By: Dinorah Peña-Duran
A Passion for Leadership, Learning, and Service
From Clifton Early Childhood School to Townsell Elementary School to Houston Middle School to MacArthur High School, Kalinda Nguyen has been an outstanding student in the Irving Independent School District throughout her academic career, maximizing every opportunity that has come her way.
An outstanding senior at MacArthur, Kalinda has been deeply involved in DECA, JROTC, Math UIL, and the National Technical Honor Society throughout all four years of high school. Her commitment to excellence, both academically and leadership, has been a defining part of her high school experience.
Some of her favorite memories include traveling to DECA state competitions, which she describes as feeling like part of a close-knit family. “We hang out, we bond – it really is like a second home,” she said. Another highlight was attending JROTC Leadership Camp, where she met students from all over Texas and honed her leadership skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Kalinda’s dedication and commitment extends beyond extracurricular activities. This fall, she will begin her next chapter at the University of Texas at Dallas, where she will major in biomedical sciences with a second major in mathematics. “I want a career that uses math and helps people – I really love helping people,” she says with a smile.
When asked what advice she would give to incoming freshmen, Kalinda doesn’t hesitate: “Get involved, but know your priorities. I tried a lot of clubs and organizations in my freshman year, but I eventually learned to focus on the things that were most important to me.
Driven by her own goals and buoyed by a strong group of supportive family friends, Kalinda Nguyen is a shining example of what it means to lead with heart, purpose, and determination.
