Among the crowd of college students in their Texas Wesleyan gear, hoodies and other everyday wear, one student stands out with her hair held in a nun’s habit and a ring on her finger that symbolizes her vows made to God. This is Sister Van Nguyen, a freshman english major who moved here after spending many faithful years in the Lovers of the Holy Cross convent in Central Vietnam.  

“I really feel God loves me so much,” Nguyen said. “So I want to submit myself to Him and help others. In my mission, ministry and my convent, we serve God through people.”

Uprooting her life thousands of miles away from home was a bold move, but faith and her motivation to provide a higher quality education to her students has carried her across the world. Nguyen explained that she saw a lack of English-speaking and literature resources when teaching in her convent, which is what she hopes to bring back after she graduates.  

However, Nguyen didn’t always know she wanted to be a sister. For five years, Nguyen worked as a pharmacist in a hospital.   

“I was not a healthy person when I was a child,” Nguyen said. “So my dad told me that I should study at medical school to take care of myself.” 

This was Nguyen’s plan for a while, but after she graduated high school, she was confronted by two classmates who wanted her to join the congregation. 

“They asked me, ‘Do you want to be a sister?’ And I said, ‘For what?’” Nguyen explained and laughed. “I didn’t have any idea then about becoming a sister. They just told me, ‘Come and see.’ And I did.” 

Since then, Nguyen has been a Catholic sister, teaching young children in the convent. While adapting from one profession to another may seem difficult, Nguyen explained that providing care and help to her patients fulfills her in the same way as nurturing young children who struggle with their confidence in learning. 

“When you feel like people need you, and they want you to help them, you feel that you are really necessary,” Nguyen said. “And you feel so happy.”

Nguyen’s inclination to help others hasn’t halted since she’s been studying here at Texas Wesleyan. She explained that students going through a difficult time on campus have confided in her after discovering she was a Catholic sister, even without knowing who she was previously.  

“We have to understand that it’s really hard to explain a difficult situation, but [it’s important] to stay with [that person] and listen to them,” Nguyen said. “I’m ready to listen, and they feel comfortable talking — and after that, we are friends.” 

University chaplain Stephanie Sloan said that one-on-one support, like Nguyen offers to her peers, can be conducive to one’s spiritual health and well-being.   

“It is important for every individual to consider their ‘holistic’ care and growth pursuits,” Sloan said. “Just as we try to eat healthy and get exercise to care for our physical bodies, it is important to explore aspects of faith and spirituality as well. Spirituality offers one to discover their meaning and purpose and provides an opportunity to establish a foundation for life.” 

Nguyen’s attentiveness and persistence are also evident in her classes, where her professors have taken notice.  

“She never gives up until she is on the right track,” said Dr. Carrie Redmond, assistant professor of education. “Her positivity and dedication are a joy to witness and are inspiring to others. It is my honor to be a part of her journey!” 

As an educator herself, Dr. Stacia Campbell echoes the joy she feels in teaching Sister Nguyen, saying her passion for teaching will have a profoundly rewarding impact. 

“Being an educator is such a rewarding life, both intrinsically and extrinsically,” Dr. Campbell said. “I am excited to witness all that Van does in the U.S. and in Vietnam with her existing areas of expertise and with her bachelor’s degree coming soon!”

Nguyen continues to be present with her peers and work hard on her degree, with the goal of eventually returning to her convent with more extensive and well-rounded knowledge. Reflecting on her past and her journey, she hopes that students will confide in God as she has throughout her life.  

“I have no expectation for people knowing about me,” Sister Nguyen said. “If [people can take away] just one thing, I want people to know that God loves everyone. And, if they have trouble in their lives, just say something with God.”