Amanda Nguyen has never stopped short of her dreams. She has always reached for the stars — and then some. Now, as the first Vietnamese woman preparing to go to space, she's living a dream come true. "It has always been my dream to be an astronaut," the 32-year-old told ABC News. "I have a connection with the stars, because it's what led my family to freedom."
Her mother's family were boat refugees from Vietnam who used the stars to help navigate their way to safer shores. As the daughter of those immigrants, Amanda is now set to make history as the first Southeast Asian woman to fly to space on an upcoming trip aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard vehicle.
"Being the first Vietnamese woman is to let every young Vietnamese girl know that we belong," Amanda said.
But it took a lot for her to get where she is today. After being sexually assaulted in 2013 while studying astrophysics at Harvard, she became fueled by frustrations with how her rape case was handled and started speaking out, shifting her focus to fighting for justice.
"When I spoke up about my story, other survivors all across America had faced these issues too," Amanda shared. "How terrible is it to want to pursue justice, and yet, the rate of conviction is 1%. What does that tell survivors? I couldn't live with myself if I chose not to pursue justice," she explained about following her dreams or fighting for justice.
More from LittleThings: Astronaut-To-Be Alyssa Carson Shares Big Role STEM And Mentors Have Played In Her Career
When the opportunity came back around for her to go to space, Amanda was filled with gratitude. "I am the dreams of my ancestors — and I am so grateful that that part of me, to the girl who existed before I was hurt, the child in me who loves the stars, my mom, who crossed the ocean. I get to say to them — we'll get to fly to space."
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
