KHANH'S YEAR-IN REVIEW

2023-2024

YEAR-IN REVIEW

"How did I personally grow this year?"

This year, I discovered the joy of helping my friends study, which became a significant part of my personal growth. Tutoring them for exams not only deepened my understanding of the material but also taught me the value of patience and effective communication. It was rewarding to see their confidence grow and their grades improve, knowing I had a part in their success. Through these experiences, I learned that collaboration and mutual support can make challenging tasks more manageable and fulfilling for everyone involved.

This year, I also grew by learning to love and embrace my culture more deeply. I made an effort to connect with people who share the same background as me, which created a sense of belonging and pride in my heritage. By celebrating traditions, sharing stories, and engaging in cultural activities, I discovered a newfound appreciation for where I come from. These connections have not only strengthened my identity but have also taught me how to bridge different cultural perspectives in meaningful ways.

Learning about the traditions and culture of American college life, such as attending football games and tailgates, has been another way I have grown this year. These experiences allowed me to connect with others, embrace new customs, and better understand the sense of community that is so valued in American college culture. By participating in these events, I not only adapted to my new environment but also gained a deeper appreciation for traditions that bring people together

This year, I’ve grown the most in cultivating a sense of empathy, which has transformed how I connect with others and approach challenges. I’ve learned to step into others’ shoes, understanding their perspectives and emotions in ways I hadn’t before. This newfound empathy has deepened my relationships, allowing me to support my friends and peers more effectively, whether through listening, offering encouragement, or lending a helping hand. It has also inspired me to approach situations with compassion and patience, reinforcing my commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives, especially through my aspiration to work in healthcare

2024-2025

"How did I personally grow this year?"

Beside achieving many academic success and develop my professional career pathway, I have also at the same time met so many wonderful friends who have brought me to celebrate many American culture and holiday with their family, and I think that's the highlight of this year.

Thanksgiving 2024

Over Thanksgiving break, I went with my friend to their family’s house in West Virginia and got to experience American culture. We started the day with a Turkey Trot, which was a fun run in the cold morning. After that, everyone relaxed with Bloody Mary while the food was being prepared. The house smelled amazing. There was turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and a bunch of other side dishes. It was a big family gathering with lots of talking, laughing, and eatin.. It was a really fun and warm experience.

New Year 2025

I spent New Year’s at my friend’s place in Columbus, and it was a really fun time. Back home in Vietnam, we don’t celebrate New Year on January 1st, so this was a different experience for me. We just hung out, played some games, ate a lot of food, and listened to music. As it got close to midnight, everyone got excited and we did the countdown together. It was cool seeing how people here celebrate, and being surrounded by friends made it even better. Definitely a fun way to start the year.

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Easter 2025

For Easter, I celebrated with my friend and their family. We started the day by going to church, which was a nice and peaceful experience. After that, we went back to their house and helped put candies in plastic eggs, then hid them around the yard for the kids to find. It was fun watching them run around trying to collect as many as they could. Later, we all went out for lunch at Red Lobster. I’m not used to celebrating Easter like this, so it was cool to be part of something different and spend the day with good people

St. Patrick Day 2025

For St. Patrick’s Day, we all dressed up in green and got into the spirit of the holiday. My friends and I made some drinks at home, then went out and walked around town. There were a lot of people out celebrating, and the energy was really fun. Everyone was just hanging out, laughing, and enjoying the day. It was my first time really doing anything for St. Patrick’s, so it was cool to see how people here go all out for it. Definitely a fun and lively way to spend the day with friends

Patient Care Assistant position

Working as a patient care assistant at the hospital has been a really eye-opening experience. It’s different from holiday stuff, but it’s taught me a lot about American culture in its own way. I get to see how the healthcare system works here—how organized it is, how much focus there is on patient rights and communication. I’ve met people from all kinds of backgrounds, both patients and coworkers, and it shows how diverse this country is. Even during tough moments, there’s a strong sense of care and teamwork.