For many, embracing one’s identity in a professional setting, especially in a foreign country, requires courage. In the past, I encountered advice to adopt a Western name for better prospects in academic and job applications in the U.S. This left me feeling perplexed and uncomfortable. I don’t oppose anyone adopting a different name, as artists often use stage names and writers, pen names. Sometimes, I introduce myself as K (“Kay”), my middle initial, to spare myself from spelling out my name at Starbucks. However, the decision to adopt a Western name or keep one’s birth name is deeply personal. For me, carrying my name, ‘Huyen Nguyen,’ signifies not just a personal choice but also a connection to my Vietnamese heritage.

Inclusivity and Empowerment at Duke

In the Master of Science in Quantitative Management: Business Analytics (MSQM: BA) program at Duke, I’ve had the opportunity to stay true to my identity and heritage. At Duke, I’ve felt genuinely embraced for using my Vietnamese name. The diversity among my classmates, representing a wide array of industries, college majors, and countries, creates an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

During my orientation on Duke’s campus, I was amazed to meet peers from all corners of the U.S., spanning from the East Coast to the West Coast, with others traveling from as far as Australia and South Korea to attend. It’s a program that empowers individuals to be themselves and equips them with the education and skills needed to excel in the world of business analytics.

Despite never leaving Vietnam until I turned 20, I’ve become a global citizen. I’ve had the privilege of working and studying across Asia, Europe, and North America. I even attended my first three online classes from three different countries—the U.S., Vietnam, and Qatar. This was possible due to the program’s flexibility, tailored for working professionals. I’m also currently working full-time at Oracle, and the program structure has allowed me to strike a harmonious balance between my job and my studies.

Celebrating Diversity in Strengths and Shared Success

Even in the online format of this program, I was placed on a team with exceptional teammates for collaborative class projects, fostering a supportive learning environment. In my first term, I’ve already delved into courses like Programming (R and Python) for Data Analytics, Applied Probability and Statistics, and Managerial Economics. Each of our team members brings our unique strengths in programming, statistics, economics, and diverse industry backgrounds in banking, technology, consulting, and even aviation, to our team discussions. We constantly support and learn from each other, enriching our understanding of the class materials and gaining valuable insights from our various experiences and perspectives.

I see the MSQM: BA program as a testament to the values of diversity and individuality because it provides students like me with the education and support we need to thrive in our academic and professional pursuits while staying true to our unique identities. As for me, Duke is a platform that I use and celebrate my Vietnamese name. Perhaps, with more Huyen Nguyens in the U.S., future generations of Huyen Nguyens won’t have to weigh the decision of adopting a Western name. This, in itself, is a small step towards celebrating diversity and fostering mutual understanding.