Vy Minh Le

Le-web

“When I first became a Young Scholar, I did not appreciate the title at all. Perhaps it was my
young age and lack of understanding, but whatever it was, it has faded completely and now I can truly say that being a Jack Kent Cooke Young Scholar has had the biggest impact on my life.”

  • Program: 2011 College Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: San Francisco, CA
  • Hometown: San Francisco, CA
  • Age: 18

Biography

Highlights of Young Scholar Experience:  The Foundation supported Vy’s desire to take a special physics honors course at Northwestern University's Center for Talent Development as well as an electrical engineering course at Johns Hopkins' Center for Talented Youth.  Both summer classes turned out to be “game changers” for the young Californian. “I discovered an interest and natural knack for electromagnetism and tinkering.  It only seemed natural to put the two together and go into electrical engineering.” 

Profile: Vy graduated from San Francisco’s Lowell School, one of the more famous high schools west of the Mississippi.  Lowell’s honor role of alums includes many famous actors, Nobel Laureates, writers and political figures.  Don’t be surprised if someday Vy will be on the list of notable alumni from Lowell who have made a major contribution to society.  At Lowell Vy served as her homeroom liaison with student government, was active with the Key Club, Magic Club, Tennis Team and Physics Club where she could often be found tutoring students having trouble with the subject.  Vy is also multilingual and in addition to English speaks Vietnamese and Italian. 

Inspiration:  Although the person will remain anonymous, Vy offered thanks to her JKCF advisor who “guided me in the right direction.” 

Aspiration: As mentioned above, it was during a pair of summer sessions sponsored by the Foundation that Vy realized she had a passion for engineering, electrical engineering to be specific.  

Making a Difference: She may never know just how much she helped students in need who were struggling with physics, a subject that came naturally to Vy.  As an active member of the Physics Club at Lowell, she spent several hours tutoring those whose weren’t “getting it.”  She worked with them until they “got it.” 

Accolades: Vy is most proud of the fact she completed ten AP classes and was named an AP Scholar of Distinction her junior year at Lowell. There were several other awards given to Vy over the years but being an AP Scholar is at the top of her list. 

Interesting Fact: Vy has no trouble taking care of herself (or others).  She’s a first degree black belt in karate and jujitsu. 

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