President's Report 2025

What are you most excited to learn or experience while you’re studying here? I came to school in July 2024 to study English for international students. On August 19, 2025, I officially entered the College. I will study here for four more years until I complete my studies and return to Vietnam to continue my ministry. Since arriving at The Woods, I’ve felt a strong sense of community, both among the Sisters of Providence and the students. I really enjoy the peaceful beauty of the campus, the learning opportunities and the supportive environment in the classroom, from the faculty and staff to the students. I’m most excited about developing my learning Q A The presence of Nguyen and her Dominican sister might be felt most deeply by the Sisters of Providence, who have been hosting Vietnamese sisters at The Woods since 1998. “I believe this is one way that we, Sisters of Providence, can minister to the people of Vietnam without being physically present there ourselves,” said Jeanne Hagelskamp, SP, ’73, vicar and and spirit, as well as building beautiful friendships while I’m here.

are full of experience in education and spiritual life. I have gradually adapted to the new culture and truly consider this my second home because everyone is so friendly, generous and loving toward me. You mentioned that English is not your first language. What challenges have you had with the language barrier and how have you overcome them? My mother language is Vietnamese. For me, learning English is truly a challenge, especially when it comes to academic writing and understanding what others are saying. When I first arrived here, my English was at a zero level. I had difficulty understanding and communicating with others. I felt very frustrated because I couldn’t understand them, and I also couldn’t fully express my thoughts so that they could understand me. But with patience, diligent practice and help from instructors, sisters and friends, I am making progress every day. I don’t make rapid advances, but I progress step by step, little by little, every day. I was inspired by the Sisters’ motto: ‘Breaking Barriers, Creating Hope.’ Thanks to that, I used the challenges as motivation to move toward a future full of hope. I don’t just view learning English as a challenge, but also as a gift that allows me to connect with people from all over the world.

benefited from the relationship. The Sisters of Providence, with whom they live, also contribute to the cultural exchange. “The sisters who come to us truly become part of our community. They pray with us, play with us, and minister to our sisters in so many ways. To someone on the outside looking in, it would appear that they ARE one of us,” Hagelskamp said. “Moreover, their light-hearted spirit, their incredible work ethic, and their constant selflessness are an inspiration to all of us. They are such a blessing to us.”

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general treasurer of the Sisters of Providence. “We are empowering these Dominican

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What kind of reaction have you gotten from your classmates when they learn that you’re a religious sister? Most of my classmates were surprised that I was a Sister, but they were very respectful

sisters with the knowledge and skills they need to better serve the people of Vietnam.” The Vietnamese sisters are certainly not the

and friendly toward me. Some have also asked me interesting questions about religion and why I became a sister. Some have even shared their own faith stories with me. I find that being a religious sister can build trust when discussing meaningful stories, especially with those who don’t share my religion.

only ones who have

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