Name: Justin Bridges
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Easley, South Carolina
Major: Finance & Global Supply Chain
Organization: Vietnamese Student Association (Treasurer)
A few years back, USC was named the nation’s best university for diversity and inclusivity. This week’s Campus Celebrity is a great example of diversity on our campus
Meet Justin Bridges: A sophomore Finance and Global Supply Chain double major. Justin is half American and half Vietnamese and is the treasurer of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). Through his involvement in VSA, Justin has made many international friends and is probably one of the best representatives of campus diversity.
As treasurer, Justin manages the funds of the VSA and set budgets for their events. Some events include spring roll nights, a Halloween party, potlucks, and their own unique culture show. The culture show is also one of the biggest annual charity events that VSA organizes, with proceeds going to organizations dedicated to children on welfare in Georgia.
When asked what Justin loves most about VSA, he said, “The whole club is a family. Even though our club is Vietnamese, a lot of cultures join our club and we learn about multiple different things.”
Justin told us about how the club recently traveled to Athens, Georgia to support the VSA at the University of Georgia. Most recently, he just came back from a leadership camp held in Rutledge, Georgia.
“I met a lot of new people from a lot of different universities like Kennesaw, Georgia State, West Florida…and a few more I can’t think of at the moment,” he said with a laugh.
Talking about Justin’s favorite event for the year, he exclaimed it is a tie between the culture show and the Olympics. “Both of those are what got me to be so involved in VSA,” he said.
Because Justin is of a mixed cultural background, we asked him what life is like having double identities. He said he is tied to both his Western and Asian side, but he is also different from these cultures. He believes his mixed background makes him more sensitive to cultural differences.
At the end of our conversation, Justin revealed tips for bonding with people who are from different cultures, advising that people should always “be open to new things and don’t be afraid.”
Though this is easier said than done, we at Her Campus recognize that we should muster our courage and do as what Justin suggested. Everyone should try to be more open-minded and learn and explore other cultures.
Clearly Justin is a culture champion, which is why we believe he truly deserves the title of Campus Celebrity!
According to Justin, the VSA is having a potluck next Friday. Go check it out–meet new friends and learn about a new culture!