Amanda Nguyen, an inspiring figure in both the realms of space exploration and social justice advocacy, has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of sexual assault survivors. At just 22 years old, Nguyen was raped, an event that set her on a course to challenge and reform the broken criminal justice system she encountered in its aftermath. Her remarkable journey from survivor to advocate has not only brought her international recognition but also led to significant legislative changes.
While a student at Harvard University, three months from graduation, Nguyen faced the horrific experience of rape. The ordeal was compounded by the shocking discovery that she had to pay for her own rape evidence kit, only to learn that it could be destroyed long before any court case. This revelation highlighted a deep flaw within the system, prompting Nguyen to take action.
Nguyen's fight for justice gained momentum with the passage of the Sexual Assault Survivors' Rights Act, signed into federal law by President Obama in October 2016. This law, enacted three years after Nguyen's assault, marked a significant victory in her quest to ensure that survivors across the United States are afforded equal protections and rights.
Nguyen's advocacy work does not stop at national borders. She is actively pursuing an international treaty to provide universal jurisdiction for rape cases, ensuring that survivors everywhere receive justice. Her dedication and tireless efforts have resulted in the successful passage of 91 laws over the past decade, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for survivors' rights.
In addition to her advocacy work, Nguyen is also making history in the field of space exploration. As an astronaut, she is set to become the first Vietnamese woman to travel to space on a Blue Origin rocket launch this spring. This milestone not only represents a personal achievement but also serves as a symbol of hope and empowerment for countless individuals around the world.
Nguyen's journey was not without personal challenges. She grew up in a household marked by anger and abuse from her father, which shaped her understanding of resilience and forgiveness. Reflecting on her past, Nguyen shared insights from her conversations with Tara Westover, author of the memoir "Educated."
"The pivotal conversation that changed my entire trajectory was with Tara Westover, who wrote the memoir Educated." – Amanda Nguyen
Despite these challenges, Nguyen found solace and inspiration in her Harvard community, likening her experience to the magical world of Harry Potter.
“I really did feel like Harry Potter because I lived there,” – Amanda Nguyen
“I had the Marauder’s Map! I could explore on my own terms; I got to know all the staff, the janitors, everyone.” – Amanda Nguyen
A turning point in Nguyen's advocacy came when she discovered that her rape kit had been destroyed after just six months. This realization fueled her determination to fight for systemic change, highlighting the dire consequences of a fractured criminal justice system.
“They had experienced the terrible consequences of the criminal justice system being broken,” – Amanda Nguyen
Nguyen's work in drafting legislation was deeply personal. Each right included in her bill was crafted with a survivor in mind.
“Every one of the rights included in the bill was written for a woman on my team who” – Amanda Nguyen
The emotional toll of her experiences is something Nguyen candidly acknowledges. She described the physical and emotional impact of her assault in stark terms.
“I felt icy cold but at the same time burning hot – I was, I said, a cold slab of meat while my insides were liquid magma.” – Amanda Nguyen
Through it all, Nguyen sees her journey to space as more than just a personal dream; it represents a promise to herself and others.
“The idea of going to space meant an extra layer of promise to myself,” – Amanda Nguyen
Nguyen's relentless pursuit of justice underscores the importance of having affected individuals involved in legislative processes.
“If the people affected aren’t at the drafting table, then these huge gaps happen.” – Amanda Nguyen