UTA Libraries Staff Spotlight: Yuliana Nguyen

Joining the staff at UTA Libraries for Yuliana Nguyen was like opening a window into a recent memory. The UTA alum now serves as the K-12 Experiential Learning librarian at the university. 

Yuliana shared that it has been a joy returning to campus to give back to the place that gave her the tools to be successful professionally. 

“It feels like yesterday when I was on the second-floor printing articles that I needed to read for class or walking on campus with my backpack,” Yuliana said. “Being back has brought up all of those memories that I had forgotten about in a sense as you go on in adulthood and your career.” 

As the K-12 librarian, Yuliana works to connect students of all ages with the university. One of the ways is through field trips with local schools. Her goal is to show these students that college is a possible, attainable dream that anyone can achieve. 

“I never got to go on field trips to college campuses when I was in school. So, I really want these students to envision themselves here,” Yuliana said. “I want them to come to UTA to see themselves here, plan for the future, and think that this is possible and something they could do.” 

Yuliana shared that UTA has taken steps to make the dream of a college education possible with such programs as the Blaze Forward Program. 

Using a combination of grants and other gift aid, the Blaze Forward Program provides students meeting all eligibility requirements with funding that covers 100% of tuition and course fees. Through these field trips, Yuliana highlights these resources to students. 

Growing up, the library played an essential role in Yuliana’s life, long before working at the Arlington Public Library and later at UTA Libraries. 

 

“As a kid, I used to stop by the public library as I was coming from my elementary school to my house. My mom would tell me to go home. But the library had books, and I was always an avid reader,” she said. “We could not really afford books, so I went to the library because I knew they were free, as long as I would return them. That kind of started my journey with libraries.” 

At 19 years old, she started working for the Arlington Public Library and found that it was more than just a place for books. It helped people in different stages of their lives, from children to adults. Working in the library deepened her interest in helping people, leading Yuliana to obtain a Master of Library Science Degree from the University of North Texas in 2020. 

Outside work, Yuliana explores the great outdoors through camping trips with her husband, Mike Nguyen and friends. She feels that camping provides a great way to escape from the stress of everyday life, taking things back to the basics. 

“Camping is fun, especially when you’re around the campfire and hanging out with people you care about,” Yuliana said. “We live in the city, go to work, drive, and go to the store to buy groceries. Camping takes you away from all of that. Most of the time, you don’t get cell reception. It forces you to be present and talk to the people there with you, which is great.” 

We are happy to see a fellow Maverick has returned to the university to use her talents at UTA Libraries. Yuliana, we look forward to the great things you will accomplish here as you share your story with future Mavericks visiting the library.