Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
Scholars Around the World
Two JKCF Scholars organize a 15-day study tour to Bolivia to explore the country’s political economy, peoples and rural development
Hai Vo
"I would like to pursue a career as a human ecologist, bringing attention to conflicts facing our societies, criminology, social behavior, and environmental sustainability."
- Alumni of: 2007 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program
- Resides: Westminster, CA
- Hometown: Sioux City, IA
- Age: 26
- Community College: Orange Coast College
- Four-year College or University: University of California, Irvine
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Agriculture, Business, Design, Education / Academia, Entrepreneur / Independent Business, Environmental Scientist, Government, Health Care, International NGO/Relations, Media / Communications / Marketing, Nonprofits, Public Policy, Public Services, Social Science / Anthropology, Urban Design / City Planner, Writing / Journalism, Sustainable Food Systems, Urban Food Production, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Gastronomy, Culinary Arts
- Other Interests: Design, Environmental Science, Film / Photography, Foreign Languages / International Study, Government, Health Care, International Relations / NGOs, Languages, Leadership Development, Liberal Arts, Nonprofits, Outdoor / Mountaineering / Camping, Performing Arts / Theatre, Public Policy, Public Services, Sciences, Social Science / Anthropology, Sports, Student Government, Tutoring / Mentoring, Visual Arts, Volunteer Work, Writing / Journalism, Food, Culinary Arts
Biography
"My childhood consisted of growing up with strong educational habits, being indoctrinated in Catholic values, and feeling obligated to follow higher authorities." Hai Vo sees how his desire for independence conflicts with the culture his parents brought from Vietnam. But Hai came to appreciate his parents' many contributions to his life. "Both worked endless service-sector jobs in order to provide food and shelter. They've taken English courses, practicing the language with English speakers every day." Hai reciprocates. "I'm independently learning the Vietnamese language by reading folk tales and dialoguing with my relatives." He also enthusiastically studies Vietnam's history.
Different cultures, belief systems, and societies fascinate Hai. "With much fervor, I plan to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies in social ecology, knowledge stemming from the behavioral, legal, environmental, and health sciences. It applies scientific methods to studying recurring social, behavioral, and environmental conflicts in today's world."
While attending community college, Hai engaged in student government, conservation activism, and community service. Recommendations praise his exemplary academic work and extraordinary leadership and compassion. He passionately participates in democracy at all levels. "Voting is not only an exercise, but a privilege. Reading the news and listening to National Public Radio is an everyday habit. Progressive involvement in my community college student government has opened my eyes to a transparent and representative democracy. I have great empathy towards public and social issues like environmental sustainability, voter apathy, and civic engagement."
Hai's interests encompass a love of nature, art, and humanity. He enjoys recounting his 19th birthday. "I made a personal rendezvous with the Huntington Beach Central Park, my outdoor 'home away from home.' Alongside came my camera." On this happy day, Hai photographed the beautiful scenery, the people in the park, and then a close-up of his own dry hands. "As a humanitarian and artist, I hope to continue to use my hands, body, and mind in exerting energy to serve others."
Other Scholars Like Hai
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University of Cambridge
Thomas Oldham
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Sonia Ignatova
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Sergio Francis Zenisek
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Yale University