Haley Vu: A young business owner and food critic

By Hania Raza '24

Vietnamese student, Haley Vu ‘23, is passionate about so many different things, including food, charity work and fashion. 
Vu has recently had to adjust to the environment at a new school, but her friends and teachers have made it easier. She expressed that Dr. Koss is one of her favorite teachers. “He is a very devoted person to others,” Vu said, “always ready to help students who have difficulty in math.” 
Although this is her first time living in the dorms, Vu said it has been a fun experience. She expressed that the dorm parents take good care of the international students and make them feel at home. As she spent more time with her new friends in the dorms, Vu became more comfortable with them. 
“I never had roommates before, and I barely shared anything with anyone, even my family, so it was really hard for me to get used to it,” Vu said. “I learn a lot of things while living with them. Communication is the main key to help us solve all the problems and also our own problems.” 
Her interest in exploring different cultures is what piqued Vu’s interest in studying abroad. In addition, Vu was able to try many new and different foods, which is one of her main hobbies. While traveling, Vu does deep research on the country and tries to find as many restaurants as she can visit. 
“I like to try all the food [in new countries], so while traveling, I spend a lot of time just eating the new dishes,” said Vu, “I also love to try the same dishes but in many different restaurants and areas.” 
Vu’s favorite food that she has tried around the world is foie gras. This French appetizer of goose liver served with slices of bread is usually pan-fried or eaten cold. 
“But for me sautéing is the best way to prepare it. It’s hot on the outside but extremely smooth and rich like pudding and has a very eye-catching pink color,” Vu siad. “Foie gras already possesses a certain rich flavor, so the dish does not need to be sophisticatedly seasoned except for three basic ingredients that are white wine, salt and pepper.” 
She added, “I want to take note and share my understanding or feeling about the food I eat because each food brings you different emotions.”
Vu also has an online store, Veronica Store, where she sells women’s clothes and accessories. “I’m a big fan of fashion,” said Vu, “so owning an online store is a kind of thing I always wanted to try when I was a little girl.” 
Vu also shared her love for doing charity work with her mother, including giving gifts at the hospital to sick children and providing financial support. 
“Most of the gifts are picked and wrapped by me,” Vu said. “Although it takes a lot of time and effort, before the volunteer days come, I usually have to spend at least two weeks preparing. However, when I was able to personally hand over the gifts to the children, I felt extremely happy and relieved.”