[Humans of VietHope] Dang Thi Tuyet Nhung: Nurturing Dreams for Nearly Two Decades

Some journeys begin with a tiny chance encounter. For Nhung, it started nearly two decades ago with a recommendation from a friend. What began as an opportunity to support the selection process for the Merit Development Program (MDP) Scholarship soon became an 18-year journey of service alongside VietHope.

This August, VietHope would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Nhung, who has been one of our longest-serving volunteers in Hue since 2008. Through her unwavering dedication and positive attitude, she has supported generations of students in pursuing their dreams.

A Journey Rooted in Belief

In 2008, a friend introduced Nhung to VietHope through the MDP Scholarship. As a volunteer participating in scholarship assessments, she visited students’ homes and heard their stories first-hand. These experiences made her realise that each scholarship offered much more than just financial assistance; it provided hope and confidence, empowering young people to continue dreaming and moving forward with determination.

Her decision to stay with VietHope was also inspired by the people behind this wonderful organisation. They are Vietnamese people living and working in the United States who share a common aspiration: to support and empower future generations. For Ms Nhung, her belief in the transformative power of education and in a community committed to “paying it forward” formed the basis of a journey that has now lasted almost twenty years.

Giving in Countless Ways

Throughout her time at VietHope, Nhung has taken on various roles: from Summit Facilitator and inspirational Speaker at Career Talk sessions, to interviewer during scholarship seasons.

Despite being involved in so many meaningful milestones, she humbly reflects, “I have always felt that my contributions are quite small.”

However, what makes Nhung truly remarkable to VietHope is not just the many roles she has held, but also her sense of responsibility, enthusiasm and deep affection for every program and every generation of students in Hue.

Giving and Receiving

Despite her busy daily life and her role as Regional Director for Central Vietnam at Manulife Vietnam, Nhung always makes time for VietHope whenever she can. When asked to describe her journey with VietHope in three words, she chooses: “Trust”, “Inspiration”, and “Better”.

“Trust”, because everything begins with belief. Believing that a scholarship can alter the trajectory of a person’s life. Believing in strangers who, despite being in different places, share the same wish: to give Vietnam’s younger generation the opportunity to move forward.

“Inspiration”, as she explains: “I thought I came to VietHope to give, but in truth, I received so much in return. The stories of overcoming adversity, the gratitude in their eyes, and the personal stories shared by the students have all become my inspiration to live more responsibly and work with greater purpose every day. VietHope doesn’t just award scholarships; it imparts motivation and sparks the drive to rise above.”

“Better” is what Nhung has observed year after year in the students receiving the scholarships. The quantity and quality of the scholarships improve year on year. And she has become better too, as she has learned perseverance, compassion and a spirit of community service. “This journey doesn’t just help the students build a better future; it helps every volunteer become a better version of themselves”, she reflects.

For her, the years spent with VietHope have never been a waste of time; quite the contrary, they have enriched her spiritual life immensely. There, she gets to do what she loves and love what she does, making life joyful, meaningful and vibrant.

Words of Love

Nhung hopes that the VietHope students will always remember that, on their journey to adulthood, there will always be people ready to stand by their side. Beyond scholarships and skills development programmes, VietHope is a place where everyone learns the spirit of sharing and giving. Once you are standing strong on your own two feet, she hopes that you will return to support the community, just as generations of VietHopers continue to do.

Reflecting on her own journey, Nhung offers heartfelt words of gratitude to the countless volunteers who have chosen VietHope as their destination: “Being part of an organisation like VietHope is a fantastic opportunity for personal growth. Cherish this transparent, professional and inspiring environment in which to learn, contribute and become the best version of yourself.”

Thank you, Dang Thi Tuyet Nhung, for nearly two decades of dedication to VietHope. It is volunteers like you who help to preserve and spread the values that VietHope pursues: opening up educational opportunities, nurturing dreams and inspiring every young person to continue passing on the spirit of community service.