It was the strong reputation of the United States higher education system that attracted Illinois Beta-Delta Jamie Nguyen to travel halfway across the globe from Vietnam to Galesburg, Illinois. In Vietnam, Jamie attended a foreign language specialized school, so when she began looking for colleges in the U.S. she looked for three things: diversity, a strong curriculum in her field of study and good financial aid. Knox College quickly became one of her top choices and ultimately, where she decided to begin her collegiate career.

Jamie is studying computer science. “Technology is very important,” Jamie said. “It defines how we live our life right now.” With her degree she hopes to change the world for the better. She plans on becoming a Software Planner building programs, apps and websites. She is also interested in data analysis; Jamie believes she can create meaningful applications utilizing the data that is collected.

Jamie is one of only 10 junior students to receive a stipend to help support an independent project. This summer, she will remain in Galesburg working on “Tuber”, an app that will allow students to find a tutor. The idea came to Jamie when she was a teaching assistant for a computer science class and realized the students do not have the support they need. Through the app, a student would have access to tutors with knowledge in a specific field. Also, if students have any concern about school-related items, they can post in the app and receive help from a tutor with knowledge in a specific field. This seems like an app a lot of Pi Phi sisters could use!

Along with her academic plans for this summer, Jamie and I will be reunited in St. Louis, Missouri. As Chapter President, she will be representing her chapter at Convention 2017! “Pi Beta Phi is an organization that cultivates leadership and inspires me to be a better person,” Jamie said. “It has exceeded my expectations!”