A Weekend of Reflection at SEO Vietnam
This past weekend, I had the honor of being a guest speaker at SEO Vietnam—a remarkable organization that empowers young people across the country through education, mentorship, and internship placements. As part of the global SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity) network, which includes branches in New York, London, Africa, and China, SEO Vietnam is doing incredible work to develop future leaders with purpose.
I was invited to speak during the closing theme of the two-month fellowship: Giving Back. And it was deeply meaningful—not just because I was sharing, but because I was learning and reflecting too.
About SEO Vietnam and the Global SEO Network
Before I share more about the event and my personal reflections, I want to introduce the organization that brought us all together: SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity).
Founded in 1963 in New York, SEO is a global nonprofit organization committed to creating a more equitable world by providing academic, career, and leadership development opportunities for young people from underserved communities. Over the past 60 years, SEO has grown into an international network with programs in the U.S., the U.K., China, Africa—and here in Vietnam.
SEO Vietnam is a branch of this global community. Each year, they select a cohort of high-potential Vietnamese university students for a two-month fellowship program, where participants receive professional training, mentorship, and access to internship placements across top companies in Vietnam.
But what makes SEO stand out is not just the skill development or career placement—it’s the emphasis on values, purpose, and giving back. The program closes with a powerful theme: how we can contribute to society and pay forward the opportunities we’ve received.
That’s where I came in.
My Journey: From Hatinh to the World
I shared with the students my own journey—from my childhood in a small town in Vietnam, to studying in Canada on a full scholarship at Pearson College UWC, then to the U.S. and later the U.K. for my undergraduate and master’s degrees. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience the world, study at top institutions, and meet people who inspired me along the way.
But these privileges didn’t come easy.
When I first applied for scholarships to study abroad, I faced years of rejection. I applied again and again until I finally got a “yes.” That persistence shaped me. And once I got that chance, I promised myself: I will pay it forward.
Giving Back Is Not Just a One-Time Thing
For many people, “giving back” sounds like something you do once you’re “successful.” But I believe that giving back is something we can start today—regardless of where we are in life.
As I shared with the fellows at SEO Vietnam, my commitment to giving back started during my student days. Whether it was volunteering with education programs in Ghana, organizing student support activities at Pearson, or coaching younger students preparing for scholarships—these moments shaped me just as much as formal education did.
Over the years, I’ve carried that commitment everywhere I go, including through my work with UWC Vietnam and supporting young changemakers, mentoring students, and now building platforms for mindfulness and sustainability.
The Questions Students Asked—and Why They Matter
One of the things I loved most about this event was the openness of the students. They asked questions that many of us once had but never voiced out loud.
1. “How can I give back if I’m still figuring myself out?”
I told them: you don’t need to have it all figured out. Giving back can be simple—sharing your story, volunteering your time, mentoring someone slightly younger than you. It doesn’t have to be money or large-scale action. Start small, stay consistent.
2. “What if I want a different career than what my parents expect?”
This hit close to home for many Vietnamese youth. I shared how important it is to listen to our inner voice. While we must honor our families, we also owe it to ourselves to live truthfully. Career decisions, at the core, are not just about titles—they’re about values, purpose, and alignment with who we truly are.
I spoke about how I balanced societal expectations with personal growth. It’s never black and white, but the key is: make decisions you can stand by—with both heart and mind involved.
3. “How can I give sustainably and not burn out?”
Such a thoughtful question. I emphasized the need for self-awareness and boundaries. If we give without taking care of ourselves, we risk resentment or burnout. That’s why I always remind myself: you can’t pour from an empty cup.
For me, meditation, journaling, and surrounding myself with a supportive community have been game-changers. I encouraged the students to find their grounding practices too.
Why This Moment Mattered So Much to Me
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of daily life—deadlines, projects, and plans. But being at SEO Vietnam grounded me again in why I do what I do.
I’m not just working to build a career. I’m building a life of impact—and that means creating opportunities for others, just as others created them for me.
As I looked around the room at the end of the session, I saw 60+ bright, determined young faces. Some from cities, some from rural provinces. All of them full of potential. And I thought to myself: I’m exactly where I need to be.
My 3 Key Messages to the Students
If I could sum up my sharing into three takeaways, they would be:
1. Live with Intention
Don’t let life just happen to you. Think about your values, your strengths, and what brings you joy. Build a career and life around those.
2. Start Giving Back Now
You don’t have to wait until you’re rich or influential to make a difference. Your voice, your experience, your time—it all counts.
3. Trust Your Path
You might not have all the answers now, and that’s okay. Keep walking, keep asking questions, and trust that each step is part of your unfolding story.
A Note to the SEO Vietnam Team
To the team who organized this incredible program: thank you for creating a space where young people feel seen, heard, and supported. Your work is planting seeds that will bloom in many ways—across industries, communities, and generations.
What’s Next?
For me, this experience affirmed my commitment to keep showing up—to keep mentoring, sharing, and supporting. As someone who benefited from scholarships and global opportunities, it’s not just a choice to give back—it’s a responsibility.
I’m continuing to work on projects that empower young people, from my Sunny Valley platform to new speaking engagements and mentorship programs. If you’re reading this and want to start giving back too, just know this:
Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.
And if you ever need someone to talk to about this journey, my inbox is open. Let’s build a kinder, wiser, and more generous world—together.