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Tho Bui

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience: Whether it was “Biking in Brittany” or “Summer at Brown (University)”, Tho Bui has lived the dream that Jack Kent Cooke envisioned for the scholars the Foundation that bears his name honors.  The Foundation also enabled Tho to attend a program in France sponsored by Experiment in International Living, which was truly a transformational experience.

Profile:  Tho will be the first member of his family to ever attend college, either in the United States or in his native Vietnam.  He and his family arrived in the U.S. in 2001 – Minnesota to be exact, in the dead of winter.  What an exciting though frightening time that was for Tho, who spoke little English and was thrust into a new learning environment, more than 8,000 miles from his native land.  Dealing with a foot of snow on the ground was just one of the obstacles Tho had to overcome after leaving the warm climate of Southeast Asia.  Fast forward ten years.  Tho still has to deal with the snow, but he has thrived in his new home – a stand-out student and athlete at the private Mounds Park Academy, he has also been a mainstay with student government and various community organizations where he has volunteered.  All the time the deeply religious young man has been a daily altar server at his church. 

Inspiration:  There is a History teacher at Mounds Park by the name of Maureen Conway that “at the risk of being cliché, is the best teacher I’ve ever had.”  Tho said she has a passion for teaching and that passion is contagious.  A self-described “math and science guy”, Tho said Ms. Conway “turned me into a history junkie” and she is the main reason why he may pursue a career in teaching.

Aspiration:  His future goals will form up with time, but it is safe to say that whatever Tho does, he’ll somehow be reaching out and helping others in need.  The young Vietnamese native has great potential and is just beginning to realize it.  Teaching may be in his future.

Making a Difference: From a young student learning the lay of the land at the Breakthrough St. Paul program, Tho evolved into a teacher and mentor at that organization which helps low-income, motivated middle school students.  Perhaps when he reaches out and lends his kindness, intelligence and good humor to the young students, he sees himself ten years ago . . . in need of guidance and friendship. 

Accolades:  Tho was a member of the National Honor Society and captain of the Track team.

Interesting Fact: Tho might shine with the track squad, but he lacks rhythm and can't dance. “I was born with terrible coordination, and an utter lack of the ability to have fun which makes dancing impossible for me.” 

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