Ngoc Thi Anh Nguyen '12
Home Country: Vietnam
Major: Business, Public Relations
What activities are you involved in?
Resident Assistant, International Club, Alpha Lambda Delta, NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary), Model UN
Why did you decide to attend Coe?
I chose Coe because it is a small community and people can know others well. Moreover, in a small-size class, I have more chances to interact with professors and my classmates. I like to study Public Relations and Coe is one of the few liberal arts colleges which provide this major.
What does Coe mean to you?
Coe is my second family where I can share anything with my friends. Coe is a place I have a lot of chances to expand my abilities such as joining clubs, attending many classes in different areas, and studying off-campus.
What is it like living in Cedar Rapids?
Cedar Rapids is not very big and noisy city such as New York or Chicago, but it is not an "isolated" and boring city either. From school, it takes you 15 minutes driving to the mall and about 10 minutes walking to downtown Cedar Rapids. In addition, I like the snow because it is pretty (I don't like the weather when the temperature gets too low)!
Why should a prospective student choose Coe?
If you want to find a small and peaceful campus, choose Coe. If you do not know what you want to do, Coe is a great place where you can try anything or start a new club. You would rarely get bored here because Coe has many activities and events throughout the year.
How has Coe changed your life?
As an international student, coming to Coe was a big decision. I have become more confident and independent than I was in Vietnam. My friends, my professors, and my advisor help me a lot in adapting to college and the US culture. I had never thought I would become a RA until Coe gave me a chance. And I love my new job. I enjoy my life at Coe: nice, peaceful but challenging.
What has been your favorite memory at Coe?
It is hard for me to pick one. I have never forgotten the first time I had a home-run in a kick-ball game with my first year seminar class. It was the first time I played this game.
How was your transition from your home country to Coe?
It was a hard time. When I had something I did not understand, I asked and learned from my friends who played an important part in helping me adapt in a US culture. Sometimes, when I used some inappropriate words, they corrected them for me. I am now getting used to everything at Coe.
What do you like most about being an International Student?
I am a "unique" person in my friends' opinions. They always ask me about my culture and how people live in Vietnam. I like to "advertise" about my country. Moreover, my friends often invite me to go to their houses during breaks. It is very interesting to live with a US family.
