December 5 marks International Volunteer Day. On this day, I think back to a warm July evening when I arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a place deeply tied to my roots as a first-generation immigrant from Vietnam. Since moving to the United States, I have occasionally returned to visit. However, this trip was different; I was returning with a purpose beyond myself.
I learned about the Pacific Links Foundation, a California-based nonprofit focused on anti-human trafficking and youth education, initially through a friend. Earlier this year, I met their founder and president, Diep Vuong, who told me about their Da Nang CampConnect program. She invited me to design and present a workshop at the four-day summer camp, where students engage in learning workshops, team-building activities, debate competitions, and field trips.
I wasn’t sure how my story would resonate, but I was eager to make an impact where I grew up. At the camp, I presented four workshops and judged the final debate contest. I shared lessons on building confidence, authentic communication, and creating opportunities. The students’ energy and willingness to learn was inspiring. One student even told me that my workshop was their favorite out of nearly forty. This experience reminded me of my own journey and how important it is to have guidance and support.
The workshops were inspired by my first year at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as an Innovation Scholar. The program pushed me into uncharted waters, encouraging me to explore important topics, meet with innovative thinkers, and contribute to impactful changes. It taught me that my experience is my greatest strength, offering a multidimensional perspective that supports the Foundation’s goals.
The Innovation Scholar program offers recent graduates and early career professionals a chance to tackle diverse issues and make real impacts. In just a year, I’ve gained more knowledge and skills than I ever expected, and the connections I’ve made will last a lifetime. I never imagined I could make a difference in both my homes, the United States and Vietnam, but this program made it possible, and I cherish that deeply.
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