When Supply Chain and Logistics Technology senior and Fall 2024 banner bearer Tran Ngo receives her degree at the Cullen College of Engineering Commencement this month, it won’t just be a culmination of her own effort — it will also reflect the efforts of her family to provide a better life for her.
Ngo is a native of Vietnam, and it has been her dream since sixth grade to study abroad in the United States. This wouldn’t have been possible for her without the support of her parents.
“Coming from low class families, neither of them had the opportunity to finish high school, as they chose to prioritize their younger siblings’ education instead,” she said. “Despite these challenges, they worked tirelessly to build a better future for me and my younger sister, and their resilience has always inspired me.”
Her parents were aware of her dream and have supported it, emotionally and financially.
“Knowing that studying abroad in the U.S. has been my dream since I was young, they dedicated themselves even more to saving enough money to support me on this journey,” she said. “Their unwavering belief in my potential and their sacrifices motivate me to push forward, even during the most challenging times. Whenever I feel like giving up, I think of their resilience and the opportunities they’ve worked so hard to give me. They are my greatest supporters and the driving force behind my success.”
Ngo’s mother and grandmother will be in attendance to watch her get her degree, and to serve as the banner bearer.
“When I got a call that I was going to be the banner bearer for the Fall 2024 commencement, I felt a mix of excitement and pride,” she said. “Being chosen for such a significant role, especially as an international student, was truly an honor. At the same time, I felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that I will represent my school and peers.”
She added, “It makes this moment even more special since my mom and grandma will be flying in from Vietnam to attend the ceremony in person. The thought of having them there to witness this moment fills me with immense joy and a deep sense of fulfillment. It’s a reminder of the sacrifices my family has made to support my dreams and being able to share this honor with them is incredibly meaningful. This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to play such an important role in our collective celebration.”
Ngo has excelled at the University of Houston, which she transferred to in 2022 from Lone Star College. Describing herself as an introvert, she said the smaller school environment allowed herself to get comfortable without feeling overwhelmed. Staff at UH and Lone Star provided her with the support she needed to make transferring “as seamless as possible.”
“I was provided a supportive environment where I could focus on adjusting while maintaining strong academic performance,” she said of her time at Lone Star. “This decision has set a solid foundation for my success when I later transferred to UH.”
Margaret Kidd, an instructional associate professor for Supply Chain and Logistics Technology, was specifically identified by Ngo as being important to her academic growth. Beyond the classroom, Ngo said that Kidd had helped her to land a summer internship with Tailored Brands.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Professor Kidd for her unwavering support and dedication to her students’ success,” Ngo said. “Through her connections with Tailored Brands, I was able to secure an internship back in March. I’m thrilled that my efforts paid off when they decided to extend a full-time offer to me.”
Ngo chose Supply Chain and Logistics Technology because of its flexibility and its importance to both Vietnam and the United States.
“Since logistics and supply chains serve as the backbone of the global economy by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and resources worldwide, they offer significant potential for career growth,” she said.
“What excites me most about this field is its dynamic nature and its potential for growth in both Vietnam and the United States. Vietnam is one of the world’s major exporters, known for its rapidly expanding manufacturing sector and robust trade networks. At the same time, the U.S. is a global leader in importing goods, with highly sophisticated supply chains. By bridging my knowledge and experience in these two markets, I see a unique opportunity to contribute to and thrive in this field.”