Carrying Strengths across Borders: What I Learned Navigating Grad School as an International Young Scholar

Growing up in Vietnam, completing my undergraduate studies in Europe, and now pursuing a PhD in the United States, I have spent my academic life adapting to new environments – learning new languages, adjusting to new expectations, and navigating new cultures and ways of thinking. Along the way, I discovered and fully embraced my identity as a scholar who balances various callings, be it from teaching students and conducting research to leading initiatives and engaging in public outreach. Rather than being a burden, this multifaceted identity has become a source of resilience, motivation, and purpose.

In this talk, I will reflect on how embracing these different roles has helped me find belonging, build confidence, and grow as both a scholar and a contributor to an inclusive community. My hope is to offer insights that empower other international students to recognize their diverse experiences as sources of strength, and to inspire them as they walk their own paths across cultures.