Amanda Nguyen
Pre Dentistry, Biological Sciences
She/Her
My campus involvement spans multiple leadership roles and organizations. As a Pre-Dental student, I served as one of six Pre-Dental Orientation Leaders for the New Student 2024 Fall Orientation, creating and managing a Discord community of over 120 students. I have also been selected for the GKAS volunteer program hosted by the San Joaquin Dental Society and St Raphael’s Dental Clinic. I'm also the President and Founder of UOP Ethics Bowl, a space I hoped would facilitate democratic and interdisciplinary discussions where the exchange of perspectives bolstered by ethical principles could occur. I've presented at the Dental Research Club as one of the four freshman presenters last year, discussing diabetes, cancer, mutagenesis, toxic materials, and systemic health connections to dental care. I’ve also been involved in VSA, performing in the Culture Show and reveling in the precious community I’ve found.
My digital media and technology interests are reflected in my educational YouTube channel, which has garnered over 400,000 impressions and on a single video, 25,000 views. I am also passionate about web development, having gained skills through the Girls Who Code Summer Immersion Program, and I enjoy exploring various digital platforms and AI-powered learning tools. I am an avid reader who regularly engages with publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker. This interest developed through my AP Language and Literature courses. I have a deep appreciation for culture and heritage, which influences both my digital presence and community involvement. In my workspace designs, I often draw inspiration from my aesthetic preferences, particularly fro pinterest boards of pins of characters, quotes, and symbols that have influenced and inspired me. One of my greatest passions is fostering collaborative learning environments and building communities, whether through digital platforms or in-person interactions. I particularly enjoy participating in cultural activities, such as performing in the VSA culture show where I dance with my closest friends to songs like Le Seraphim's Perfect Night. I also really like cooking and eating, exploring, and going to concerts!
I'm an avid reader, regularly engaging with publications like The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The New Yorker, developing this interest through AP Language and Literature courses. I journal and use Notion every day!
Based on my experience at The Pacifican, I would be excited to write about campus community and culture. As one of two Lifestyles Staff Writers, I previously wrote one of the highest impression-grossing articles – a piece about navigating life at a small school. I'm particularly passionate about fostering collaborative learning environments and building digital and in-person communities. With my involvement in various campus organizations like VSA, Ethics Bowl, and the Dental Research Club, I have unique insights into different aspects of student life that I could share through my writing. Additionally, my experience managing social media and creating content that resonates with students – from running the Dental Research Club's Instagram to my educational YouTube channel with significant viewership– would help me craft engaging stories that connect with The Pacifican's audience.