July 5, 2007

Nguyen empathizes with neglected youth
Cal State Fullerton graduate is nominee for the William Randolph Hearst/CSU Trustees' scholarship.
By BARBARA GIASONE
The Orange County Register

FULLERTON — Kylie Nguyen sympathizes with the struggles her Vietnamese immigrant family faced when they fled the communist country in 1980 to start a new life in Garden Grove.

While her parents worked hard to keep a roof over the heads of their four children, Nguyen took on the responsibility of helping raise her younger siblings.

She eventually left home to seek her own identity, working with Catholic Church outreach programs that addressed the problems of at-risk youths.

"I had this burning desire to help children, especially, because I didn't have much of a youth," the Fullerton resident said. "I saw so much potential … a lot of youths are traumatized and neglected. I guess you could say my theme song is inner healing."

A friend suggested Nguyen seek a higher education so she could have a deeper impact on young lives. In May, the 5-foot volunteer graduated from Cal State Fullerton with a bachelor of science in human services – and enrolled in courses that will lead to a master's degree in social work.

She is the CSUF nominee for the 2007 William Randolph Hearst/Cal State University Trustees' Award for outstanding achievement. On Sept. 18, a $6,000 scholarship will be awarded to the highest-ranking student who demonstrates need and merit.

Question: Do you feel a lot of children are neglected because of their parents' desire for material possessions?

Answer: It's how Southern California functions. We choose to go after all the demands and the value of raising children gets lost. Children are sent to day care at such a young age.

Q: How can parents instill a better feeling of family in the home?

A: Listening. There's a great need for the young to be heard. I see a lot of young people compensating for attention by playing video games, watching television – anything that's a distraction.

Q. What other ways can parents offer children a feeling of importance?

A. Set priorities. Recognize the importance of being together rather than sending children off to soccer practice and clubs all the time. It's gotten to the point a child's performance is more important than giving love.