Vincent Diep is a junior at Bowdoin College studying religion and government. Originally from Southwest Louisiana, his interest in public institutions grew from seeing how policy shapes everyday lives. He is a Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Fellow researching caste politics and non-Hindu minority communities in India. Vincent has served as a Green Schools Program intern with the Maine Department of Education and as an Assistant Clerk for the Town of Brunswick, Maine. Outside of public service, Vincent is often caught hunting for antique jewelry and rare coins or fueling his latest religion research papers with copious amounts of espresso and green tea.

Hometown

Lake Charles, Louisiana and Houston, Texas

Major(s)

Religion, Government and Legal Studies

Minor(s)

Asian Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Asian Student Association Vietnamese Student Association Tea Club Bowdoin Organic Gardening QuestBridge Chapter for First-Generation Students THRIVE Bowdoin Volunteer Corps McKeen Center for the Common Good Mellon-Mays Undergraduate Research Fellowship

Describe your college experience

Difficult initial transition from a low-income background from the deep south -＞ now thriving

Tip for future students

Start planning out your goals for what you want to get out of college earlier on, whether it's specific internships, club leadership roles, national fellowships, or studying abroad

Favorite class

Human Sacrifice - It was the quintessential religion liberal arts class, we were able to dive into literature spanning from Greek Classics to modern "Campy" films exploring the way human sacrifice is portrayed and the power systems behind it

Career goals

After College I intend on volunteering with the Peace Corps, pursuing an opportunity with the Fulbright Program, going to grad school for a Masters in Public Policy and​/​or PhD in Applied Religion

Ideal way to spend a free night

Debriefing with close friends in a cozy room over snacks and card games

High school or secondary school

George Bush High School - A large public high school in the Houston Metro Area

Favorite spot on campus

the 2nd floor of the Visual Arts Center because it has the Art Library which provides large windows overlooking the quad