This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Winthrop chapter.
Name: Khoi Tran
Hometown: Clover, South Carolina
Year: Junior
Major: Political Science & Economics
Minor: Social Science
Two years ago I walked into my first college class, ECON 215, and there I met Khoi Tran for the very first time. It did not take me long to know how smart and hilarious he is. He quickly became one of my first friends at Winthrop and I’ve had the joy of seeing him grow into a strong, dedicated leader on campus. Now he can’t go anywhere on campus without someone stopping to talk to him. It seems like just yesterday we were the loud residents playing Cards Against Humanity for hours and now he’s the one keeping an eye on those residents.
Meet Khoi Tran; the guy who knows everyone and who everyone knows! If you havent heard the name, you must live under a rock. ;)
So first of all, tell us everything you do on campus?
Presently, I am a 2nd (and a half) year Resident Assistant in Richardson Hall, Vice President of Pi Kappa Phi, Vice President of Greek Relations for the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Vice President of Order of Omega (Greek Honorary Society), a Winthrop Ambassador, an undergraduate representative to the Diversity Working Group for the President’s Office, and serve on the College of Business Student Advisory Board. In the past, I served as the Model United Nations Secretary-General and was the Vice President of the Special Olympics Club. Also, I was the IFC Representative for the New Member Conference and Hazing Prevention Week committees which furthered Greek life’s relationship to the university.
How do you manage to do it all? Are you secretly a superhero?
A superhero? No, I wouldn’t go that far. However, I love everything that I join. It becomes a part of who I am, and accepting the responsibility to ensure that each organization or duty has the longevity to impact future students is why I devote myself to always seek involvement on campus. There’s been a lot of role-models that I’ve looked up to throughout my undergraduate career, and I definitely look to their guidance whenever I’m making huge decisions or deep commitments. Hopefully one day, I can be that role-model to someone else!
Why did you choose Winthrop?
First and foremost, I’m very logic-driven and try to be rational about every decision I make. I was awarded Palmetto Fellows and at the time, Winthrop matched the scholarship with Winthrop Fellows. Choosing Winthrop was not only a cost-efficient choice but it was close to my home so I had the freedom to see my family without too much hassle.
What’s something you miss about freshman year of college?
I miss all the “first” moments I had when I lived on the 5th Floor of Richardson my freshman year. That was the first time they had a co-ed floor in Richardson, and all the experiences there really made the benchmark for my undergraduate career. My first late-night run at Cook-Out, my first all-nighter spent writing a paper due the next day, my first all-nighter talking about the most random things with friends, and the list goes on.
If you had to audition for American Idol, what song would you sing?
All my friends would tell you that I would sing “Rather Be (feat Jess Glynne)” by Clean Bandit. And while there’s no song I’d rather be singing to, I would choose “Somewhere Only We Know” by Keane. It’s one of my favorite songs, and it’s simple enough for me not to mess up. I would hate to be the next William Hung (though he’s a bit more talented than I am!)
What is your favorite pick up line?
Pick-up lines aren’t for me because I’m not smooth enough to use them. However, my favorite one that I’ve heard friends use was, “Do you mind holding this while I go for a walk?” and they hold out their hand.
If you were a box of cereal, what would you be and why?
Honey Nut Cheerios! Almost like the classic, but I’m just a little sweeter to stand out!
Do you think more about the past, present, or future?
I’m a very present-oriented person. I understand the importance of learning from the past or making the right steps for the future, but I’m a firm believer in that worrying about the future or the past takes away from the present!
If you absolutely had to live in a campus building for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
Richardson has been my home for the past 3 years, and I have no desire to stop now! There’s no community like what’s built here. What truly makes home for me is just the family rather than the actual property.
Where do you want to be and what do you want to be doing in 10 years?
I want to be working something that’ll ensure that I am making an impact on lives. I’ve considered working for a non-profit organization such as St. Jude’s, hospitality and tourism to make the lives of guests feel luxurious, or even in higher education in student affairs because I love working with students and the college atmosphere!
What advice do you have for rising college students?
My advice to rising college students is to trust the process. By process, I mean making those mistakes and learning the REAL lessons in college. You’ll make some of your greatest friends, and you’ll make some of your worst enemies. You’ll make some of your greatest achievements and decisions, and you’ll make some of your biggest regrets and mistakes. There will be some days, weeks, and months where you’ll want nothing more than to leave; there will be some days, weeks, and months where you’ll want nothing more than to stay. College is meant to be a privilege; use that to your advantage. There are so many who wish they could have the same opportunities, so don’t squander this chance to find out who you are. Surround yourself with others who will challenge you and push you to grow. You’ll be glad you did someday.
