Starting college in a new country takes courage, curiosity and a willingness to grow.
For Nghia Tran ’28, an actuarial science major from Long An, Vietnam, the journey to TCU was filled with firsts: his first
time on an airplane, his first experience living abroad and his first steps toward
blending his love of numbers with his creative eye behind the camera.
Now a creative video specialist for TCU’s Office of Admission Marketing & Communication and an active member of TCU's Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Nghia has found ways to share his culture while embracing new ones, connect with classmates through storytelling, and discover a sense of “home” in Fort Worth.
In this Q&A, Nghia reflects on adjusting to life in the U.S., building community through coffee and culture, and the surprising connections he’s found between actuarial science and videography.
In what ways have you found a sense of “home” here in Fort Worth?
I’m from Long An, a southern province near Ho Chi Minh City. It’s not as fast paced as the city but has the perfect balance of energy and peace. I grew up in the local market where everyone knew me, and I always felt a sense of belonging.
At TCU, I’ve found that same feeling. Events like Frog Camp and Orientation helped me connect with peers, while the supportive environment of faculty, staff and student organizations has made Fort Worth feel like home. Being part of the VSA allows me to share my culture while embracing others’, and time spent with friends on campus reminds me that “home” isn’t just where you’re from – it’s where you feel connected, supported and inspired. For me, Fort Worth is exactly that.
In your first year at TCU, what were the biggest culture shocks and how did you handle them?
Adjusting to life in the U.S. brought challenges. At first, I understood only about 70–80% of conversations in English and navigating TCU Online (D2L) was tough. I even missed some homework early on.
Daily life also surprised me – Texas summers are hotter than at home, and winter was the first cold I’d ever experienced. I also missed Vietnamese food, especially pho.
But I adapted by practicing English every day, making mistakes and learning quickly. Small talk helped me connect with peers and understand culture better. Academically, office hours became a lifesaver, giving me a safe space to ask questions and get support.
When you first came to TCU, how did you envision yourself getting involved on campus and how does that compare to the ways in which you’re involved now?
Flying to the U.S. was my first time on a plane and my first time leaving Vietnam – both exciting and nerve-wracking. I wanted to dive into American culture, though I worried about adapting to an English-speaking environment. Fortunately, TCU quickly gave me a sense of belonging.
My first step was joining VSA, which shares Vietnamese culture with the TCU community. It gave me instant friendships and support. Since then, I’ve gotten more involved than I expected. My passion for photography and videography has taken me to events like TCU Twisters Country Dance Club and TCU Boxing & Fitness, where I’ve captured memories while meeting new people.
What is your favorite thing about being involved in TCU’s Vietnamese Student Association?
The people. Without VSA, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Older members helped me through culture shock and gave me confidence. At times, I felt lost, but VSA’s events and retreats for members gave me the chance to recharge, have fun with peers and celebrate milestones after completing my first challenging classes.
I’ve also expanded my network and learned so much from other Vietnamese students, many from big cities. And serving as VSA’s photographer helped me grow my skills, build friendships and eventually land a job with TCU’s Office of Admission. What started as a simple, “Hi, can I take a picture of you smiling?” has led to new friendships and connections on campus.
In Vietnam, coffee culture is a key part of social life. Where on or near campus do you find your favorite social spaces and beverage shops?
That’s absolutely true – coffee is a huge part of life in Vietnam. Back home, I often spent mornings at low-seating cafés with friends, catching up on school or life after high school. I even visited a coffee production facility in the mountains, where I tasted coffee straight from the source.
When I came to the U.S., I was happy to find spots that reminded me of home. Ampersand, near campus, quickly became a favorite. The modern décor and atmosphere are perfect for studying. I started with Cold Brew and Americano – lighter than Vietnamese coffee but smooth and refreshing, especially in the Texas heat. I also like Presotea for milk tea that reminds me of shops back home. Once, I even tried their Vietnamese coffee, which wasn’t as strong as in Vietnam but still comforting and familiar.
You’re majoring in Actuarial Science, but you’re also pursuing your passion for photography and videography through your on-campus job. Are there times when these skills and talents come together?
At first, actuarial science and videography felt unrelated. But I realized both rely on creativity, attention to detail and problem-solving. In actuarial science, I build models and visualizations to explain data. With videography, I think about lighting, framing and storytelling to capture a moment.
When I create videos, I carefully structure content so the message resonates – much like actuaries explain complex analyses in simple terms. The communication and storytelling skills I’ve developed through videography have actually made me a stronger actuarial student, because I’ve learned how to explain technical ideas in a way that people can easily understand and connect with.
What most excites you about studying Actuarial Science?
To be honest, when I chose actuarial science, I didn’t know much about it. But I realized I love working with numbers and data visualization. Numbers tell stories, and visualizations make those stories clear and engaging – like how videography distills hours of footage into a powerful short video.
What excites me most is the way actuarial science blends technical skill with communication. My professors, Susan Staples, Ph.D., and Kristi Jarman, Ph.D., have been a huge inspiration. The way they support students academically and personally motivates me to thrive as an actuarial science student here at TCU.