teen spotlight
photography by Shelby Berry
stats
16, Senior at Alabama Christian Academy
notable
Johns Hopkins University Medical Camp Attendee;
Presidential Leadership Institute Attendee; National Academy
of Future Physicians Member; Alabama Girls State Delegate;
Model UN Secretary General; ACA Student Body President
quotable
Keely’s motto comes from 1 Peter 4:8- “ Above all, love each
other deeply, for love covers a multitude of sins.” She adds,
“This verse reminds me that God’s overwhelming love is all I
need in life.”
her story
Keely feels that “a good legacy is something everyone aspires
to leave behind,” and her accomplishments thus far reflect her
desire to create her own powerful legacy. She is an instrumental member of a number of academic organizations at
ACA, including Mu Alpha Theta, Spanish Honor Society, and
the writing team, Eagle Quills. In addition, Keely takes the lead
as Secretary General for the Model UN club. Her involvement
in sc hool activities branches into the arts as well - she serves
as ACA’s photography club cofounder, sings in two choirs, and
plays flute in the symphonic band. In the summer of 2017,
Keely will travel to India on the Ultimate Medical Internship
(UMI), a trip that will afford her the opportunity to work at a
teaching hospital in the heart of India.
what’s next
Keely aspires to become an ophthalmologist, but more specifically, a corneal specialist.
keely nguyen
PG (parental guidance) rating
“My parents take pride in their Vietnamese heritage, and have
taught me to do the same. But they have also taught me the
importance of my American culture, and to be thankful for the
opportunities I have been blessed with. To say that I’m proud
of my family is an understatement. The men and women who
raised me are loyal, strong, and loving.”
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
“Keely is fiercely independent. Sometimes, I wish she would need
her mommy a little more, but I do respect her independence,” says
Keely’s mother, Camtu. “We have always asked Keely to put 100%
in everything she does for herself. When she feels that she has
already done her best, we encourage her to give an extra 10% for
her family.”
parent-to-parent
“We share our daily difficulties and triumphs with our
children, and we encourage them to share theirs. We
learn from one another. There’s no doubt, we have our
fair share of disagreements, but with respect, trust, and understanding, we are able to work through our struggles.”
L32 |
Winter 2016
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