Senior Spotlight- Abigail Nguyen
Abigail Nguyen
BA in Psychology and a minor in Political Science
Class of 2020
Abigail is a recent addition to our McNeill Community, joining in October 2019. Before coming to CU «Ƶ, Abigail was at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, transferring to CU after her second year. McNeill helped Abigail quickly build a sense of community at our events. Events that fostered a sense of community among groups of students was especially for Abigail when coming to McNeill.
Specifically, the Chinese/Lunar New Year celebration as being most impactful since it was one of her first events at CU. This event “was the first time [Abigail] really, truly interacted with people at CU «Ƶ who came from a similar background.” Being able to build a network of students with similar cultural backgrounds and academic interests helped Abigail excel in her studies.
Further, the academic coordinators and peer mentors offered a sense of support in completing her degree, even in the face of the global pandemic. Abigail is specifically appreciative to her advisor (and nominator) Sophie Low. Their meetings were always open, and Sophie prompted Abigail with “questions that [Abigail] didn't even know [she] should be asking [her]self.” Further, Abigail writes, “I am so thankful to have had [Sophie] as my advisor.” Likewise, Sophie wanted to celebrate Abigail’s accomplishments here at CU as well as her next steps.
In April 2020, «Ƶ County Commissioners announced the 2020 Volunteer Enrichment Awards during National Volunteer Week. As a recipient of an award, Abigail won one of the eleven $8,000 awards for her work to create safe, educational, and positive environments in the Community Services Department and Community Justice Services of the Juvenile Assessment Center (JAC) for the 500+ juveniles who pass through the JAC each year. The award funds will be used to purchase art supplies, coloring books, and 3D puzzles, which will contribute to the JAC’s therapeutic setting and provide mental stimulation and healthy outlets for the expression of emotions.
After graduating, Abigail will continue her work with the «Ƶ JAC. In this full-time position, Abigail will work for this unique Community Justice Services program, aimed at keeping youth out of the prison system, which makes it an incredibly unique program. She is pictured here after having just signed her contract!
Congratulations from everyone at the McNeill Academic Program, Abigail! We are so excited for you to continue your important work with JAC as well as your future beyond CU!
You can nominate a student for our Senior Spotlight here.