Nguyễn Võ Kim Khuê – Nguyễn Võ Kim Khuê

I’m a STEM enthusiast and data science advocate from Phu Yen, Vietnam, I embarked on a transformative journey that began in an unexpected area for me as an English-specialized student. This path led me to explore technology and community service, shaping my ambitions and skills.

Moreover, as the Founder of Treats for Kids (TFK), I support underprivileged children and work to improve English education for underserved students. Ultimately, I strive to inspire others and contribute to a strong STEM community.

As a passionate advocate for STEM in Phu Yen, I embarked on a transformative journey that began in an unexpected area for me as an English-specialized student. This path led me to explore technology and community service, shaping my ambitions and skills.

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Science Lab is my passion project, where my love for STEM ignited. As an English student without a STEM background, I began as an HR member. My curiosity grew as I participated in various activities. Workshops for Women in STEM and Arduino mini-courses inspired me to explore science and technology, enriching my journey with new interests like robotics, IoT, and data.

Along with STEM knowledge from Science Lab’s projects and competitions, I gained insights from inspiring seniors. Founder Trang Nguyen shared her journey overcoming gender biases in environmental research and generously helped me prepare for the Data Science Contest with presentation rehearsals and backup slides.

Additionally, I was truly impressed by the perseverance of Vu Minh, who never accepted failures and consistently thought up innovative solutions, relentlessly fixing the robots even in the final moments. Though I met people with various personalities in Science Lab, we all share the same mission: creating opportunities and fueling the STEM passion for students throughout our province, Phu Yen.

Being part of Science Lab’s robotics team allowed me to apply physics, coding, and online resources. While young Kim Khue enjoyed building 3D models, I never imagined I’d be constructing robots. Competing required strategy and optimization; in the VORCs, we won by using lightweight Li-on batteries to enhance speed. In the FIRST Tech Challenge, we embraced Gracious Professionalism, competing fiercely while respecting others and connecting with students across Vietnam.

Our Mobile Class initiative brought robotics to underserved students in mountainous areas who shared our determination despite limited resources. One major challenge was sourcing materials locally, which forced us to redesign our robot constantly. Though it wasn’t fully complete until competition day, we worked tirelessly on coding, 3D printing, and adapting. The experience taught me technical skills and the value of innovation, perseverance, and community contribution.

As the first STEM club in Phu Yen, we take pride in providing a healthy educational environment for students across the province. However, we face challenges due to limited resources for fundraising, innovative STEM initiatives, and expert outreach. I am grateful to see the excitement in our mentees’ faces when they first encounter STEM. Each summer camp expands the STEM community in Phu Yen, and I appreciate how all Science Lab members give their best, taking on various roles and working late to ensure everything is accomplished.

Receiving the offer for the Abbott internship made me both eager and nervous. My first week included impactful “firsts”: scanning an employee card, navigating the coffee machine, and working with colleagues of my parents’ age. At a leadership conference, I admired the general manager’s focus on customer demand and sustainable performance over just increasing products. I learned the importance of collaboration and leadership for company success.

On the final day, I presented my report to department heads. Thanks to my mentor’s preparation, I performed well and improved my eye contact. I nearly cried as my mentor left. While I initially sought experience, the emotional connections I made became a vital part of my internship, making me more confident and mature as I continue my career.

My journey as a social activist has been a transformative experience, driven by a commitment to uplift underprivileged communities and foster educational opportunities. Through various initiatives, I’ve sought to make a meaningful impact, particularly for children and students facing significant challenges.

As a student in a town with limited English education resources, I understand the challenges underprivileged students face. This motivates me to participate in this club and share my knowledge.

One proud moment was creating a post about IELTS study tips from my own experiences. The positive feedback from students nationwide affirmed its impact. This has also prepared me for my role as an IELTS teacher, helping me identify common mistakes, provide tailored techniques, and recommend suitable materials for students’ needs.

Founding TFK has profoundly shaped my perspective on life. Growing up with sufficient resources, I often took for granted the support my parents provided. However, visiting underprivileged children in coastal areas, orphans yearning for care, and disabled kids has given me a deeper appreciation for what I have

My childhood visit to Hai Son orphanage fueled my determination to help underprivileged children, a mission realized through TFK. Being surrounded by eager kids taught me that volunteering is about sharing joy and emotions, not just giving money or gifts. Each trip, we interacted with children of various ages, backgrounds, and health conditions. For example, during our visit to Hai Son Pagoda, some kids were old enough to run, dance, and play with us.

There were also younger children who could only crawl or were just starting to walk. This experience taught us valuable skills in task delegation, adaptability, and inclusion. During our trip to “Niềm Vui” school, we faced challenges organizing a Mid-Autumn Festival with games, singing, and lion dancing for children who are deaf, blind, or mute. Despite the difficulties, it left an unforgettable impression on us. We learned to meet each child’s needs by using notes, sign language, images, or simply the “language of the heart.”