Andy Nguyen is an Alumni of the San Augustine High School Wolfpack from the class of 2012. He was the head drum major for the SA Wolfpack Band for a year, an All-Region qualifier for 2 years, a State Solo and Ensemble qualifier, one of the Top 3 in Math Area UIL and Top 3 Teams in Literary Criticism Area UIL. Andy attended Stephen F. Austin State University, majored in Music Education and graduated on Spring 2017. Andy is currently working at Athens Middle School as the assistant band director. To learn more about his journey following high school, we asked Andy the following questions.
What did you learn from SAHS that you continue to use today?
I’m not sure about this one. I believe anything/most everything I’ve learned from SAHS has been improved upon in order to improve myself.
What is the best part about college?
Being a part of a huge and diverse population. Going from a small school to a university really opened up my understanding of people.
What do you miss about high school?
I miss how simple it was.
What do you miss about San Augustine?
My friends, family, and the teachers that made me who I am today.
If you have a nickname, what is it and how did you get it?
I don’t really have any nicknames that have stuck. One of my favorites though is One-Punch Man; I started working out in college and I happen to be bald and Asian.
What are your plans once you finally finish all of the schooling you need?
Well, since I plan on being an educator for the rest of my life, I’ll probably never finish my schooling. But, as a student, I’d hope to go back and work on a Master and Doctorate degree.
Why did you choose the college you attended?
Stephen F. Austin State University, hands down, is the best school for music education. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music, so that’s what I shot for.
How do you compare San Augustine to your college town?
I don’t and I wouldn’t. Even though they’re about 30 minutes away, San Augustine and Nacogdoches are very much different.
What are you doing to challenge yourself either in school or out of school?
In school, I’m very early in my career and I’m focused on constantly improving as much as possible. There’s a whole lot about it that I could dive into, but that’d be a paper and not a pleasant, short read. Outside of school, I’m looking into competitive powerlifting.
Can you share your thoughts on how to best prepare anyone for a career?
I almost feel like there isn’t any sure-fire way. Being a life-learner and looking to expand your knowledge and thinking. Don’t stop at things just for the career you want, but learn about things that interest you and you might find connections that’ll make your life easier.
Given your experience, what college or career advice would you give to a SAHS student today?
This is a saying I saw once: “Sleep more than you study. Study more than you party. Party as much as you can.” There’s a lot of reasons why I love this quote. Being a college student is a JOB. Make it easier by learning what works best for you. Figure out how to make yourself learn more efficiently and effectively and life will be oh-so-much easier. Take care of yourself. If you’re physically and mentally exhausted all the time, get some rest. If you’re suffering from anxiety, stress, depression, or any mental illness, seek help. Please take care of yourself. Enjoy your free time. It doesn’t have to be a stereotypical party. My kinds of parties were working out, playing video games, practicing music, whatever. Just…be reasonable about it.
What made you choose the career that you do today?
I always had a desire to help people. I was lucky to have a handful of inspiring teachers. I specifically chose band because of my experience at an All-Region clinic lead by Dr. David W. Campo, who’s currently the Director of Bands at, you guessed it, Stephen F. Austin State University.
Andy wants everyone to know that the opportunities that San Augustine provided for him have helped him shape into the person he is today. He is thankful for anyone and everyone he’s ever met, whether the experience was pleasant or not.