Before Thomas Nguyen was born, his parents left Vietnam to carve out a new life in Norway after the Vietnam War. They proudly accepted Norwegian culture and traditions as they established themselves in their new country.
“I was very fortunate to have grown up with Norwegian values,” said Nguyen. “My parents found the Norwegian dream.”
Thomas Nguyen is a senior computer science major from Lier, Norway, a town outside the capital Oslo. He is a student at the University of Bergen and is completing his senior year abroad at Carroll College.
Growing up, Nguyen has always wanted to study abroad in the United States.
“I chose Carroll because of the small community,” said Nguyen. “I didn’t want to become a number at a larger school.”
Living in Norway, the surrounding nature parallels the scenic beauty of Montana.
Being outdoors is a vital part of Nguyen’s life. Hiking is one of the ways he expresses his love for nature.
“When I’m stressed or want to escape the city, I hike,” said Nguyen. “Time slows down, and you appreciate what is around you.”
Peaceful hikes and calming scenery are not the only way Nguyen shares his gratitude for the world.
Nguyen’s favorite pastime is a blood-pumping Norwegian water sport called death diving.
Death diving is remarkably similar to cliff jumping or high diving. The difference in death diving is you hurdle your body off terrifying heights like a ragdoll and land in a cannonball before crashing into a body of water.
“I’m an adrenaline junkie,” said Nguyen. “I like to do things people don’t usually do.”
For Nguyen, death diving is his favorite hobby to do with his friends in Norway.
“My highest death dive is 65 feet,” said Nguyen.
To Nguyen, whether he is death diving, cliff jumping, skydiving, or exploring the world, the pursuit of an adrenaline rush is a part of who he is.
“I felt like a rebel as a kid,” said Nguyen. “My mom would say don’t do something, so I would go do it.”
Growing up in Europe has also allowed Nguyen to travel the world. Nguyen’s traveled to many countries on multiple continents, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
“Being European, it is common to travel,” said Nguyen. “I love meeting new people and hearing their stories.”
Besides being an adrenaline junkie, world traveler, and computer science major, Nguyen also served in the Norwegian military.
In Norway, a single year of service is mandatory for their citizens. If someone signs a military contract after their first year, they are considered a professional soldier.
“I only served one year in the infantry battalion,” said Nguyen. “More specifically, the javelin platoon, an anti-tank unit.”
As the year continues, Nguyen’s favorite part of Carroll is building relationships.
“I like the people and community at Carroll,” said Nguyen. “The people here are very genuine and nice.”
