Barnard Club of Hong Kong

Thao Vy H. Vuong's first year at Barnard

Dear Mrs. Mar:
My name is Thao Vy H. Vuong and I would like to personally thank you for your support as the founder
and director of The Barnard Club of Hong Kong and for the club's generosity. Without your generous
support, students like me would not be able to attend this prestigious college. Thank you for making
my education at Barnard College possible.
I am currently a first year student. For now, my intended major is Biology. I am from Ho Chi Minh City,
Vietnam. I chose Barnard College because I know this is the place where I can thrive no matter what
major I choose. The liberal arts and science education here not only allow me to explore my options
but also teach me how to learn and think critically, which are crucialskills in life. ln high school, I had
the opportunity to spend a month in Thailand assisting graduate students with their Biotechnology
research. Community service is one of my passions. During my time at Barnard, I hope to pursue similar
extracurricular activities. I am currently taking five classes, which are Calculus l, First Year Seminar:
Reacting to the Past, Biology 1001, Buddhism: East Asian, and Beginning Self Defense. The classes are
really interesting and all of my instructors are helpful and dedicated. Although it was quite difficult for
me in the beginning of the semester, having to adjust to the college life as an international student, I
am doing much better now.
I am enjoying my time in New York City tremendously. We went to the Lower East Side Tenement
Museum for our Reacting to the Past class. lt was an unforgettable experience. ln my free time, I will
definitely visit other museums in this great city.
Mrs. Mar, I am truly grateful to you for this amazing opportunity. I would not be here without your
support. I hope you will attend the Scholarship Celebration Dinner in March so that I can thank you in
person. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] or write to me at my Barnard address,
(Barnard College, 5879 Altschul, New York, NY 10027-921.8) if you would like to say hello or know more
about my studies at Barnard.

Sincerely,
Thao Vy H. Vuong

Barnard has admitted an excellent candidate to receive the Barnard Club of Hong Kong Scholarship and the Lisa Stewart ‘80/BCHK Scholarship this fall.

Born on June 3, 1996, Thao Vy Vuong is 19 years old. She was born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Vy’s mother, Thu Suong T. Huynh, graduated from Ho Chi Minh City Medicine and Pharmacy University, and is a dentist with a specialty in stomatology (mouth disease). Dr. Huynh Thao’s father graduated from Ho Chi Minh City University, and is a customs officer. Vy has a 13 year old brother.

Vy attended the High School for the Gifted, VNUHCMC, in Ho Chi Minh City. She graduated with a score of 8.8 on a 10 point scale, making her a top student at her public high school. Her high school teachers have described her as energetic, inquisitive, and a true leader. In addition to excelling academically, Vy participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. She was a group leader of the International Volunteer Club, a non-profit organization that raises money, books and clothing for underprivileged children in rural areas. She participated in the prestigious Science and Technology Camp at KMUTT University in Thailand, working with graduate students on bio-engineering research. She also worked as a tutor, preparing students for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Vy’s intellectual curiosity and inner strength are evident in her Barnard admissions application. In response to a question asking her to describe a time when she was unafraid to challenge herself or try something unexpected, Vy discussed her decision to take a gap year after high school. She described the Vietnamese educational system, which would have required her to declare her college major straight from high school, without the opportunity for further exploration or study. Taking a non-traditional route, Vy instead decided to take a gap year before attending college so that she think about what she wanted to do with her life. She stated that her gap year taught her more than she could have imagined. In a reference to Anna Quindlen ’74, who once said that, at Barnard, she “majored in unafraid,” Anna noted that “being unafraid is not easy but is definitely worth it. “

At Barnard, Vy plans to major in biochemistry and is also interested in biology and psychology. She is passionate about scientific research and ultimately would like to earn a Ph.D. In her first year at Barnard she is taking calculus, biology Buddhism, Reacting to the Past and Beginning Self Defense. She says there was some adjustment to curriculum and New York weather but says she is doing well. I think we can all be proud of her and wish her well.

Christine Mar
Director
Barnard Club of Hong Kong

First Dim Sum Lunch with Speaker Janice Wang from Alvanon

Due to current weather conditions, the Spring Walk through Tai Tam Country Park originally planned for today, Sunday, May 4, has been cancelled.

http://www.bustle.com/ #/articles/17702-why-womens-colleges-still-matter-and-attending-barnard-was-the-best-decision-i-ever-made

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Registrations for the Global Symposium on Women has now opened! Please let us know if you have interest in joining our group in going to Shanghai together. http://barnard.edu/womenchangingchina2014

Women Changing China 2014 | Barnard College Women Changing China will bring together some of China’s most prominent women leaders in business, finance, academia, media, and the arts. This day-long event will feature panel discussions and conversations on women’s leadership, women’s agency, and women’s voices, and will also include lunch and n...

We are hosting a cocktail reception for prospective students and parents on Friday, October 11 from around 6-8PM and are currently looking for a venue for this event. If you live in the Central/Mid-Levels area and have a home, a club house in your building or office space that can accommodate ~40 people for this event, please email [email protected]. All other suggestions for an event venue are welcome and appreciated.

Christine Mar representing our HK Club at Barnard!

"China Power: Art After Mao" film screening with the lovely Pia Getty.

Spring Drinks!

Hope to see you all at our Spring Happy Hour tomorrow, Thursday, May 9! 7-9PM at the Flying Winemaker, 31 Wyndham St.