opponent has taught her that life waits for no one. Juliana’s never been one to accept her circumstances, however, and she’s determined to write a legacy that’ll stand the test of time. 


Episode Summary 
02:29 - Simon lays the foundation for the interview by providing background into what a Civil Engineer and Geotechnical Engineer are. 03:42 - Juliana speaks on how important it’s been switching to Engineering from Journalism and how she’s seen an impact from her change. 06:04 - Why have women in STEM had such little representation in the field? 09:37 - How will Purdue University’s Women in Engineering program shape the future of women in STEM? 11:38 - Juliana outlines the projects she’s worked on as a Geotechnical Engineer and her current project with Lunar Lava Tubes on the moon. 13:27 - How is Juliana ‘visiting the moon’ through her career? 14:19 - Still with many goals and ambitions, how did Juliana’s life change after being diagnosed with uterine cancer? 18:36 - Even after being diagnosed with cancer, Juliana’s drive to work never ceased — she did realize, however, that the world stops for no one. 21:02 - How has Juliana’s perspective on life changed after being diagnosed with cancer? 23:25 - Juliana speaks on how she’s pursuing her Ph.D. in order to become a professor while still staying rooted in her career. 26:05 - Simon and Juliana juggle ideas about merging her past television experiences with her current STEM career. 28:43 - How do the environmental challenges we face impact Juliana’s work, and how does her work help change the world for the better? 31:36 - Juliana shares a final piece of advice for students inspired by her story. 
Links 
Civil Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Women in Engineering Program
Lunar Lava Tubes
Uterine Cancer
Oyster Reefs

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Study Journalism in the USA
Why the U.S. is the World’s Premier STEM Destination

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