Meet Michelle Tran | Graduate Student & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Tran and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance has changed drastically over the years. I’m a first-generation Vietnamese-American and my mother immigrated into the states from Vietnam when she was a child. Growing up, I never saw her because she was always working. I grew up thinking that was what life was, working to live, living to work.

I emulated my mother by working several jobs from high school to post-grad. Though I was exhausted, I felt such a desire to keep learning and to take every opportunity that came up. It wasn’t until working full-time as a research assistant during the pandemic that I realized that there was more to life than just my job. I found myself with extra time to self reflect, indulge in self-care, and reconnect with old friends.

Now as a graduate student at Baylor College of Medicine and content creator, I put just as much importance in my school work and medicine in living a life outside of the classroom and just try to enjoy myself when I can. I’ve learned that it is so important to prioritize myself to avoid burnout.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am currently a full-time graduate student at Baylor College of Medicine, studying biomedical sciences and health equity. Aside from my graduate studies, I am a content creator/influencer and aspiring entrepreneur. I conceptualize, develop, edit and create content that engages consumers through written and visual storytelling. My main platforms are Instagram and Tiktok, where I post lifestyle content such as makeup, skincare, fashion, fitness, and my life in grad school. My platforms are also widely known as a local resource for things to do, see, eat, and drink in Dallas and Houston. As an Asian American woman in the creative space, I use my content to showcase my life and perspective through a unique cultural lens.

What sets me apart from others is that I am authentically and unapologetically myself while also providing value to my audience as a creator. I value my work and partner with brands that I believe in and love.

Creating content certainly isn’t easy and I wasn’t the best right away, but because it drove my curiosity and slowly became my passion, I didn’t (and haven’t) stop. I still have a lot to learn, but one of my biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is to be patient and consistent. Not many people will understand your craft, but what has helped me was surrounding myself with kind, supportive friends that inspire me constantly.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Glad you asked – I get this question from my friends ALL THE TIME. I have an entire playlist on my Tiktok and IG page dedicated to Dallas things to do, places to go, restaurants to try. Check it out at @xmichelletran and @munchinwithmichelle, respectively.

Here’s a little 2 day itinerary:
Lunch at Wabi House for their $9 ramen specials, explore lower Greenville for a bit, then dinner at Partenope Ristorante for their amazing pasta and pizza. We would end the night at one of my favorite spots, Electric Shuffle (their espresso martini is a must get!) or a nightcap at Happiest Hour.
Coffee the next morning at Union coffee and have a little hot girl walk at the Katy Trail, before getting apps and margs at The Katy Trail Ice House (a must visit). Spend the day at the DMA or the Perot Museum before getting dinner and drinks at La Neta. Nightcap at The Statler if we’re feeling adventurous.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My mother & my boyfriend –

My mother is so supportive in everything I decide to do and it just shows how much she believes in my drive, my ability to create, and the faith she knows I have to see things start to finish. She never forgets to remind me how proud she is of me and it’s those words I hold onto daily! I’m extremely grateful to not only be her daughter, but also have a built-in best friend.

My amazing supportive boyfriend, Bryan, also plays a huge role in my life! He has been my biggest cheerleader, especially in my darkest days, believing in me in times when I don’t even believe in myself. He expresses all the time that I am never alone in hardships or celebrations.

I’m really lucky for my entire support system!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xmichelletran/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xmichelletran/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@xmichelletran

Image Credits
Joseph Bui