Megan Nguyen
California Trout
Sacramento, CA USA
"I feel like I leveled up and turned my passion into action when I took on advocacy."
Career Roadmap
Megan's work combines: Environment & Nature, Non-Profit Organizations, and Upholding a Cause and Belief
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Advice for getting started
I was a bubbly child growing up but people silenced me because they thought I was too much. It really lowered my confidence and self-esteem. My soul felt alive again when I began joining marches. I started leading marches myself. My confidence began to grow again. At the 2019 global climate strike in San Francisco, someone actually thanked me for my voice and energy and said that the movement needs people like me. It solidified the fact that this is my calling and my energy is wanted and needed.
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Environmental Studies
University of California, Davis
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I’m a first-generation Asian American—my parents were Vietnamese refugees.
2.
School gave me a lot of opportunities to get outside and experience nature—my experience at a sixth-grade science camp was especially impactful.
3.
In college, I decided to major in environmental studies with a minor in education because I wanted to be able to give others the same educational experiences that inspired me through school.
4.
While in school, I taught environmental science to first-grade students—I loved bringing awareness to the fact that anyone can make a difference, whether they’re in first grade or in college like me.
5.
After graduating, I found a job in science communication, which is like a bridge between science and policy—I realized that both my passion and talents were well-suited for this sort of job.
6.
I decided to get more involved with advocacy and began volunteering my time to the United Nations Association—I met with congressional representatives to advocate for climate action on a global level.
7.
After a few years, I moved on to volunteer with the Sunrise Movement, who were doing the same type of advocacy work, but in a much bolder way.
8.
I’ve recently transitioned from my role as a communications associate at California Trout to education and outreach, through which I hope to foster more engagement and make a bigger impact.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
You're too loud. You have too much energy. Your voice and energy are not needed right now.
How I responded:
I was a bubbly child growing up but people silenced me because they thought I was too much. It really lowered my confidence and self-esteem. My soul felt alive again when I began joining marches. I started leading marches myself. My confidence began to grow again. At the 2019 global climate strike in San Francisco, someone actually thanked me for my voice and energy and said that the movement needs people like me. It solidified the fact that this is my calling and my energy is wanted and needed.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents divorced when I was ten, forcing me to grow up quickly. As the only English-speaker, I had to hold it all together for my family. Through that dark time, I learned the value of a strong support system—which doesn't need to be your family.
I struggled with believing that my skills, education, and experience weren't good enough compared to others in my field. At the end of the day, if you show passion and you put in the work, you can achieve anything regardless of your background.