Thao Tran introduces herself as a 17-year-old student from Vietnam who immigrated to New Zealand as an infant. Her grandparents made the difficult decision to leave Vietnam for New Zealand to escape communism. Thao has a close relationship with her large, supportive family. Her aspiration is to become a pediatric oncologist to help children battling cancer. She describes herself as loud, talkative, and confident. Thao has a passion for public speaking and has participated in speech competitions since elementary school. Her goal is to continue improving and gaining confidence in her public speaking abilities.

1. Dear Mr. Hutching,
As you already know- My name is Thao Tran, I am from Vietnam and my last
school was Kadimah College (situated near Queen St, right in the city.)
What you didn’t know- I am a Scorpio (born on the 27th
of October in 2000, In Ho
Chi Minh City; (a city alive with bright lights and hustle bustle even at nighttime;
my first and middle name in Vietnamese combined means ‘loving thought’ my
interests are: public speaking (you’ll hear more of that later.), jazz dancing and I
would also be described as a fanatical reader; and that my family moved to New
Zealand when I was only one and a half years old.
My grandparents made the descision to immigrate to New Zealand to be free
from a land dictated by Communist. They had to part from their dear friends and
beloved family.But they fell in love with New Zealand’s picturesque, green
scenery and clear blue skies right away. I am truly so thankful for all the sacrifices
they’ve made for us and my future.
My family are the most important people in my life. I can always count on my
cousins to help me create the most fun memories, my grandparents and parents
for when I just need someone to listen and my aunties and uncles for being like
second parents to me; always caring and supportive . I know that no matter what
happens in our own indivdual lives, family will always be there whether I need

2. them or not.
Dreams/ Aspirations
I’ve lost count of how many times I have
been asked the question: What do you want to be when you grow up?
I don’t even remember exactly what and how many different answers I replyed
with. The earliest ambition I could remember having was- becoming a famous
actress sauntering across red carpets each nightfall.
But that eight-year old aspiration of mine was swiftly swapped with goals to
become a ballet dancer and a wealthy lawyer . Now my biggest hope is to do
something in the field of science and involving helping others. I am especially
fascinated with the study of medicine. I would like to become a docter; actually I
hope to become a Paediatric Oncologist, to be exact. I want to help children and
teens whose lives have been disrupted because of their battle with cancer.I know
the road to medical school won’t be one without hardships and difficulties but I
also know that if you can ‘dream it, you can do it.’
How others would describe me:
My teachers- bright, hard-working, dilligent. My friends- smart, supportive and
sociable. My family- messy, well-behaved and clever.

3. Every other person that has ever met me: positive, talkative,confident and LOUD!
At times I’m even told that perhaps I’m a tad too loud. But the again, being
voluable is definitely a pro when it comes to public speaking...
I have been participating in speech contests since year 4. I rememeber my very
first speech was entitled “Animals for Entertainment.” I had quickly mumbled it in
a quaky voice. However each new year, my voice became clearer and louder as
my confidence, too, developed.
Finally in year 8, the time to prove myself came. This year my topic was very odd
indeed; I had chosen to present a speech on “Pet rocks: Man’s New Best Friend.”
The thing is I happen to be allergic to animal hair (so no, I don’t have a pet), and I
had heard about the bizarre Pet Rocks fad of the 1970s from a friend; how
ridiculous! - I
had thought. The judge (aswell as the rest of the school) must have thought so
too, but it was decided that I would go on to represent Kadimah School at the
Regionals
Lion’s Speech Competition! I found it a bit peculiar that I went last in both the
class and school competition.
The night of the regionals (September the 17th
2013) saw intruiging informative
speeches,
persausive speeches with punchy points and humorous speeches that had me

4. grinning and chuckling the whole way through. Everyone’s was incredible! When
my name was called I bounded up on stage, beamed and started speaking. When I
sat back down my tecaher gave me a proud high five- and I knew that she was
extremely proud of me! Even though I didn’t get placed that night I was told that I
had performed 50 times better then I had at school and I had so much fun, so I
certainly won’t be stopping speechmaking anytime soon!
I find it funny how all, some kids
dream of, is growing up, yet some grown ups trudge through their days yearning
to be young and without a care in the world.