This Spotlight series recognizes a student’s academic achievements and personal story. Students are nominated for this spotlight by faculty and staff.

Name: My Vu

Age: 19

Hometown: Hai Phong, Vietnam

Currently residing: Menasha

Career program/major: Computer Science

High school attended: Tran Phu Major High School (Hai Phong, Vietnam), James Whitcomb Riley High School (South Bend, Indiana)

UW-Fox Valley student clubs/organizations: UWFox Theatre volunteer, math tutor, FoxBytes Computer Science Club vice president.

What led you to choose your program or major?

It was a hard decision for me to choose between computer science and civil engineering for my major. I tried to take many courses in both fields to see which one suits me the best. During this process, I found programming very enjoyable since I can sit in front of the computer all day trying to create a program and solving its problem. At the time, I decided that computer science would be the right choice for me. I believe the right career for me should be the one that I enjoy doing.

Why did you decide to become a student at UW-Fox Valley?

I chose UW-Fox Valley because of its affordability and because of the scholarship the school offered me. After almost two school years here, I feel very happy because of all the great experiences that this school has offered me.

Is there a professor or staff member at UW-Fox Valley who made a difference in your life or inspired you?

I want to thank Brian Ugorowski, the technical manager of UWFox Theatre and professor Susan Rabideau for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the backstage crew. Brian is a big inspiration to me because I admire his wide range of knowledge about technical stuff in the theatre. He also has taught me many things about construction and inspires me to carry on different challenging woodworking projects. Susan has been an extraordinary teacher to me. I enjoy every moment in her classes, and I am thankful for all the help I received from her.

What is one piece of advice you would give to an incoming UW-Fox Valley student?

My advice to any future student is to try out different things. There are several new experiences and opportunities for us on this campus, such as joining a club, taking a course that you have never thought of before, or volunteering. You will learn a lot of new things about the world you live in and even about yourselves.

Describe something unexpected that happened here at UW-Fox Valley.

I never thought that I would enjoy teaching other people. However, while working as a math tutor in the Math Lab, I started to enjoy tutoring more every time I helped a student out and received their appreciation. It makes me more enthusiastic about my job. To my surprise, I have learned a lot about math ever since I started working in the Math Lab.

When not in class or studying, what keeps you busy?

I believe entertainment is a very important part of my life. As a result, when I have spare time, I often play video games, watch anime, solve the Rubik’s Cube or do  handcrafting. I am the person who rarely finds a bored moment in my life, because I always discover more fun things to do and I think everybody should feel the same.

What are your plans after UW-Fox Valley?

I am moving to a four-year college in Missouri this fall to get a degree in computer science. I also hope to be able to find an internship in the next two years.

UW-Fox Valley is a campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Learn more about the student life on our campus and the options for beginning one of more than 200 majors at UW-Fox Valley. Call (920) 832-2620 to schedule an appointment with an adviser or foxinfo@uwc.edu.