Interview of Ruby Nguyen by Freya Bennett
Hi Ruby, how are you going? Tell us a little about yourself.
Hi! I am doing really well, thank you. My name is Vo Hong Ngoc Nguyen, but you can call me Ruby, which is the English translation of my name, and I am truly honored to join Ramona Magazine as a Communications Intern. I moved to Melbourne from Vietnam as a transfer student, and I have always loved exploring creative projects and learning new things. I have been involved in music and performance since I was very young, singing and dancing from the age of three, and I have also been active in sports, including competing as an aerobic athlete. I enjoy finding ways to express myself and connect with others through creativity and teamwork.
What are you studying and what do you hope to pursue?
I am currently a second-year student studying a Bachelor of Communications (Media) at RMIT University, with a minor in Asian Media and Culture. I transferred from RMIT Vietnam to Melbourne to broaden my perspective and immerse myself in a diverse media environment. I hope to gain experience across all aspects of media and communication, including storytelling, content creation, marketing, public relations, social media, and digital communication. My goal is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field and learn how to effectively communicate ideas, engage audiences, and adapt to different forms of media.
How do you like to spend your time outside of work or study?
Outside of work and study, I love spending my time exploring the arts, whether it’s creating music, dancing, or attending performances and exhibitions around Melbourne. These activities allow me to express myself creatively and often inspire new ideas that I can apply to my studies and personal projects. Alongside this, I stay active through sports, which has been a significant part of my life since childhood, helping me develop discipline, focus, and resilience.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about the performing arts and everything involved in bringing creative projects to life. Having performed in music and dance across many cities and participated in various arts festivals, I have developed a deep love for artistic expression. This passion naturally extends to working in dynamic event environments, where I enjoy not only performing but also contributing behind the scenes, such as operating stage lights or assisting with event organisation. I have also gained hands-on experience working on a film festival as part of the PR and marketing team, which gave me insight into planning and promoting cultural events. I hope to continue gaining experience in Australia, taking part in diverse artistic and cultural events while learning from each opportunity.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced that taught you something important?
One challenge I faced was balancing my intensive sports training with my academic studies. Although sports have always been a passion of mine, I made sure that my studies remained my top priority. Preparing for competitions required long hours of practice and travel, while keeping up with schoolwork demanded focus and discipline. At first, it was difficult to manage both commitments, and I often felt stretched thin. However, this experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, perseverance, and prioritising tasks effectively. This experience also taught me how important it is to stay dedicated and resilient, and I continue to apply these qualities in my studies as well as in my creative projects.
What are you most excited to get experience with during your internship?
I am really looking forward to discovering how Ramona brings its creative projects to life from the early ideas to the thoughtful, intimate stories that eventually reach readers. What excites me most is the chance to contribute to work that highlights themes I care deeply about, including women’s experiences, emotional well-being, creativity, and the arts. Being able to blend my interest in performance, storytelling, and media into projects that genuinely resonate with people feels incredibly meaningful. I am also grateful for the opportunity to learn from a team that values empathy, authenticity, and inclusive storytelling – qualities that make Ramona such a special space for young creatives.
