Palmetto Middle School student Trina Nguyen recently cut her beautiful waist- length hair and donated it to Locks of Love, the non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the U.S. and Canada.
Only 11 years old, this is the second time in her young life that Nguyen, the daughter of Tina Tran and Truyen Nguyen, has donated her hair to Locks of Love. When she was seven, the hair she donated then measured 11 inches. This time around, her hair was cut to shoulder length and her pony tail measured 15 inches.
“I’m going to grow it and do this again in a few years when my hair is long enough,” said Nguyen. “I’ll keep doing it over and over. I like to help people and give to those who are less fortunate.”
Nguyen says her classmates like her new shoulder-length hairstyle and think her donation was very generous. A few years ago, Nguyen was actively involved in her school’s effort to raise money through walk-a-thons and fundraisers for a fellow student who was battling cancer.
“I try to help and give whatever I can,” said Nguyen.
Although she excels in math and is a member of the Math Club at Palmetto Middle, her favorite subjects are her music classes. She sings in the school chorus and began playing the violin in the orchestra this year. She will perform in two school holiday recitals in December and is excitedly preparing for them.
The sixth grader, who loves to read and listen to country music, often helps out in her mother’s nail salon, Perfect Nails Salon and Spa, in the Pinecrest Town Center on South Dixie Highway, and has done so since the shop opened five years ago.
“I clean up, fold towels and keep people company,” said Nguyen, who is also a big help at home, according to her mother.
Gail Munilla is just one of the Perfect Nails Salon and Spa customers who enjoy Trina’s company.
“She’s such a special girl,” said Munilla. “I know that I am just one of many who love this little girl. We have all watched her grow up.”
