Hey, if you are reading this blog post right now, let me tell you this will be a story of a shy immigrant girl who has lived in the United States for 4 years. She wants to tell you her story about what she called the "American Dream."

Let's start it.

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People know me as Anita, but my real name is Thai Uyen Ngo. I was born in Vietnam and came to the United States with my mother in 2019. I didn't speak English and had to learn everything from scratch. It was a challenging experience, but it also made me incredibly resilient.

I've always been interested in advertising and knew I wanted to pursue a career. But as a regular immigrant family, everyone assumes me to be a doctor, a nurse, an engineer, or any job could get paid over $10. I could not count how often people told me to give up, or it was not for immigrants, I mean not for "me." I have started my journey without any connections or support in the industry. I also needed financial resources to attend my dream school in Minnesota - the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. But I always keep one thing in mind: I want to do it, and I am doing it. 

Therefore, I joined MAIP 2023 on December 2022 and thought I would get rejected in the first round. But I still wanted to try; at least I could get to the next game and have a little hope about what I have been doing so far. I remember when I asked my professor - Mark Jenson write me a letter of recommendation; I had to draft it at least 20 times before sending it. Then the interview round, I practiced with my mentor and professor about 2 weeks ahead to ensure my accent, and there were a lot of questions in my head "Does it sound correct" or "Can the interviewer understand me." I am so lucky to have Mark, and Tyrese support me. They kept me on track for the interview and how to prepare for it; without their support, you wouldn't see Anita today. One word only, Be Confident and it works. 

I was middle of Mark's class when I received the email that I was a Finalist. OMG, let me tell you when I knew I was going to the Final Selection. I was crying and giving that email to my friends only to ensure it was real. My tear could not stop; finally, the door I have always waited for was open. "Finally! Finally!" 

But sometimes, it didn't go as well as expected. The selection days happened; there were so many talented students out there, but the seats were slim. At the deepest in my heart, Colle McVoy is my destination, where I want to be, and where I want to start my career, and I was waiting for their offer. Unfortunately, I was not selected on those days. It would be a lie if I told you I was not upset. I was more than disappointed in myself; so many assumptions at that time I might do my best work or be confident at the beginning. Maybe If I did that, it would not be like ended like the bad ending. Don't feel sympathy for me because a part of me was happy; I could see myself in the future, so my choice turned out right. I have kept myself up and continued to finish my last semester at UMN. Until the day I received the message from Colle McVoy - I got accepted and be an intern at Colle McVoy this summer. 

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This is an incredible opportunity, and I'm so grateful to have been selected. I am officially a MAIP 23 Fellow and Colle McVoy intern. It is a dream come true; I'm finally a part of what I call the American Dream, for real.