Trang Phan, MA

She did it!  Trang took her walk across the stage yesterday as she was awarded her Master’s degree from the University of Texas-Pan American.  The memories of late nights, studying on weekends, endless trips to the library and constant revisions to her thesis were forgotten in the sheer exuberant joy of the day. 

And we feel so privileged to have been a small part of it all.  From my own perspective, it was button-busting pride in seeing this brilliant young woman whom I first met in Việt Nam over five years ago when she was one of my students earn an advanced degree.

Its too bad her parents could not have been at the graduation ceremony, but it was fun watching her the night before as she had a video chat with them back home in Huế.  I know they too have a deep pride in their daughter.  They should also take pride in themselves for raising such a wonderful person.

Congratulations, Trang.  You have accomplished what you set out to do.  Now it will be fun to watch you pursue other challenges.  You are quite a woman - thank you for being in our lives.