[VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH] THANH NGA: FROM F15 STUDENT TO CONFIDENT LEADER

The best version of oneself is the one that never stops striving and putting in effort. And it is truly fulfilling when the journey of self-improvement also becomes a journey of giving and receiving. In July, VietHope proudly honors Thanh Nga for her inspiring journey of growth and empowerment.

Connecting with VietHope

Thanh Nga is a member of F15 in the VietHope family. From the moment she learned about the organization, she was impressed by the enthusiasm, professionalism, and vibrant energy of the seniors. However, it wasn’t until she joined the Retreat in Can Tho that she truly understood VietHope’s mission. The trip was not only an opportunity to meet inspiring alumni but also a moment where Nga felt that this was a place she truly belonged.

From that point, she decided to stay involved and contribute in various roles: from mentee, program coordinator for Mentorship, to leading the final report for VietHope Fellowship Season 3. Currently, Thanh Nga also manages volunteer recruitment for Mentorship Season 4. Despite handling multiple roles, Nga consistently demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and smart problem-solving skills in every task.

A Journey of Personal Growth with VietHope

Once considering herself “hesitant and lacking confidence,” Thanh Nga now proudly says: “I have become more proactive, daring to speak up, try, and take responsibility.” Her experiences as a mentee helped her realize: “Growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, but from daring to ask questions, facing the unknown bravely, and persistently adjusting step by step.”

Joining the Mentorship Program and VietHope Fellowship Program as a volunteer, Nga continued to draw motivation from the collaboration, support, and guidance of fellow VietHope students and alumni. Brainstorming meetings and challenges beyond her current abilities taught her how to receive constructive feedback, develop teamwork, planning, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.

“What’s most valuable is not just having companions, but that the journey itself helps you expand your perspective, change your mindset, and feel genuine connection,” Nga shared.

Stretching Beyond Limits with VietHope

In her role coordinating the Mentorship Program, Nga’s biggest challenge has been balancing long-term goals with immediate operational needs. She explained: “Many tasks repeat from previous seasons, which can make the team forget the core purpose.” Thanks to guidance from Dong – VietHope Program Director, Nga began developing strategic thinking: instead of asking “How?”, she learned to ask “Why are we doing this?” Her persistence in reviewing processes, questioning the core purpose, and leading the team with empathy and listening has been key to her growth as a leader, beyond just an operational role.

Inspiring and Cultivating the Next Generation

Currently, Thanh Nga leads volunteer recruitment for Mentorship Season 4. She hopes to find young people who are proactive, eager to grow, and sincerely want to create community impact. For Nga: “A good volunteer doesn’t need to know everything from the start but must be willing to learn, try, and fully commit to what they choose.”

She also encourages hesitant students considering volunteering: “Keep your eyes on the sky and your feet on the ground – you don’t need to be perfect to start, just brave enough to believe in yourself. By staying consistent and moving toward good, I believe the mentoring journey will bring meaningful experiences.”

A Note of Gratitude from VietHope

Finally, VietHope sincerely thanks Thanh Nga for the value she has brought and continues to bring in every role. We wish her to always maintain her enthusiasm, continue creating beautiful stories in life, and inspire even more young people with her positive energy.