From the bustling streets of Hanoi, Vietnam, I embarked on a life-changing journey to New York City, where I spent my four years of high school and eventually received an opportunity to pursue my education at St. John's University. As a first-gen international student in my family, I harbored no experience and struggled to adapt to the new environment. However, I diligently embraced the challenges, pushing forward until I could reach the light that would bring my dreams to fruition.
My journey at St. John's University has been truly remarkable and full of adventures. Securing a full scholarship for my bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management and a graduate assistantship for my master's degree in International Hospitality Management was humbling, reflecting my commitment to personal and academic growth.
Despite initial struggles adjusting to life in a foreign land, I am forever grateful for the guidance of Professor Brian Park and Professor April Merenda, whose unwavering support shaped my experience profoundly. Professor Park's mentorship extended beyond the classroom, providing invaluable guidance as I navigated the complexities of higher education. Through his projects, he made me break out of my comfort zone and strive toward a better version of myself.
Professor April Merenda's warmth and empathy created a sense of belonging, ensuring I felt valued and hopeful for my future. Thanks to Professor Merenda's invaluable recommendation and support from St. John's faculty, I secured a graduate assistant position in the Office of Multicultural Affairs. This opportunity exposed me to the intricacies of event planning and allowed me to immerse myself in a diverse and dynamic environment. I am deeply grateful for Professor Merenda’s connections, who played a pivotal role in facilitating my internship in the MSIHM program with the sales and marketing team at Xpresso Delight. This experience provided me with a hands-on opportunity to enhance my skills in crafting and executing marketing campaigns and projects while working with the CFO and CEO. These opportunities significantly contributed to my professional growth and development and facilitated my current employment at the luxury hotel property, The Peninsula, New York.
I strived to achieve excellence throughout my studies, earning recognition for my research and event management skills. From winning the Best Theoretical Paper Award in THEREPS (Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Conference for Researchers, Educators, Practitioners, and Students) to planning high-impact events, I learned the importance of dedication and hard work. Orchestrating diverse events, including panels, workshops, and fashion shows, allowed me to form lasting friendships and meaningful connections throughout my time at St. John’s. Additionally, directing the Heritage Month Council under the guidance of my supervisors Elizabeth Ponce de Leon, Rosa Yen, and Monique Jernigan and ensuring flawless coordination for events further strengthened my leadership skills, which taught me the importance of collaboration and teamwork. Internships at Hyatt Regency West Hanoi and the current opportunity of coordinating events for The Peninsula New York, a global luxury chain of hotels, further honed my skills, reinforcing my passion for the hospitality industry.
As I prepare to embark on the next phase of my career, I am grateful for the invaluable lessons learned and the support of St. John's University and my mentors. My gratitude goes to those who have guided and supported me along the way, and I look forward to continuing to learn and grow as I navigate the future with positivity and gratitude.
My name is Lilly Nguyen and this is my story.