Vivian (Ngoc) Vu is a dedicated student pursuing the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. Despite challenges, Vivian’s hard work has enhanced her academic knowledge, opening doors to a career in high-tech manufacturing and highlighting the power of education.
Please tell us a little about yourself and your background.
I’m from Vietnam and came to the U.S. nine years ago. I used to work at a taxi company in Vietnam and now work at my aunt’s nail salon. I have an associate’s degree in accounting, and I’m currently enrolled in the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. When I finish this program in August, I will work at a high-tech job. I like to swim.
What brought you to Stonehill College, and what are you studying?
I saw an advertisement on Facebook about the Photonics Certificate Program at Stonehill College. It said that women, even 40 years old, could train to be technicians in this program and learn advanced manufacturing optics and photonics. It said that math and science backgrounds were not required and that we could become technicians to get a good job. It also noted that there was little homework, which I particularly liked. At the nail salon, there’s flexible time. It’s been rewarding to come to the Photonics Certificate Program at night.
Academic and Career Goals
What are your academic and career goals?
I want to use what I’m learning in the Photonics Certificate Program and get a job right away. I want to learn more on the job and not go to college.
How has your experience at this college influenced or shaped your goals?
I have more knowledge and made friends. I know more about the U.S. because it’s very different from Vietnam. In Vietnam, you listen to the professor’s lecture. In the U.S., you ask the professor questions and read more about the topic.
Experience at the College
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your time here so far?
Last month, it was most rewarding to attend and present at the TechConnect World Innovation conference in Washington, DC. It was good to talk with companies and learn what they do.
Can you share a memorable experience or a highlight from your time at the college?
I liked the trips to tour companies. We visited AccuRounds, EMI, and IQE and saw equipment. We understood the work with machines and safety, entered a clean room, and put on personal protective equipment.
How have the faculty and staff supported your educational journey?
The Director of the Photonics Certificate Program, Cheryl Schnitzer, has helped me with many things, like finding funding, helping with my resume, and giving me more confidence to know that I can present at a conference and do this work. My professors have taught me about electronics, optics, lasers, photonics, and tools and materials for advanced manufacturing. Professor Peter Rice taught about The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People during work and interviews, which have been very helpful in thinking and solving problems.
Challenges and Overcoming Them
What challenges have you faced at college, and how have you overcome them?
The English language is my biggest challenge! I work hard to listen and learn more words. When I read a book, I need to read it two or three times to understand it. Google Translate is only about 70% able to give the correct meaning. I still write in Vietnamese and then translate it into English.
How has the college environment helped you to address these challenges?
If I ask questions, people will repeat them and try to help me overcome my language barrier, but I mostly learn English by myself.
Involvement and Activities
Are you involved in any clubs, organizations, or extracurricular activities? If so, which ones have that experience been like, and what has it been like?
I’m very busy at work in the nail salon and classes in the certificate program. However, I joined a Facebook group about soccer and swimming at The Y for exercise in the early morning.
How have these activities contributed to your personal and professional growth?
This was the first time I joined a group. Now I read books and magazines more to learn.
Connection to the Community
How do you feel your time at the college has connected you to the broader community?
I have become more connected with companies and people in this field. I am also part of Stonehill College’s LinkedIn Photonics group.
Advice for Other Students
What advice would you give to new or prospective students considering attending this program?
The equipment at Stonehill is excellent. Learn it and be confident using it. If you have a question, ask, and don’t be shy.
What resources or support systems have you found most helpful, and would you recommend them to others?
Talk with the professor and the students. Read about what you’re learning in class and watch YouTube videos to learn even more.
Reflection and Future Plans
Looking back, how do you feel your experiences here have prepared you for the future?
The program is outstanding, and I learned a lot about measurements and repairs. If something doesn’t work, I have the confidence and skills to make it work.
What are your plans after graduation, and how has your time at the college prepared you for these next steps?
This program means an exciting high-tech job with benefits and opportunities to grow! I will complete the coursework in the certificate program on August 14th. I am applying now for jobs. I hope to work at 3DEO as a technician building airborne LiDAR mapping systems.
As Center Director, I am always interested to talk to students, faculty, staff, and industry professionals. If you would like to learn more about MNT-EC or Nanotechnology or ways that community colleges are making a difference, please contact me directly here.
If you are interested in learning more about the Photonics & Optical Engineering Certificate Program at Stonehill College, email the director of the program, Cheryl Schnitzer or visit her LinkedIn profile.
If you want to read Vivian (Ngoc) Vu’s TechConnect World 2024 presentation from our Washington, D.C. trip, the PDF is here or you can download it just below the viewing window.
