My Story
Early Roots
I’m a dreamer, deeply rooted in the lush valleys and paddy fields of my childhood in a small town in Vietnam. Surrounded by a large, loving family that extended beyond just my parents to include uncles, aunts, and cousins, I grew up immersed in the rich, communal spirit of Vietnamese culture.
From an early age, my parents, pioneers in their own right, inspired me to dream big. They were the first in their families to attend universities, pursuing careers as an engineer and a teacher. Despite not growing up wealthy, they instilled in me a love for reading, encouraging me to explore worlds beyond our own through books. This early passion for literature opened up a universe of possibilities and adventures, igniting my imagination and ambition.
As a child, I didn’t spend my summers in advanced classes; instead, I was in the library, traveling through the pages of books. By 12, I was entering writing and art competitions, collecting awards that built both my confidence and my path to future opportunities.
Global Education and Perspectives
At 16, I attended the high school for the gifted in my province – not because I believed I was gifted, but because I was insatiably curious, a trait nurtured by my love for reading. By 17, my curiosity and persistence paid off with a full scholarship to Pearson College UWC, part of the UWC global network and movement dedicated to using education as a bridge for peace and a sustainable future, reflecting the ideals of its founder, German educator Kurt Hahn.
Pearson was transformative. I met incredible students from over 100 countries and was inspired daily by the legacy of Lester Bowles Pearson and the spirit of the UWC movement. After graduating, I took a gap year to volunteer in various global slums, including Bangkok’s largest, Klong Toey, where the children taught me profound lessons in love, gratitude, and the sheer joy of living.
I continued my educational journey at Skidmore College on a full scholarship, majoring in Finance with a minor in Fine Arts. The vibrant community and late nights in art studios enriched my university experience. Post-college, I ventured to the UK to pursue a master’s at the University of Southampton and then entered the hedge fund industry in London, where the city’s dynamic arts scene and diverse people greatly influenced me.
Returning Home
After 13 years abroad, I returned to Vietnam, starting anew in Ho Chi Minh City’s sustainability sector. Today, I balance my professional endeavours with volunteering as the UWC Vietnam Selection Chairwoman, and training for triathlons, embracing the discipline and resilience of endurance sports. Each morning is a new opportunity to push my limits and prepare for the next challenge.
I am thrilled about the future and eager for future conversations and collaborations. My journey has been one of constant learning and adaptation, driven by a fundamental belief in the power of education and the transformative impact of perseverance. Join me in this continuous quest for growth and discovery.
