Trong’s Impact at CFCC
In honor of Phi Theta Kappa’s Membership Awareness Week, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Trong, an outstanding student leader at Cape Fear Community College. He was born and raised in Vietnam and moved to the U.S. in 2022 with his parents and one of his older brothers. Since then, he’s made North Carolina home and found his community at CFCC.
As Vice President of Membership and Fellowship for the Alpha Chi Sigma chapter of PTK, a Student Government Association Senator, a Student Ambassador, a Career Services Work Study Assistant, and an active member of both the Math Club and the Wilson Center volunteer team, Trong has quickly made a significant impact at the college. We caught up with Trong to learn more about his journey, what brought him to CFCC, and how he’s making the most of his time here.
WHERE ARE YOU FROM ORIGINALLY?
I was born and raised in Vietnam. In 2022, I moved to the US with my parents and one of my three older brothers. I have lived in North Carolina since then. It’s been a big transition but an exciting one!
Why did you decide to enroll at CFCC?
As a student unfamiliar with the US educational system, I felt overwhelmed thinking about attending a four-year university. I chose CFCC to give myself time to adjust to the academic and cultural environment here. It helps the transition to university life smoother, and allows me to grow academically and personally.
How has your experience at CFCC been so far?
I love being a student at CFCC! The college has given me the opportunity to take college-level classes in a supportive environment. Smaller class sizes and approachable instructors have made learning manageable and enjoyable. Beyond academics, I’ve built strong connections with faculty and staff, who have been incredibly helpful and welcoming.
CFCC has truly given me a sense of community, and I’m grateful for the experiences and opportunities I’ve had here.
What role has the campus community played in your college experience? Are you involved in any extracurriculars, student clubs, or organizations?
The campus community has been a huge part of my college journey. I am the Vice President of Membership and Fellowship at Phi Theta Kappa, Alpha Chi Sigma chapter. Additionally, I work as a Career Services Work Study Assistant, helping students access valuable career resources. I also serve as a Student Ambassador, representing CFCC and guiding prospective students during campus tours. Recently, I joined the Student Government Association as a Senator. I am also a member of the Math Club and occasionally volunteer at the Wilson Center.
What are your plans after CFCC?
After earning my Associate in Science degree at CFCC, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a degree in data science. I chose this major because I love math, working with numbers and data, and problem-solving. My goal is to build a career where I can apply my math and data science skills to find meaningful insights and solve real-world problems. Although it will be bittersweet to leave CFCC, I’m excited about this next step and the opportunities it will bring.
Have you had a favorite class or instructor since your time here?
Yes, I’ve had so many memorable experiences with my classes so far. All of my instructors have been incredibly supportive and helpful, so it’s hard to choose just one favorite. However, if I had to pick, American History I with Mr. Tyler Bennett really stands out. As a newcomer, I’ve been really curious about U.S. history, and Mr. Bennett made learning about it both engaging and enjoyable. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and has a great way of making history come alive through his lectures. What I appreciated most was how he blended humor with deep insights.
Even though I’m more of a math and data science kind of person, I found his class to be a unique and worthwhile experience. It gave me a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for the past, which is something I didn’t expect going in. I’m really glad I took this course during my time at CFCC!
If you could bring one thing from your country to share with your CFCC community, what would it be?
I would bring the culture of Vietnamese street food! It’s not just about the delicious food and drinks like bò kho (beef stew), bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), or cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee). It’s the experience of gathering with friends, enjoying fresh, flavorful meals, and feeling the warmth of community in every bite. Sharing this with the CFCC community would be a way to introduce a piece of my heritage and create moments of connection through food. After all, great food and hangouts have a way of bringing people together!
If you’re interested in getting involved at CFCC, visit cfcc.edu/student-life to discover all the opportunities available to you!
