Vy Vuong
Quick Facts
Age: 21
Pronouns: she/her
Major: Computer Science, 2025
Notable: International student
Languages: Vietnamese
Transfer Institution: Seattle Central College, Associate in Science
“Civility centers around the core principles of prioritizing respect, empathy, and open-mindedness in all human interactions. ”
Service & Work:
Member, Association for Computing Machinery
Member, Society of Women Engineers
Member, AI & Machine Learning Club
Global Ambassador for International Student Center
Web Designer for Alfie Scholars Program
IT Service Desk Student Technician (October 2023 – Present)
Web Developer Intern – Beaute Blossom (May 2024 – Present)
Undergraduate Research Assistant (Summer 2024)
Product Design Intern, Radical AI (Summer 2024)
Community lunch on Capitol Hill, October 2022
Math & Programming Club, since June 2022
Summer Camp Teaching Assistant, Vietnam Australia International School, 2019
Awards & Honors:
Member, Alpha Sigma Nu Jesuit Honor Society
Member, Tau Sigma Honor Society
Dean’s List, Fall 2023, Winter 2024
Nominee, Best Student Employee
Alfie Scholars, Cohort 8, 2023–2025
SGSU Scholarship
College of Science and Engineering Senator, SGSU, April 2024
President’s List, Seattle Central College, 2022–2023
Dean’s List, Seattle Central College, September–December 2021
Achievement Scholarship
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
Vy’s Story
I am an international student hailing from the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. My life's journey is a rich tapestry woven from transformative experiences and unyielding resilience, all shaping my trajectory towards a profound purpose. From harrowing childhood encounters with mortality to an unwavering commitment to health and technology, my narrative embodies a resolute determination to leave a lasting impact on the world.
In my earliest memory, the battle for breath at the tender age of two, against an invisible threat, etched into my consciousness the delicate nature of life. As time marched on, the theme of mortality persisted. At five, I battled malaria in a grueling three-month ordeal that found me confined to a hospital bed. A near-drowning incident in grade 2 underscored life's unpredictability, imprinting upon me the value of survival.
These brushes with mortality cultivated a steadfast spirit within me. A deep commitment to healthcare emerged, fortified by each encounter with death. The pivotal moment arrived when the words "Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease" blared from my high school health report. This awakening spurred me to reevaluate my health choices, propelling me onto a transformative weight-loss journey that not only reshaped my body but redefined my approach to life itself. This transformation fueled a resolute commitment to elevate the well-being of my compatriots, propelling me towards a career in medicine.
Continuing my education, I earned acceptance to two of Vietnam's top universities one of which is Bach Khoa University, and secured a 50% scholarship for a 6-year medical program at Vin University. Yet, the allure of diverse perspectives, an aspiration for prestige, and a longing to study abroad compelled me to choose Seattle Central College, laying the groundwork for a future transfer to Seattle University.
Settling into the tech-driven city of Seattle and its central college, I reveled in the diverse interactions between humans and machines that framed our advancement. This environment sparked my fascination for the symbiotic dance of innovation and humanity, driving my pursuit of interdisciplinary understanding in biology and computer science. Further fortified by courses in Psychology and Economics, I found myself drawn to the nexus of medical and technological knowledge. Healthcare’s dedication seamlessly blended with a fascination for technology's capacity to enhance healing, paving the way for a profound intersection between health and innovation.
Being selected for the Alfie's Scholar program was a dream realized, yet my journey has only just commenced. While my initial path towards medicine was rewarding, I recognized the potential for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to amplify the principles I hold dear. The field offers a myriad of applications in enhancing patient care, diagnosis, and cost-effectiveness.
As a Vietnamese woman, I embrace the challenge of defying stereotypes and cultural norms. My journey in computer science is a testament to breaking barriers and dismantling preconceptions. I am resolved to contribute to the vibrant SU community, where I intend to immerse myself in language and cultural learning to better understand the hurdles faced by diverse individuals.
My unwavering belief in the importance of continuous healthcare services for the betterment of all citizens drives me. I am convinced that my background, experiences, and acquired talents have poised me to excel in Computer Science and achieve my aspiration of becoming a compassionate, influential Machine Learning Engineer. Armed with my past and prepared for the future, I am steadfastly committed to contributing my best to the SU community and beyond.
Goals:
Recognizing the immense potential of machine learning in healthcare, I am driven to pursue a career as a Machine Learning engineer specializing in healthcare applications. With advancements in technology and the availability of vast amounts of medical data, I believe we have an unprecedented opportunity to leverage machine learning algorithms to extract meaningful insights and revolutionize patient care.
I am particularly passionate about addressing the issue of inadequate healthcare in Vietnam, where limited access to quality healthcare facilities, insufficient resources, and a shortage of skilled medical professionals pose significant challenges. To contribute to overcoming these healthcare obstacles, my ambition is to establish a sustainable framework that integrates state-of-the-art machine learning solutions into the Vietnamese healthcare system.
Providing continuous and long-term primary healthcare services to better the well-being of all citizens is not a choice but a commitment to life – a commitment to the next generation. As a valuable member of the SU community, I'm confidently ready to put in my best effort.
On Civility:
As I reflect on the essence of civility, it becomes clear that it is a fundamental aspect of my personal values and beliefs. Civility centers around the core principles of prioritizing respect, empathy, and open-mindedness in all human interactions. It serves as a powerful means of nurturing harmonious relationships characterized by respect, understanding, and mutual growth. My commitment to upholding these principles aims to contribute to a society where empathy, respect, and understanding form the pillars of coexistence. Through my dedication to civility, I strive to create an environment where individuals can thrive and collaborate to build a better, more inclusive world for ourselves and future generations.
