From Homelessness to Columbia University

Vincent Nguyen, pre-med student, Columbia University

Vincent Nguyen

Vincent Nguyen's life journey is a testament to the unimaginable possibilities that hope, endurance, and unwaivering focus can bring to an otherwise seemingly hopeless situation. Vincent grew up in rural Vietnam, raised by his grandmother. Speaking almost no English, he immigrated to the United States when he was 18 years old. Although he had graduated from high school in Vietnam, he completed 12th grade at Plano High School.

As he was finishing his senior year in high school, he became homeless. A very kind friend took him in temporarily but Vincent knew he was on his own. At about that time, his high school counselor told him about the Hendrick Scholarship Foundation and that he would be exactly the type of student that the Hendrick Foundation sought to help.

The Hendrick Scholarship Foundation accepted Vincent into the program in 2007 and from then on, began to help him to piece together a new life. Vincent had a very complicated personal situation and would have many more hurdles to overcome but over the next several years, with help from his Hendrick mentor and others, his life stabilized.

He graduated from Collin College in 2009 and began his adventure as a student at Colombia University in Fall 2009. Vincent is now a pre-med/chemistry major at Columbia University. In addition to his Hendrick scholarship and federal finanical aid, he was awarded 2 additional scholarships which have enabled him to afford Columbia University.

Even though he carries a full academic load of very challenging coursework, he has still found time to "pay it forward."

*UPDATE*

As a child growing up in Vietnam, Vincent had dreamed of visiting NASA someday. He has applied to be an intern at NASA, Johnson Space Center for Fall 2010.

In his own words...

"It is a huge honor to teach with J.E.E.P.'s* GED Preparation Program. Social Studies asks us to make the world a smaller place through the exploration of history, politics, economics, and geography. Our students are experts at this: they bring experiences of rich lives lived in places from Benin to the Bronx.

We allow our imaginations to run wild with possibilities. Attaining the GED is but one of many aspirations for our students, and it is a joy and treat to be in on their dreams, whether they be educational, vocational, or simply personal.

I previously volunteered for Community Impact's Project for the Homeless. Because the law requires the homeless shelter to be staffed overnight, I volunteered to stay two nights per week at the women's shelter at the New York Society for Ethical Culture. I know how it feels to be homeless, and I am glad that I could do something for my newfound friends, who are struggling to have a place to stay overnight.

Currently, I am a mentor for Community Impact's College Road Program. I have established a genuine friendship with my mentee and have stood beside him as he works his way to college. We have a lot in common, and I believe we will make it together. I am glad I could pass on a little of what I have received. I am honored to serve."

*Columbia University's Jobs and Education Empowerment Project