The Forbidden City
ID # 2544
Xin chào các bạn! (Hello everyone!) 
My real name is Nguyễn Hưng Quỳnh Trang, but feel free to call me Rita. Currently a junior here at UNC, I’m double majoring in Global and Communities Studies. I was born and bred in Vietnam and am 100% Vietnamese 🙂 I spent half of my life living in Thừa Thiên Huế, the ancient imperial city of Vietnam. Growing in up in such a conservative and confined culture has greatly shaped my views and philosophy of life, and given me a unique perspective on various political as well as social issues.
I know this is a common saying among many immigrants, but moving to the United States was truly this biggest life-changing event thus far for me. It was and is still a battle riddled with struggles to assimilate into the West’s melting pot culture while trying to maintain the traditional values instilled within me since birth. As much love as I definitely have for the U.S., Vietnam is where home really is for me. If possible, I would love to be able to go back and work there for an extended period of time after I graduated.
Another major decision that I’ve made was joining alpha Kappa Delta Phi, an Asian-interest sorority here on campus. Having the opportunity to get to know and form a close bonds with girls from an extremely diverse set of ethnic backgrounds has further heighten my awareness in the importance of spreading culture knowledge.
With that being said, I hope to be to utilize my passion for learning about other cultures in coupling with personal background to truly make a difference in the class.