Hoang Man Nguyen
Hoang Man Nguyen
TRC Candidate
Program: Child and Youth Care
“My name is Hoang Man Nguyen (Ben), and I’m a Child and Youth Care student at Sheridan College’s Trafalgar Campus with a strong passion for leadership, student engagement, and community building. Before coming to Sheridan, I founded and operated Vietnam-Australia Society Academy (VASA), an English training school with six branches in Ho Chi Minh City. This experience gave me extensive skills in management, team coordination, event planning, and working with diverse groups, all of which I now apply to my leadership roles on campus.
As President of the Vietnamese Students Association (VSA), I lead initiatives that foster inclusivity, cultural exchange, and student support. I plan and execute campus-wide events, advocate for student needs, and collaborate with Sheridan’s Student Union (SSU) and other campus organizations to enhance student life. I also use my skills in graphic design, photography, and social media marketing to effectively engage students and promote activities.
With my background in managing people, organizing large-scale programs, and fostering community connections, I am excited to bring my experience and dedication to SSU, helping to create an even more vibrant and supportive environment for all students.”
What are some of the student issues that you would like to bring to the Board table?
✔ Cultural Representation and Inclusion
✔ Environment & Sustainability
✔ Health and Wellness
Write about one of the current student issues you selected above. share why advocating for this issue is important to you:
“Advocating for health and wellness is important to me because I truly believe that taking care of our mental and physical health is essential to thriving, not just academically, but as individuals. Throughout my time as a student, and particularly through the child and youth Care program, I’ve learned how critical it is to focus on well-being, especially in high-stress environments like school, where students often juggle multiple responsibilities and jobs. The program has taught me the importance of holistic approaches to health, emphasizing the connection between mind, body, and emotions. I’ve experienced firsthand how easy it is to neglect our well-being while juggling the many demands of school, work, and life. I’ve been there, feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and struggling to focus. But I’ve also seen how taking time to care for myself has made a huge difference in my ability to perform better, feel more connected, and stay grounded.
Health and wellness are about more than just avoiding burnout or getting through tough times. They’re about building resilience and creating a foundation where we can face challenges head-on. When we prioritize our well-being, we’re better able to focus, engage, and enjoy our experiences. I want to create an environment at SSU where students feel empowered to make their mental and physical health a priority and know that it's okay to ask for help when needed.
From my own experience, small acts of self-care, like taking breaks, getting some exercise, eating well, and talking openly about mental health, have been incredibly powerful. Through my studies, I've also learned evidence-based strategies that support self-care and mental health, which I’d love to bring to campus. That’s why I want to see more opportunities for students to engage in activities that support their well-being, like mindfulness workshops, fitness challenges, or just spaces to have open conversations about mental health. I think it’s important to normalize these conversations and make it easier for students to ask for help and support each other.
Physical wellness is equally important. Whether it’s through a quick walk, a fitness class, or just stretching, moving our bodies helps us feel more energized and focused. I would love to see more fitness and wellness events on campus that bring people together while promoting healthy habits. These activities can not only improve physical health but also build a stronger sense of community and connection among students.
In the end, advocating for Health and Wellness is about creating a campus culture where we support each other and prioritize self-care. I want to be part of building that kind of environment at SSU, one where students know that taking care of themselves is just as important as their academic success.”