Between doing research, peer mentoring, finding summer internships, writing articles, starting and running clubs, entering case competitions, shadowing people on the Strip, and filming for the UNLV episode of The College Tour, Vietnam native Hieu Nguyen somehow still finds time to serve others. Appropriately tattooed on his forearm is the phrase, “Life is service.”

Hieu was drawn to the diverse and dynamic experiences housed in the College of Hospitality, despite his initial reservations about living in Las Vegas. He doesn’t gamble (yet), but you can bet on Hieu taking advantage of every opportunity at UNLV. 

What degree are you pursuing?

I'm an undergrad majoring in hospitality and I have a few minors: I’m minoring in global entrepreneurship, minoring in management, and doing the Research and Creative Honors Program in the Honors College. My future career goal is to go back to my country to teach and open a social business.

These courses teach you about entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation, and management, which is really cool and complements both my major and my future dreams.

Why did you choose UNLV?

My educational journey is a little bit nontraditional compared to others. I wanted to be a doctor but I didn’t do well in biology. I still wanted to help people, so I went to the United Kingdom and studied psychology instead. But psychology takes a very long time before you can see its impact.

I had two moments of reflection — I found myself collecting cookbooks and then bringing food to neighbors and friends forcing them to eat my cooking. I thought to myself, maybe I'll be a chef? Then, I did a charity walk to fundraise for people with heart disease. I was fortunate to be the top fundraiser.

After that event I kind of connected the dots and I thought to myself, is there anything else I can do that has food and beverage and involves meaningful social events? That’s how I found hospitality. They say the third time's the charm! UNLV is a place where I can pursue a holistic education with a reasonable fee!

How did the location impact your decision to attend UNLV?

I never thought that I would end up in Las Vegas. I'm not really a party person, so at first it seemed like a very consumeristic city. But as I’ve found my footing, the people at UNLV and the Vegas locals have really grown my love for Las Vegas.  

How have you benefited from the Las Vegas location?

This semester I joined the Hospitality College Mentor Program and connected with Caesars Entertainment. Before I came here, I’d never even heard of Caesars Entertainment! Now, I’ve been assigned a mentor — he’s the VP of operations and he's been sharing shadowing opportunities with me. I’ve shadowed people in sales, in hotel operations, in housekeeping, in revenue management, in workforce management, and in marketing. All of them are so nice and passionate in what they do. I am also attending private training events at Caesars and will be a mystery shopper soon.

When I am free, I love going on hikes. Las Vegas has spectacular mountains and nature. Last year, I went on a 6-day 5-night volunteer trip to Gold Butte without any internet, phone signal, or showers. It was a once in a lifetime experience!

Have you been mentored or inspired by a faculty member?

I actually have six people I want to mention:

• Bobbie Barnes:  Bobbie taught me the power of listening and often offers me words of encouragement and advice for my ventures.
• Mehmet Erdem: He was an international student just like me. He taught me to acknowledge the love and benefits of Vegas around me and taught me to build genuine connections.
• Cass Shum: Dr. Cass is my research advisor. She inspired me to work hard on my research thesis.
• Angela Ramsey: I’m working with Angela to write articles for Premier: The magazine of the UNLV Harrah College of Hospitality. She's like a friend I can talk to about anything. I will always remember her warm hug when I filmed for The College Tour. 
• Emily Shreeve: Dr. Shreeve is my manager at the Academic Success Center. She is so personable and always empowers me to be better.
• Stowe Shoemaker: He inspired me in his letter to students on the Dean’s List and introduced me to an opportunity to learn about sustainability and participate in a global hospitality competition.

What is your favorite memory or experience at UNLV?

My favorite experience at UNLV has been founding the Books, Beverages, and Bites Club, or “BBB” for short. BBB is a well-being and hospitality learning club. Improving your own well-being is still somewhat taboo in hospitality, so we focus on that and on promoting learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

Everything we do is meant to be innovative and meaningful. A mentee I mentored previously felt inspired and picked hospitality as her major. On top of that, she is serving with me on BBB’s leadership board!

I also enjoy the thought-provoking hospitality and entrepreneurship classes. Lots of meaningful knowledge has been harvested. From designing customer experiences and learning leadership theories to writing poetry, doing improvisational comedy, and partaking in the egg drop challenge. There is never a dull moment living it up here!

What is the number one reason a future student should consider UNLV?

I have found UNLV to be a very daring and enterprising environment. You can have people from diverse backgrounds working on various projects and making a huge impact. It's truly a place to be a rebel and to be different. Get ready, because you are going to receive and do lots of great things here! I feel like I can always dream big and live those dreams here! Do what it takes, go all in, and you will not walk out as the same person who walked in!

What student organizations, activities, or resources have you been involved with outside the classroom?

I mentioned BBB, and I am also the project manager for the Boutique and Lifestyle club and an active member of the National Society of Minorities in Hospitality. I work as a peer mentor and a first-generation mentee of The Intersection, and I participate with the Rebel Venture Fund, DECA, and the American Marketing Association. There is also the Writing Center, Career Services, and the Food Pantry.

Last semester I participated in Honors Rebellion, where we did an 15K obstacle race. As a candidate for graduate school, I am also in the GRAD Rebel Advantage program and often utilize LinkedIn Learning when I have time. There are so many resources and people here to help you with your dreams and aspirations.