During her high school years, My Hanh was a shy and insecure girl, always hesitant to participate in group activities. Although she loved volunteering and clubs, an invisible fear held her back, making her life seem to revolve only around studying and going home. Upon entering university, Hanh decided to cast aside those fears and joined the Student Social Work Team. Over nearly four years, she realized that participating in extracurricular activities not only helped develop life skills but also created opportunities to connect with the community. The saying, "The meaning of life lies in daring to act," became a great source of motivation for Hanh, affirming that action is the bridge between dreams and reality, helping her and her team spread positive values to society.
As a young woman always eager to contribute to the community, Hanh actively participates in and develops many meaningful volunteer programs. In Hanoi, she has been involved in notable projects such as: the "Brilliant Stars" program at the Quynh Hoa Charitable Vocational Training Center, volunteering at the Dien Hong Nursing Home, and being a member of the organizing committee for the "Safe Childhood" program at Nam Trung Yen Secondary School.
Besides that, Hanh also volunteered to go to disadvantaged areas to help local people. Notable trips include: Bac Kan with the 2022 Winter Warmth Campaign - "Warm Winter, Springtime, Giving You the Flame of Love," Son La in the 2024 Summer Volunteer Campaign - "Morning Sunshine," and Thanh Hoa with the 2023 Winter Warmth - 2024 Spring Volunteer Campaign "Igniting Love." In addition, Hanh participated in many other meaningful volunteer trips, spreading the spirit of sharing and love to remote areas.
Bringing a passion for social activism to the journey of conquering new lands.Hạnh modestly shared that, compared to many other young people, she still lacks many experiences, but for her, volunteer trips have opened up a whole new world. The majestic beauty of her homeland's nature always leaves a deep impression on her, captured in stunning photographs of the vast mountains and forests. When she sets foot in remote areas where ethnic minorities live, Hạnh not only participates in the daily activities of the local people but also discovers many unique customs and festivals.
Hanh on a volunteer trip with the Student Social Work Club.
Memories like the bitter bamboo shoot soup her teacher prepared at the Pù Lùng school or the campfire dances with the "Unity" dance helped Hạnh better understand the community spirit, hospitality, and respect for traditional culture of the local people. These experiences not only broadened her understanding of local culture but also motivated her to continue her volunteer work and contribute to the community.
Driven by a desire to help those in need and bring joy to children, this enthusiastic young woman in her twenties found true meaning in life through these meaningful actions. The student shared that she was inspired by the image of the female engineer in the short story "Silent Sa Pa" by writer Nguyen Thanh Long: “She was a young woman who vowed that after graduation she could go anywhere, do any job, receive any salary and any kind of hospitality, and still feel at ease.”
Hạnh's trip to Bắc Kạn during the "Warm Winter, Joyful Spring" was an unforgettable experience.
During her travels across various regions, My Hanh was particularly impressed with the 2024 Summer Volunteer Campaign - Morning Sunlight, which aimed to raise 100 million VND to build classrooms for the "Strength 2000" Project. She is very grateful to the team leader for daring to lead the financially self-reliant student team through this challenge. Throughout the implementation process, the team carried out many small fundraising programs, creating valuable memories and lessons. Hanh also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Hoang Hoa Trung, the leader of Strength 2000, who shared much useful knowledge. Although unable to attend the project acceptance day, Hanh represented the team at the groundbreaking ceremony at Khua Ho school in Son La. This short trip gave her a deep understanding of education in mountainous areas and the community's efforts in supporting those in need.
Leveraging her Social Work major, My Hanh is always committed to participating in and supporting social activities to enhance her personal and community capabilities. She chooses practical, transparent programs that offer long-term benefits and help her develop new skills. Participating in social activities has helped Hanh improve many important skills such as communication, time management, leadership, and teamwork. These skills are not only useful in volunteer work but also in daily life and studies. Time management skills help her organize her work efficiently, while communication and leadership skills help her adapt and work effectively in group projects. It is this mindset of continuous learning and seizing opportunities that earned Hanh the trust to become the Head of the Student Social Work Club. Not only does she act as a passionate leader, building meaningful programs for the community, but this female student also connects many young people with shared passions by organizing "Warm Winter" programs at schools in mountainous areas,...
Hanh (third from the right) proudly receives a certificate of outstanding achievement along with her colleagues.
In her journey of pursuing her passion for extracurricular activities and volunteering, Hạnh also faced many difficulties in balancing her studies and practical experience. Hạnh shared: "This has always been a tough problem for me, but I try to adapt and ensure the quality of my work." Despite facing challenges, from overcoming language barriers to adapting to harsh living conditions, the young woman remained steadfast on her journey. Each step, each discovery, left a mark on her heart, helping Hạnh mature and affirm herself through meaningful trips.
"Youth is a wonderful time to explore yourself and the world" - My Hanh wants to tell young people not to let fear or anxiety hold them back. Be brave enough to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Only by daring to act can we truly mature and contribute more to the community.
