About me | Tri Nguyen Portfolio

MY DECLARATION

Stories of childhood play a crucial role in shaping a person’s character in the most genuine way. For me, every experience from my early years has contributed to the person I am today - someone passionate about learning and creating technology to enhance everyday life. At every stage of my journey, family and friends have been by my side, guiding and supporting me in pursuing my dream of becoming a global citizen.

First come The Indispensable brotherhood

In Vietnam, a happy family is often believed to have at least two children, as siblings share a unique and lifelong bond. This holds true in my family, especially with my younger sister, who was born when I was eleven. Initially, I felt both jealousy and awe, but my mother reassured me of her love. Over time, I embraced my role as an older sibling, caring for her and cherishing every moment, from her first steps to the heartfelt letters she writes to encourage me. Her thoughtfulness and artistic talent make our bond even more special. No matter where life takes us, I will always be there to support and protect her, treasuring our unbreakable connection.

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A Guiding Light of My Mom’s Influence

My mother is not only my greatest mentor but also my closest companion, guiding me through life with her wisdom and strength. As a successful businesswoman and dedicated scholar, she has inspired me with her determination and compassion. The Philippines holds special significance in our journey, both as the main export market for her businesses and the place where she earned her PhD. Through our travels, I engaged with clients, witnessed the country’s vibrant economy, and experienced her deep commitment to giving back. From distributing aid to those in need to supporting communities during crises, she has taught me the true meaning of responsibility and kindness. Her influence continues to shape my aspirations, driving me to make a meaningful impact on the world.

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Building Dreams, One Lego Brick at a Time

My love for Lego began unexpectedly when I was not yet two, sparked by a gift my mother bought during a business trip to Belgium. She used Lego as a reward for good behavior, reinforcing positive habits while fueling my creativity. Our frequent visits to Lego stores in Ho Chi Minh City made us familiar faces, and my mother even arranged deliveries from other cities. In 2013, she built a dedicated space for my growing collection, supporting my passion. More than just a toy, Lego shaped my discipline, problem-solving skills, and ambition to pursue engineering, proving how small moments can inspire lifelong dreams.

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A Lifelong Equation: My Journey with Math

My love for math began at nearly two years old with interactive learning programs my mother introduced on her laptop. Encouraged by her praise, I eagerly embraced challenges, even studying math during our first trip to the U.S. instead of watching movies. Recognizing my aptitude, she enrolled me in Kumon, where I quickly advanced, completing the entire program by seventh grade. Seeking greater challenges, I competed internationally, earning over 30 medals and winning two championships in 2019. Each milestone has fueled my passion for mathematics, driving me to continually push my limits.

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Lessons Beyond Numbers: Discipline, Responsibility, and Growth

My journey with math began in first grade through Kumon, where daily timed tests instilled discipline and responsibility. This experience taught me the value of punctuality, preparation, and respect for others' time. Beyond academics, my mother’s entrepreneurial path inspired perseverance, while charitable activities strengthened my sense of social responsibility. These lessons have shaped me into a proactive individual who embraces challenges and seeks meaningful connections in all aspects of life.

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From Family Bonds to Leadership: A Journey of Growth and Impact

Since childhood, I have shared a strong bond with my four male cousins, forming an inseparable "team" where I naturally took on a leadership role. This early experience, along with my time as a class monitor and participation in international competitions, helped me develop teamwork, organization, and responsibility. At The Village School and the University of Michigan, I expanded my leadership by founding student organizations and leading volunteer initiatives. Now serving as secretary of the American Society of Engineers, I am passionate about driving social change through education and community efforts. These experiences have shaped me into a dedicated leader, committed to making a meaningful impact on the world.

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A Legacy of Perseverance and Impact of Technology

Inspired by my mother’s journey from a rural upbringing to a successful entrepreneur, I developed a deep appreciation for perseverance, business acumen, and innovation. Growing up alongside her seafood export business, I witnessed firsthand the challenges of labor-intensive work and engaged in early business interactions, learning the value of financial independence and strong relationships. My passion for invention was further shaped by childhood experiences with Lego, a desire to ease my mother’s workload, and hands-on learning with my uncle, who built innovative solutions like an automatic irrigation system. These experiences have fueled my ambition to create meaningful innovations that improve lives and continue my family’s legacy of resilience and impact.

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FROM FACTORY VISIT TO INNOVATION
My Journey in Seafood Processing

A visit to a frozen shrimp processing factory left a lasting impact on me. As an 11-year-old, I excitedly donned a white protective suit, feeling like a special guest in an industrial world. Watching workers peel, clean, and package shrimp fascinated me, but my excitement turned to concern when I saw a worker wince in pain. She had been pricked by a shrimp tail, and others shared stories of blisters, numb hands, and infections from hours of peeling in freezing conditions.

Hearing their struggles sparked a desire to help. My mother, an aquaculture engineer, explained that an automatic shrimp peeling machine could ease their workload and boost efficiency. Inspired, I began researching shrimp processing technology. By 2024, I successfully developed a shrimp peeling machine that improved speed and safety while preserving shrimp quality.

Expanding my efforts, I later designed a shrimp shell crusher and an advanced salting and mixing system, leading to the production of Tay Ninh shrimp salt, now a popular product in Vietnam and international markets.

This journey, rooted in a childhood factory visit, shaped my passion for mechanical engineering and my mission to enhance labor conditions while delivering high-quality seafood products to the world.