My Mentorship Experience, Lynn Nguyen

Lynn Nguyen is a first-generation college student and a University of Minnesota 2025 graduate. Born in Minnesota, she is local to the Twin Cities. Nguyen shares her journey from being a past mentor for M-ASCEND to now serving as the Interim-M-ASCEND Education Program Coordinator. Read the story to learn more about her interest in public health and youth work.

What first connected you to the Program in Health Disparities Research (PHDR)?

I started in M-ASCEND as a mentor for high school students during my undergraduate studies. I initially saw this opportunity through a job posting from PHDR. I applied and was offered a role as a mentor. The role helped me discover my love for youth work. I found my interest in supporting college readiness and helping youth draw connections between the sciences and public health. And of course, sharing my personal experiences encouraged mentees to connect with me as a trusted resource.

My time as a mentor in M-ASCEND has been rewarding. It deepened my passion and understanding for public health and the importance of providing access to communities. I also benefited from expanding my connections at the university and had the opportunity to network with staff and faculty. This enriched my undergraduate experience and deepened my connection to PHDR.

You recently graduated, congratulations! What are you up to currently?

Yes, I recently graduated with a Health and Wellbeing Sciences major from the University of Minnesota in spring 2025. In addition, I was offered the role of Interim Education Program Coordinator for the M-ASCEND Program. I accepted, and it has been an incredible journey with the shift in serving as a mentor to now coordinating programming. I get to deepen my involvement with coordinating the seminars, program logistics, and connecting with staff and mentors. Being in this role resonates with my passion for public health and youth work.

Aside from accepting this position, my goal is to take a gap year before pursuing a Master's in Public Health. When the time is up for the M-ASCEND Interim Education Program Coordinator position, I hope to accept a role within the government or the state. However, the current landscape for employment opportunities is challenging for recent graduates. I remain optimistic and intend to spend time with family, friends, and travel this summer. In the meantime, I’m excited to continue contributing to M-ASCEND, sharing my experiences to help shape impactful programs and build meaningful connections for youth.

What parts of the PHDR mission/value do you connect with?

I connect with PHDR’s mission and value to translate community action into knowledge. Community is overlooked in research, and I strive to ensure everyone is included and recognized. It is one of the aspects that drew me to public health, creating spaces where we can connect to improve access, where all people feel a sense of belonging.

My community values began in high school during my College Possible experience. Through College Possible, I was able to navigate higher education and the college application process. I felt included and that I had options. Hence, I want to create that same experience for others and include the community in research.

Thank you for sharing your mentorship journey and work with PHDR. You mentioned taking a gap year and spending time with friends and family. Are there hobbies or additional interests you want to share?

I love to read, especially fiction and romance. During my senior year in high school, I read 100 books, which was also during COVID. I did not have as much time to read in college, but now that I have graduated, I hope to get through books on my reading list. If you’re looking for a summer read, I recommend any of the books by Abby Jimenez, a local author and baker in Minnesota.