Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself, where did you grow up and why did you decide to attend FA?
A: I was born in a small city in Vietnam and then I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, which is a larger city when I was 11-years-old. I went to an international school from 6th through 11th grade. I decided to come to Fryeburg Academy because I thought it would be a good experience to try something new. Coming during my senior year is a bit late, but it is fun and good preparation for college life.
Q: What sports, activities, clubs, or activities have you participated in?
A: I’m very involved in music.I started singing when I was a little child, and my mom always encouraged me. When I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, I started going to vocal classes to improve and develop my skills. I had a chance to perform in many places with my school and to meet some famous singers from Vietnam. Music is a big passion for me. I knew FA had a great music program, so when I met with my dean (Mr. Turner) to schedule my classes, I told him I wanted to be involved in music and he suggested chorus. In chorus I have a lot of fun. I was so excited when Ms. Rohlfing started talking about the different opportunities that I just began to audition for everything. Lucky me, I was able to join a few of the music groups. I am now in the Maine All-State Jazz Choir, and Jazz Combo on campus, and I got to sing a solo during the Jazz Residency Capstone Concert.
I have also joined the Interact Club and the Chinese Club. The Chinese Club is a new club. At the first meeting, we made steamed buns and then we ate all of them.They were so good. The Interact club is one club that I enjoy a lot too. I get a chance to participate in many activities such as going to the Dinner Bell to help serve hot meals for families in need. In the spring, I plan to play Ultimate Frisbee.
I have also been working very hard on my college applications. I want to study business management with a minor in music.
Q: What advice or words of wisdom do you have for students about getting involved at Fryeburg Academy?
A: I am very confident so I just like to get involved and meet people right away. I’d tell students who are considering FA that students are very nice here and you won’t feel left out. They want to get to know you. When you get involved, people will recognize your talents and will compliment and encourage you, which is a good thing.
Q: What kinds of classes are you taking?
A: Most of my classes are honors and AP courses. I am really enjoying my Economics class. It is very complicated because we have to use what we learn and apply it to case studies to understand what is going on with the country’s economy .Mr. Jones, my economics teacher, is amazing. I really like him a lot. The way he teaches is really good because after we read something that is difficult to understand, he will explain it very carefully and then it makes sense. And, I really like my AP U.S. History class, too. History is something I enjoy because I like to explore what caused the world to be like it is today. And, of course, I really like chorus because it is my passion.
Q: What would you tell a student who is considering coming to Fryeburg Academy?
A: “Come!” Everything is nice here.The faculty is great. People care about you. When I first arrived, we took a Mystery Bus to see a waterfall in the mountains; it was so beautiful. I was also so excited the first day it snowed that I took a video. It was very fun. For me, FA is like my second home. And, if you come, you’ll adapt quickly and have fun too!