Natasa To Biography

I was born in Saigon, South Vietnam. As a teenager, I developed a deep fascination with both literature and biochemistry. This dual passion required great discipline and a willingness to explore various forms of art to pursue my life's dream. Much of what I learned through self-study has deeply influenced my writing.

From a young age, I was inspired by famous Vietnamese poets such as H? Xuân Huong, Nguy?n Du, Xuân Di?u, Huy C?n, and T? H?u. I often sang their poems aloud when I was little. I also read many of my older sister's philosophy books by the age of ten, which shaped my early thinking. In high school, I majored in Biochemistry while continuing to cultivate my love for literature and poetry.

In 1980, I fled Vietnam to escape communism, spending two years at Kuku Island in Indonesia before settling in Washington, D.C. There, I attended a bilingual high school and graduated with a GPA of 3.90. I was awarded a scholarship to study pharmacology but chose not to finish my education in Washington, D.C. Instead, I moved to Maryland and began studying at the University of Maryland.

Despite financial hardship and receiving no financial support, I persevered. Coming from a poor country, I understood the value of giving and have donated to the homeless, the hungry, the disabled, the American Red Cross, veterans, and animal organizations—both in the U.S. and in Vietnam.

I later studied Chemical Engineering at Prince George's Community College and graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park. Eventually, I became a software engineer and earned a scholarship from Rockwell University to study Web Development.

Though I never attended a formal literary school, poetry has remained my greatest passion. I have been honored with several Editor's Choice Awards in 2002,2003, and 2004, as well as recognitions from The International Who's Who in Poetry from 2004 to 2007. These include the "Who's Who in Poetry" Limited Edition Pin and inclusion in The Best Poems and Poets of the Year.

To me, poetry is the food of my soul. I write romantic, erotic, and free verse poetry, including Haiku and other forms that allow me to express myself freely and emotionally. My writing is driven by imagination, personal experiences, and deep emotional energy. Each poem reflects aspects of my love life, passions, and inner world, offering readers different paths to explore and connect with.

Over the years, poetry has been my sanctuary, especially during difficult times—whether recovering from illness, caring for family in hospitals, or dealing with personal loss. It has always been my greatest form of stress relief and a valuable way to invest my time and creativity.

I do not need a handsome lover or wine to enjoy writing. I write because I love it. I write because it brings me peace. I write because it is who I am.