News

(Fall 2019) – Vivian Do has just finished the first month of her year-long stay in Hong Kong as a Fulbright Scholar. Only 8% of applicants to this prestigious research program have been selected in recent years. The SMART alumna is currently researching the efficacy of local environmental policies on the region’s pollution emissions–no small feat.

But Vivian is up for the challenge, “I know I can do it. I’m independent and excited to be in a new place, exploring a new culture.”

Vivian’s parents emigrated from Vietnam in the 1980s and settled in San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood, building a new life and starting a family, which came to include Vivian and her younger brother, Vincent.

Nearing the end of elementary school, Vivian was nominated to SMART by a teacher, prompting her family to apply and commit to the program shortly after. SMART supported Vivian and her parents in navigating the complex educational landscape in San Francisco. Vivian ultimately enrolled in The Hamlin School, an independent all-girls K-8 school.

There, Vivian was introduced to a rigorous curriculum, which she says was critical in her education journey. She also faced a very different learning environment. “I had to learn to navigate different worlds: life at school and life at home. My parents weren’t always able to help with my academics, but they were completely there in their emotional support. SMART was the bridge between these worlds, going above and beyond to provide resources that my parents weren’t always able to.” Vivian recalls how her family found a sense of community at SMART, as other families in the program came from shared experiences of immigration, who pursued educational opportunities for their children.

After Hamlin, Vivian attended San Francisco University High School. Approaching graduation, she received guidance from SMART’s Executive Director at the time, Nonoko Sato, who became a confidante for Vivian as she explored college options. She decided to explore Nonoko’s alma mater, Carleton College, and was immediately won over by its liberal arts curriculum. “She opened my eyes to different types of schools. I really trusted her and really respected SMART. It turns out, going to Carleton was one of the best decisions of my life.”

Having experienced the transition into new environments at an early age, Vivian felt more than prepared for college. “I learned to be independent and became resourceful back in middle school. When I needed it, I learned to ask for help early on, and to ask for opportunity.” Through a summer opportunity, Vivian explored an epidemiology program, which sparked the flame that would lead her towards a career in the field. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in mathematics/statistics and American studies, Vivian worked as a statistical analyst in American healthcare policy before pursuing her master’s degree in public health at Columbia University, where she graduated this past May.

Motivated by her family’s own experience in low-income communities, Vivian became invested in the injustices communities face when they lack the resources to advocate for environmental change. This became the foundation of her research project proposal for the Fulbright Scholar Program, which she was awarded this past April.

Moving to Hong Kong just last month, Vivian continues to forge her impressive, independent path in social change. She has already begun exploring PhD programs to begin once she returns from her overseas residency.

As SMART Scholars return to after-school programming this fall, Vivian shares a bit of advice with our students, “Look for opportunities. If something interests you, be curious. That can take you really far.”