Oh fantastic, gather ’round, folks! We’ve got a rags-to-research-tales story here that’s more uplifting than a rubber chicken at a magic show! Let’s talk about Professor Pam Trinh — the first Vietnamese professor at KDI Graduate School of International Policy.
Now let’s get into it. Picture this: a teenaged girl from a rural village in Vietnam, where the most exciting thing is probably watching the grass grow. She’s off to the big city! It’s like a Vietnamese version of The Pursuit of Happyness, but with more rice and slightly less Will Smith charm.
At just 31 years old, Professor Trinh holds the record for not only stealing the title of "first Vietnamese professor" at KDI but also for being the poster child of educational determination. I mean, she went from washing clothes by hand to washing away the competition in academia! That’s like going from a paper plane to a fighter jet in less than a decade!
Now, I can’t help but chuckle a little at the inter-Asian dynamics. You see, despite being relatively nearby, Korea and Vietnam aren’t exactly in a buddy-buddy relationship! It’s like choosing to attend your cousin’s wedding rather than your best friend’s—sure, you’ll be fine, but you know everyone’s thinking, “What’s the reunion dinner like in Korea?”
But Professor Trinh persevered because she had what many of us lack—an indomitable spirit, strong family support, and a possibly questionable amount of coffee! Her parents’ sacrifices and her own sheer determination led her through a journey that could inspire a Netflix series—if they didn’t already run out of ideas.
Isn’t it amusing how she talks about her life in the U.S., flooded with doubts and “imposter syndrome”? It reminds me of every comedy club open mic night—everyone’s thinking they’re just a bunch of wannabe comedians, and every now and then someone walks in and straight-up nails it! You can’t help but admire how she dealt with her self-doubt. Instead of wallowing in despair like most of us would while binge-watching terrible Netflix shows, she sought help! What a concept! Asking for help—who knew that could be an option?
By the way, did we mention her big plans? She’s not just another academic hanging around for the title; she’s seriously interested in uplifting Vietnamese farmers. She wants to help improve their lives and alleviate the stresses brought on by climate change. This is like the ultimate plot twist! One minute you’re washing clothes, the next you’re saving the world—step aside, superheroes!
And let’s throw in the fact that she’s been traveling the globe while doing all this. I mean, she was in Cornell, then zipped over to Korea, without a GPS—talk about A Whole New World! If Indiana Jones was a scholar, he’d want to listen to her life story!
As the article wittily mentions why breakfast is called breakfast, let me say that Professor Trinh’s journey is more than "breaking fast"; it’s about breaking barriers! What a legend. So, here’s to the next generation of professors—may they all be like Pam Trinh, tackling education, social issues, and possibly wearing “I love KDI” towels with pride!
Remember folks, whether you’re a scholar or someone still trying to figure out how to microwave instant noodles, the moral of this tale is to dream big, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. And if you find yourself in a rut, just grab a towel and say, “I love learning!” as you go forth into the unknown!
Cheers!
In August 2023, a groundbreaking milestone was achieved as Professor Pam Trinh made history by becoming the first Vietnamese professor appointed at the prestigious KDI Graduate School of International Policy in South Korea at the young age of 31.
The phrase ‘professor from a Southeast Asian country’ might not be commonplace, yet this trend is poised for transformation. Vietnam, boasting a vibrant population of 100 million and a youthful median age of 32.5, is recognized for its significant growth potential and a fervent commitment to education.
Professor Trinh’s remarkable journey from a rural village in Vietnam to earning a doctorate from Cornell University and ultimately securing a professorship in Korea was not without its challenges. This week, the ‘Breakfast’ team engages in an in-depth examination of Professor Trinh’s inspiring growth story.
Professor Pam Trinh, the pioneering Vietnamese professor at KDI Graduate School of International Policy, beams with pride while clutching a towel emblazoned with ‘I love KDI SCHOOL.’ His academic journey began in the tranquil surroundings of a rural village in Vietnam’s south-central region, where he initially obtained a bachelor’s degree from Ho Chi Minh National University, followed by a master’s from KDI, and culminated in a doctorate from Cornell University. Reporter Hong Jin-hwan jean@donga.com
Professor Pam’s ‘study abroad’ life embarked during his middle school years. Hailing from Bao Lam, an agricultural hotspot in Lam Dong Province, he made the brave decision to leave his family at the tender age of 14, relocating to Bao Loc, a bustling city situated just 20 kilometers from his hometown.
Though both locations reside within the same province, the stark contrast between the rural, farming community of Bao Lam and the more economically vibrant, urban environment of Bao Loc was palpable. When introduced to his new classmates, he was often described as ‘the boy from the mountains,’ highlighting his humble origins.
In stark contrast to Bao Lam’s tea and coffee cultivation, Bao Loc thrived on a diverse economy, encompassing tourism and small-scale manufacturing. The educational framework was equally pronounced, with Bao Loc providing superior opportunities, including scholarships, thereby fostering an environment conducive to academic success.
Living with his maternal relatives in Bao Loc, Professor Trinh faced the significant challenges of distance and limited public transport connections to his hometown. Visits home were a rarity, coinciding with his father’s trips to the city for supplies, during which he would sit between his parents on their motorcycle, navigating the 36-kilometer journey back to Bao Lam.
Professor Pam Trinh’s childhood family photo reveals a glimpse into his early life. The young girl on the left is Professor Pham, beside her older brother who is six years her senior. Provided by Professor Pam Trinh. Guided primarily by his aunt and maternal grandmother, his meals were tended to, but the rest of his daily responsibilities fell squarely on his shoulders. Managing household tasks without a washing machine meant doing his laundry by hand. Yet, it was his steadfast desire for a quality education that propelled this sensitive adolescent to leave behind familial comforts and pursue educational opportunities.
My parents, who hail from a rural background in northern Vietnam, faced their own educational barriers due to financial constraints. Inspired by their circumstances, my father achieved his high school diploma at 40 before ultimately earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting, while my mother had to forgo her education in middle school. It’s perhaps their educational regret that instilled in them the value of schooling, driving them to cultivate a supportive environment for my academic pursuits.
His educational pathway led him to Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), strategically located in Ho Chi Minh City. The university offered invaluable support in terms of textbooks, scholarships, and living stipends, all while being situated in a region where costs associated with living and dormitory accommodations were manageable. Furthermore, the institution presented opportunities to attend English lectures across a spectrum of topics, fueling Professor Trinh’s aspirations.
Professor Pam Trinh (center) during his student days at Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), surrounded by friends. Provided by Professor Pam Trinh. During his sophomore year, he made a pivotal decision to pursue a career in academia. His epiphany was catalyzed by reading ‘Poor Economics,’ a work authored by the esteemed economist Abhijit Banerjee, who received a Nobel Prize in Economics in 2019.
As I resonated deeply with the topics explored in the book, I recognized my desire to make a similar societal contribution. However, discontent with Vietnam’s educational focus on rote memorization rather than fostering critical thinking prompted my ambition for graduate studies abroad. Thus, during my undergraduate phase, I resolved to dedicate significant effort to mastering English in preparation for my graduate applications.
Yet, the reality of high tuition and living costs in foreign countries presented a substantial barrier; simply gaining admission to a graduate school was insufficient. This realization led me to firmly establish a goal of securing a full scholarship, vowing to pursue graduate education only under those conditions.
In 2015, Professor Pham stepped foot in Korea, marking the commencement of a new chapter in his academic journey. Having been awarded a full scholarship for his master’s studies at KDI Graduate School of International Policy during his third year of college, he embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. The high caliber of educational programs and the intercultural environment, with roughly half the students being international, made KDI an attractive academic setting for him. His focus of study encompassed public policy, with particular emphasis on development and environmental sustainability.
For Professor Pham, Korea was the first country he immersed himself in post-Vietnam, presenting a myriad of challenges including navigating public transportation, learning a new language, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings. Yet, shared Asian cultural ties provided comforting familiarity amidst the strangeness.
Professor Pam Trinh (left) proudly dons his graduation gown after receiving degrees from Cornell University, celebrating the moment with his advisor, Professor Christopher B. Barrett. Provided by Professor Pam Trinh. Following that, his academic journey took him to Cornell University for his Ph.D. Despite having adapted to living independently from a young age, he found American life to be particularly demanding. He candidly shared his experience with ‘imposter syndrome’ during his initial semester.
Struggling with the new educational culture, he often felt out of place among peers who had graduated from prestigious institutions, many of whom hailed from families with substantial academic backgrounds. The stark contrasts further fueled his self-doubt, leading him to question his belonging in such an elite educational environment.
In a bid to escape this spiraling mindset, he began seeking guidance from university assistants, professors, and fellow students. Despite his naturally introverted disposition, he actively engaged in group discussions, welcoming the warmth and patience of professors and mentors who supported his academic journey. Working as a teaching assistant allowed him to adapt to the open culture permeating American educational institutions, where inquiry and engagement are encouraged.
“I contribute to the lives of Vietnamese farmers through my research.”
Upon earning his doctorate from Cornell University, Professor Trinh opted for a position in Korea rather than staying in the U.S. or returning to Vietnam. His choice was significantly influenced by Korea’s robust research environment and its proximity to Vietnam.
Having spent six years in the States, he found the absence of a supportive network disheartening. The geographical closeness to Vietnam enabled him to engage in meaningful research while allowing him the opportunity to be nearer to his parents.
In contrast to his friends from primary school, Professor Trinh’s career trajectory has diverged dramatically. Among peers who graduated from the same elementary institution, he stands out as the sole individual to pursue a scholarly path.
Many of my hometown friends settled into domestic roles by marrying at a young age, typically around 18, working in agriculture or small shops near their families. This stark reality, particularly for many of my female friends who feel compelled to remain close to their parental homes, encapsulates the societal expectations of our community. My parents have made significant sacrifices for my education, fostering an environment that has allowed me to pursue opportunities abroad.”
His aspirations encompass continuous contributions to the fields of development and environmental economics, with a focus on enhancing the livelihoods of agricultural communities. Though he dreamt of becoming a doctor in high school, his academic pursuits steered him toward exploring strategies for broader societal impact.
“In my hometown, agriculture serves as the primary economic foundation. However, farming is acutely sensitive to climatic variations and is disproportionately affected by extreme weather conditions. The local economy faces threats from heavy rains and drought. My goal is to support farmers—my neighbors and family—towards improved livelihoods.”
While many of Professor Pam Trinh’s childhood friends followed conventional paths and built lives in their hometown, he believes his journey aligns with his personal interests and aspirations rather than societal expectations. Reporter Hong Jin-hwan jean@donga.com
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**Professor Pam Trinh: A Trailblazer in Academia**
In August 2023, Professor Pam Trinh achieved a milestone that resonates beyond borders—becoming the first Vietnamese professor at the KDI Graduate School of International Policy in South Korea at just 31 years old. Her journey from a humble rural village in Vietnam to this prestigious role is not merely a tale of educational accolades but also of resilience, ambition, and breaking barriers.
Professor Trinh’s early life in Bao Lam, an agricultural hub known for tea and coffee cultivation, was marked by challenges that shaped her determination. At the age of 14, she took a bold step away from her family, relocating to Bao Loc, a more urban area with greater educational opportunities. Living with relatives, she faced the struggles of limited transport and infrequent visits home, but her commitment to education fueled her journey forward.
Her educational journey began earnestly at Vietnam National University of Ho Chi Minh City (VNU-HCM), where she overcame financial constraints with the support of scholarships and a nurturing environment. It was here that she discovered her passion for academia, ignited by reading “Poor Economics” by Nobel laureate Abhijit Banerjee. This book prompted a desire for societal contribution and drove her to seek graduate studies abroad.
Professor Trinh’s transition to Korea marked a significant chapter, as she secured a full scholarship to KDI, where she thrived in an intercultural environment and focused on public policy, development, and environmental sustainability. Her subsequent pursuit of a Ph.D. at Cornell University presented its own hurdles, including grappling with imposter syndrome among a cohort of distinguished peers. Nevertheless, she embraced the challenge, engaging with professors and peers, which helped her navigate and eventually thrive in the American academic landscape.
Upon completing her doctorate, Professor Trinh chose to return to Korea rather than the U.S. or Vietnam. The decision was influenced by Korea’s vibrant research environment and proximity to her roots, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to her home country while remaining connected to her family.
Her journey is remarkable not only for her individual achievements but also as a beacon of inspiration for future generations. As Professor Trinh herself emphasizes, the moral of her story is to dream big and seek help when needed. It highlights the transformative power of education—a force that has enabled her to break through societal expectations and achieve her academic dreams.
In a world where the phrase ‘professor from a Southeast Asian country’ is still uncommon, Professor Pam Trinh stands as a pioneering figure, encouraging others to follow in her footsteps. She’s not just a professor; she’s a legend in the making, revolutionizing perceptions about education, gender, and the potential of Southeast Asian scholars on the global stage. Cheers to her and all those aspiring to forge their paths in academia!
