Student Spotlight: My Nguyen (MPA 2024)
As the co-chair of Wagner's First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) and with a background in research and advocacy, My Nguyen (MPA 2024) is on a journey to reshape the systems that impact the lives of individuals and communities, driven by a passion for a brighter, more equitable future.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to attend a school of public service?
My decision to attend a school of public service is rooted in my vision of building a better world and a deep understanding that real, tangible change cannot happen without public policy. As an immigrant, I am aware of how policies can either humanize or dehumanize groups of newcomers. As a former educator, I understand how policies can affect classrooms, students, and their communities. As a former direct service counselor for individuals experiencing homelessness, I am mindful of how policies can impact the distribution of resources and access to public housing. These are just a few examples of what led me to pursue public service. Whether it pertains to personal identities or experiences, I carry a strong passion for changing how systems currently operate to advocate for the betterment of all humanity.
In addition to being an MPA student, you have also gained experience with the Center for Public Research and Leadership as well as the NYC Department of Education. How have those experiences enhanced your understanding of education policy and public service?
My experience with the Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) at Columbia University and my internship with the NYC Department of Education (DOE) have sharpened my research, analytical, and advocacy skills within the education field and beyond. During my time at NYC DOE, I learned how to effectively communicate and present research through papers, reports, and presentations to various stakeholders, including policymakers and students. I closely collaborated with Professor Judy Pryor-Ramirez, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Public Service, who taught me the importance of centering students and communities in public policy work. My time at CPRL was incredibly valuable, teaching me that effecting change in education systems requires diligence, extensive collaboration, and the ability to think outside the box. My favorite part was applying what I learned in seminars and skills classes to consulting projects, where I could build relationships with clients and understand their needs. My experiences in both spaces helped me realize that creating change in a complex and political field like education policy demands perseverance and a clear understanding of who I am advocating for and why.
What do you enjoy most about your role as co-chair of the First-Generation Student Association (FGSA)? How has it shaped your student experience?
What I enjoy most about my role as co-chair of the First-Generation Student Association (FGSA) is finding camaraderie and comfort in knowing that I am not alone in my journey as a first-generation student. For me, this means being the first in my family to attend graduate school in the United States while also being a first-generation American. I love being a part of this community because it aligns with my core values, so being involved with a student group that embraces and celebrates this significant aspect of who I am makes me proud to attend NYU Wagner. I am surrounded by passionate, highly motivated students who share my vision of setting a precedent for the next generation.
Looking ahead, what are your hopes for FGSA in this new academic year? How can people get involved?
FGSA has several exciting events coming up, including a collaborative policy talk on Affirmative Action Post Supreme Court Ruling with the Black Student Association (BSA), Wagner Student Association (WSA), Stonewall Policy Alliance (SPA), and Pan Asian Student Alliance (PASA), as well as our end-of-semester celebration. We hope the end-of-semester celebration will be another way to build community across the entire cohort and remind students that they are not alone in their journey. People can get involved by joining our WhatsApp group and submitting their names through our interest form. My hopes for FGSA are to continue building on the legacy of this affinity group as a space for first-generation identifying students, alumni, and staff to come together and remember that our achievements are monumental as they break barriers and set the stage for future generations.