Alumni Focus - Ronny Nguyen ('17)

Ronny Nguyen (’17) came to SCLA for high school as an international student and has been on quite a journey that has led him to where he is today - studying to become a pastor. As he learns more and puts that Biblical knowledge into practice during his vicar year, Ronny shares some advice for current students that we can all take to heart.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at St. Croix?

I’ll name three:

• Being in band was fun. Not only did we get to play some fantastic music, but hanging out with friends and going on band trips were fun.
• Doing chapel (delivering the message/sermon) senior year. That was a nerve-wracking experience, but I guess that’s how I ended up here (in seminary) right now.
• Dorm life in general. A lot of food, a lot of hanging out with friends, getting video game tournaments going, or playing contact football on the back field without padding because Minnesota is cold and there was three feet of snow on the ground.

Were there any teachers or staff who had a big impact on you?

Mr. John Fenske: His care for his students and musical excellency were impactful. It made me enjoy band a lot more. In turn, it made me appreciate the art of music in my life. Now, I still try to find ways to go to concerts or do music when I can.

Pastors Dustin Sievert and Dave Huebner: They were both big reasons I was interested in the pastoral ministry. Both were passionate and joyful about their job. They loved Jesus, and that love shined through what they did for the students. They were always willing to listen and answer many (often dumb) questions I had. If I could show in the future even just a fraction of their enthusiasm for Jesus, I’d be happy!

Were you involved in any extracurriculars or activities that helped shape who you are today?

I was in cross country, baseball (later managed baseball), theater productions, band, and National Honor Society. They all made me appreciate the different facets of life.  

What lessons did you carry with you after graduation?

Math is hard! Besides that, relationships. I’m so grateful for all the teachers and staff at SCLA that cared for me (as they do with all the other students). To be frank, the high school, teenage years are hard. There are so many uncertainties in life and in oneself. But having adults—especially Godly, Christ-like adults—who take their time and care for you is a big deal. So now, I often remind myself to build relationships, to genuinely care for how people in my life are doing. It’s a good way to learn about them but also be there for them when needed - only so you could build them up in God’s Word and let them know how much their Savior loves them.

What path did you take after SCLA?

I went to the University of Manitoba in Canada for one year for business/ finance. After that, I transferred to Martin Luther College (MLC) for my sophomore year and continued until now, being a vicar in the Seminary’s program. I appreciated the experiences I had at the U of Manitoba. Right now, I’m a vicar at Wisconsin Lutheran Chapel on the UW-Madison campus, and I can relate to some of the struggles and challenges that our college students face every day.

How did your experiences at SCLA influence the kind of work you wanted to do in adulthood?

Like the question before, the pastors at SCLA were instrumental for my high school years. Seeing what care they gave to young people such as myself, I wished that I could do the same. Now, I hope I can help people - and especially if I can help them with godly truths and provide them the joy and security of the Gospel in Jesus, what can be better!

What advice would you give to your high school self or to current students?

Trust in Jesus. Maybe you’re wondering what’s going to happen this fall when you’re back at school. Maybe you’re in the middle of scheduling your SAT/ACT exams. Maybe you’re wondering about which college will be best to prepare you for the rest of your life. There are a lot of uncertainties ahead. But Jesus has a plan in mind for your good; he has given his life for you; he will be with you wherever he takes you. So, just trust in Jesus, and fix your eyes on your Savior who loves you. I wish I could tell my high school self to just breathe, relax, and enjoy my high school years a little more, because God would take care of my life.

Also, try new things. There were so many cool classes or extracurriculars that I wished I’d tried but didn’t because I was afraid or anxious. But try them at the very least. There are not a lot of other opportunities where you can play all three sports at a competitive level all year long and be in theater productions and learn to speak another language. Take the opportunities that come at you! 

Are there values or habits from your school years that you find yourself applying in your professional or personal life today?

I started doing personal daily Bible devotion in high school. I’ll be honest, I’m not the best. There are days when my schedule gets so filled up that I forget to do so. But I do try to keep my mind at it. And when I do, it really does change my day. I get to listen to God’s Word speaking directly to me, to see what love and sacrifice Jesus has given so I could have peace and joy. And that started because of the teachers and pastors at SCLA who showed the value of the Bible.