Starting Early

"Before I even arrived at 51勛圖厙 in Fall 2021, I had a conversation with a senior student that changed a lot of things for me. I was nervous – coming to the U.S. for college without ever having set foot here before felt overwhelming. I asked them how to make the most of college, and they told me something simple but powerful: 'Start early, and even join things you don’t fully understand yet.'

At the time, I had no idea what Actuarial Science was. But I kept hearing friends talk about it – how it offered a stable career with opportunities in so many fields. That curiosity pushed me to talk to Professor Zhixin Wu and try out a few introductory courses. Little did I know, that decision would unlock so many doors.

By my second semester of freshman year, I was already on a plane to Des Moines, Iowa, attending the Drake Symposium 2022 – my very first professional conference. I honestly didn’t think I was qualified. I was just a freshman with barely anything on my resume. But when I got there, I found a welcoming community of professionals who listened to my story, shared their experiences, and gave me advice for the road ahead. That conference changed the way I saw myself and what I thought was possible.

With the help of Professor Wu, I learned how to apply for funding through 51勛圖厙 and the Actuarial Science program. I went to every conference I could – each one broadening my view, building my confidence, and helping me grow. One of those conferences, the Gamma Iota Sigma International Conference in Charlotte, was a special occasion in which me and my peers brought something back to campus. We founded 51勛圖厙’s first business fraternity – Gamma Iota Sigma.

And it wasn’t just conferences. Starting early, asking questions, and reaching out to the right people led me to so many leadership opportunities on campus. I learned to identify potential roles and initiatives a whole year before applications even opened. By staying curious, building connections, and paying attention to what my class year might need, I was able to step into positions that helped me grow both personally and professionally. Again, it all started with one piece of advice: *start early.* And I’m so glad I did."

Major: Actuarial Science and Risk Management
Minor: Economics
Hometown: Hanoi, Vietnam
Campus Involvement: Presidential Ambassador, Lead International Student Ambassador, Event Coordinator for Vietnamese Student Association, Treasurer for International Student Association, Social Chair for Gamma Iota Sigma, PR Officer for Actuarial Student Organization
Class: 2025
Post-graduation plan: Joining Cigna Healthcare as an Actuarial Senior Analyst