In her sophomore year of high school, Thảo Nguyên eagerly explored various fields, hoping to discover her true calling. She was fortunate to be introduced to Computer Science by a dedicated teacher whose passion ignited her interest in the subject. For Nguyên, coding was a paradox: an infuriating puzzle that brought immense joy when solved. Yet at that time, Computer Science was merely a curiosity, not a career path she envisioned pursuing.

Everything changed in her junior year. Raised in a loving family, Nguyên cherished the bonds she shared with her loved ones. When she made the bold decision to leave home and study at a high school in the United States, the physical distance deepened her appreciation for her family. This profound sense of connection inspired her to dream of an app that could bridge the emotional and physical gaps between people far apart. Determined to turn this vision into reality, Nguyên resolved to pursue Computer Science, seeing it as a means to bring people closer and improve lives.

Nguyên believes technology and humanity are like concentric circles, with the shared center being the betterment of society.

Breaking Barriers and Defying Stereotypes
While Nguyên’s decision brought her joy and clarity, it also attracted skepticism from those who doubted her ability to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field. Computer Science, often perceived as a realm for men, was a daunting choice for many young women. However, Nguyên was undeterred. Trusting her intuition and self-awareness, she forged ahead, supported by her family, teachers, and mentors at MiYork.

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To hone her skills, Nguyên sought opportunities to participate in programming competitions and collaborative projects with other MiYork students. Initially, she faced setbacks, failing to secure high rankings. Undaunted, she treated every experience as a stepping stone, accumulating knowledge and refining her problem-solving skills.

Her perseverance bore fruit when she joined the "Code Like A Girl" competition. Immersing herself in intensive learning, she spent countless hours developing a prototype for an app designed to detect wildfire locations and connect volunteers to provide aid. The feasibility and impact of their product earned her team top recognition, marking a pivotal moment in her journey toward a career in Computer Science.

Inspiring Young Minds Through STEM
Beyond her personal achievements, Nguyên shared her passion by organizing STEM Day events at local elementary schools. These events featured hands-on activities like creating volcanoes from lemons, making slime, and coding Pong games using Scratch. Through these workshops, she not only introduced young students to the wonders of STEM but also ignited their curiosity and love for science.

The Road to UW Seattle
From the outset, Nguyên had her sights set on the University of Washington (UW) Seattle. With guidance from MiYork mentors, she meticulously analyzed the university’s admissions criteria and tailored her application to align with its values and expectations. Instead of overwhelming herself with an array of activities, Nguyên focused on meaningful projects and competitions that resonated with her passion for Computer Science and the spirit of UW Seattle.

Every detail in her application reflected her dedication and alignment with the university’s ethos. The result of her unwavering effort? Admission to the prestigious Computer Science program at UW Seattle.

Nguyên’s journey from a determined high school student to a UW Seattle freshman exemplifies the power of resilience, passion, and the support of a nurturing community.

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Looking Ahead
As Thảo Nguyên embarks on her new adventure at UW Seattle, MiYork celebrates her achievements and wishes her a vibrant and successful journey ahead. With her talent and determination, Nguyên is poised to make significant contributions to both technology and society.