My Extracurricular
Article 1
Lost in Translation
As a Vietnamese student in an international environment, I have seen how easily adapting to a new community can create distance from one’s native language and cultural identity. This article grew out of conversations and personal experiences that made me reflect more deeply on what it means to remain connected to our roots.
In the piece, I explored how language and culture shape our sense of identity, particularly for students growing up between different worlds. I also translated the article into Vietnamese so that the discussion could reach a broader audience. Both versions were published in The Phillipian, the oldest student-run preparatory school newspaper in the United States.
Beyond this article, I also translated weekly news stories into Vietnamese. Through writing and translation, I came to see language not only as a form of communication, but also as a way of preserving cultural connection and building understanding across communities.
Article 2
Consensus Stress,
Psychology’s Mess
This article began with a question many students have probably faced: when everyone around you seems to agree, how difficult is it to speak up and offer a different perspective?
Drawing on the psychological concept of the illusion of consensus, I explored why people often treat widespread agreement as proof that an idea must be correct. Using examples from classroom discussions, the Salem witch trials, and the 2008 financial crisis, I examined how pressure to conform can discourage independent thought and cause people to overlook important concerns or alternative viewpoints.
The article does not argue against collaboration or consensus. Instead, it considers the value of questioning assumptions, evaluating ideas independently, and recognising that disagreement can make a discussion more thoughtful and productive. Ultimately, the piece encourages readers to look beyond the comfort of agreement and remain willing to voice their own perspectives, even when doing so feels uncomfortable.
Biology Club – British
International School
(2020–2021, 2022–2024)
Through my involvement in the Biology Club, I had the opportunity to explore scientific ideas beyond the classroom through discussions, activities, and collaborative learning.
The experience deepened my interest in biology and encouraged me to approach the natural world with greater curiosity, asking questions and thinking more critically about how living systems work.