Student Spotlight: Judy Huynh (MUP 2024)
What motivated you to attend Wagner, a school of public service?
NYU's Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service offers high-quality programs in public service and policy that have a strong emphasis on social justice and developing leaders who can make a positive impact in their communities. This corresponds with my objective of making the built environment a better place for everyone. I am excited to be part of a community of individuals who share my passion for making a difference in people's lives.
Moreover, New York City is a unique landscape with a diverse range of communities, cultures, and needs, providing numerous opportunities to learn about urban policy and its impact on people's lives. As a student at Wagner, I will have the chance to engage with the city and its communities, gaining valuable insights and experiences that I can use to make a difference in the world. Being in the heart of New York City will also provide me with access to a wide range of resources, including internships, networking opportunities, and research facilities that will enable me to develop my skills and knowledge in public service and policy and put them into practice to create positive change.
You are a member of the Urban Planning Student Association (UPSA) as well as a first-year representative for the Pan Asian Student Alliance (PASA), a student-led group that engages the Wagner community to raise the visibility of AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) social and policy issues around the world. What are the benefits of getting involved with these two organizations?
UPSA at Wagner offers numerous benefits for those interested in urban planning and building a better New York City. Being a member of UPSA provides opportunities to engage with like-minded individuals and learn about cutting-edge research and design principles through discussions and attending events hosted by the group. This helps to sharpen skills and knowledge in urban planning and design.
Similarly, as a first-year representative for PASA, I was able to represent the AAPI community and raise awareness about local, state, national, and global news that affects this community. PASA provides a safe and inclusive space where individuals can share their experiences, contribute to important conversations, and encourage positive outreach. PASA strengthens the AAPI culture at Wagner and helps to make the community more diverse and vibrant
Both UPSA and PASA host a variety of events throughout the year that offer opportunities for personal and professional growth. From seminars to networking events, guest speakers, and community service initiatives, students can participate in a range of activities that help develop leadership skills and create lifelong connections. As a first-year representative for both groups, I had the opportunity to play an active role in organizing and planning these events, which provided invaluable experiences in leadership and collaboration.
Looking ahead to the rest of spring 2023 as well as fall 2023 semester, how can students and alumni get involved with UPSA and PASA? Are there any initiatives or events you are looking forward to?
As the upcoming Chair of UPSA for the 2023-2024 term, I am thrilled to lead a group of passionate individuals in a collaborative space, exposing planners to a wide range of topics such as housing, environment, and transportation. I am also excited to collaborate with Jeremy Zhu, the Chair of PASA, to explore synergies between urban planning and AAPI social and policy issues.
For those interested in getting involved with UPSA and PASA, both groups offer numerous opportunities to participate, including events, workshops, and networking opportunities. One initiative that is in the works for PASA is an event on how to unlearn the scarcity mentality that occurs in several cultures. This event will provide a safe and inclusive space for the AAPI community to share their experiences and learn from one another.
Overall, I am excited about the upcoming semester and grateful for the support provided by Jeremy from PASA, Sarah Internicola, and Jed Higdon from UPSA. Their mentorship and trust have been invaluable in my journey.
Reflecting on your experience at Wagner, what skills or lessons have you gained from your grad school journey?
Leaping to move from Toronto, Canada, to New York City has been the most remarkable and bold move I've ever made. The mixture of fear and excitement that accompanied me during my Wagner journey has rewarded me tenfold with sharpened skills and valuable lessons I will carry with me for life. As a first-generation international graduate student from Canada with a family background of refugees who fled Vietnam by boat, I am driven to make my family proud and Wagner proud.
A valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of diversity and inclusion. Wagner provides a space where different voices are heard and encouraged, which has helped me appreciate the value of diverse perspectives and their impact on policy decisions. Furthermore, being in the heart of Manhattan has allowed me to connect with people from all walks of life, including public and political figures, colleagues, and community members. This has helped me develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, experiences, and perspectives.
In terms of professional development, being a Wagner student opened doors for several volunteer and internship experiences alongside a unique curriculum to develop my planner's toolkit. During my first year, I had the opportunity to volunteer for Rebuild By Design and Friends of the Underline. This experience enhanced my ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. I have also learned to be more creative and innovative in problem-solving, which has helped me to curate more effective and sustainable solutions to complex issues. I am thoroughly excited to start my summer internship at Port Authority!