Volunteer Spotlight: L.T. Nguyen

This Volunteer Spotlight features Fort Patron and Fearlessly GiRL volunteer, L.T. Nguyen. She was recently interviewed by Program and Engagement Coordinator, Ally Baker and here is what we learned… enjoy!

TELL THE FORT COMMUNITY ABOUT YOURSELF!

I was born in Vietnam and moved to the states when I was two. I grew up in Rochester, Minnesota and came up to the Twin Cities for college. I’ve pretty much spent most of my adult life in the Twin Cities... I love Minnesota and the people and everything else it has to offer. Except for the winters! I work at Regions [Hospital] and I’ve been there for 11 years now. I’m really happy there. I’m a vascular surgeon, peripheral vascular, so arteries and veins but not the heart.

FAVORITE TENNIS PLAYER?

I’ve always been a Halep fan because I’m a shorty and it’s nice to see someone who’s not like 6 feet tall out there. And then more recently I’m a big Osaka fan. I think she’s used her platform to really be a leader and bring awareness to some social issues that could use more awareness.

BEST TENNIS SHOT?

Well, when my forehand is on, my forehand. I just can’t think about it.

FAVORITE MEAL?

That’s really a hard question. My mom’s cooking is always fabulous. It’s hard to pick one thing. I’d say my mom’s cooking. And then my back up, well not my favorite meal, but my favorite Halloween candy is Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups... How many do you think is too many for one day?

SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF?

When I was younger I did tae kwon do, and I competed and won trophies!

WHEN/HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED WITH THE FORT?

I had heard of it years ago when I played over at Reed Sweatt. And every now and then we’d come over for the Daytime Leagues. My husband, Fred, and I moved to Highland Park three years ago and wanted a local club and it’s super close to where we live... so we thought okay, let’s join. I love The Fort... I love everything about it. It’s a great community and the tennis is good and it’s friendly and it’s not too intense or crazy competitive and they do awesome things for the kids. It’s amazing.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR INVOLVEMENT AT THE FORT.

I try to do a lot of drills. I play in the Sunday In-House Doubles League. Someday I might get a part-time job at the front desk... I don’t know if I’d say it’s my dream job but I think that would be really fun. And I volunteer with the Fearlessly GiRL group!

WHAT’S THE BEST PART ABOUT VOLUNTEERING WITH FEARLESSLY GiRL?

Having been with this group since it started last fall, and having had the same girls consistently show up, it’s just been amazing to watch their journey as they discover who they are and what they’re capable of and, you know, just trying to help facilitate that for them and nurture them through this really hard time in life. Not just being a teenager but a teenager during these times. And just try to help them navigate the complex world it is being a teenage girl.