[VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH] LINH: RETURNING TO VIETHOPE WITH A HEART TO GIVE
Some seeds only need fertile soil and a little sunlight to sprout. For Linh, VietHope has been that fertile ground. This August, VietHope proudly honors Linh – an MDP volunteer whose journey has transformed from being a recipient of support to becoming a guide and enabler of dreams for the next generation.
From Scholarship Recipient to Volunteer
Linh received the Merit scholarship from grade 7 through 12 and continued with the VSDP scholarship throughout her four years of university. At VietHope, she felt that she was not only supported materially but also nurtured with care, opportunities for growth, and belief in herself. “I used to be shy and hesitant to dream big due to many limitations. Thanks to VietHope, I gained not just support but also chances to learn through programs, seniors, and peers. Now, I feel more mature, responsible, and eager to contribute to the community,” Linh shared. This inspiration motivated her to return and volunteer in multiple VietHope programs, including STEM DAY and MDP, taking on new responsibilities.
Following the Heart: STEM DAY Experience
At the STEM DAY event in Hue, Linh took on multiple roles: coordinating with Kidspire, guiding students from three schools, and assisting in event logistics. She explained her motivation: “Students receiving MDP scholarships in Hue have limited access to programs to enhance skills and connect with peers. Many come from disadvantaged backgrounds, lacking technology or means to attend workshops. I always felt I wanted to help them access these opportunities and build confidence.”
Linh often managed tasks during her lunch break or late at night, balancing schoolwork and event responsibilities. Yet, seeing the students confidently present their projects, collaborate in teams, and share proudly made every effort worthwhile. Through STEM DAY, Linh realized that volunteering is also a process of learning: she gained soft skills like communication, teamwork, and active listening, while expanding her perspective and acquiring valuable experience.
Beyond a Single Event
Linh’s contributions extend beyond STEM DAY. She also volunteers for MDP scholarship programs in Hue and Can Gio, and participates in volunteer recruitment for MDP. Balancing study, personal work, and volunteer responsibilities can be challenging, but with effective time management and support from her VietHope teammates, Linh fulfills her roles while continuing to grow personally. These experiences help her strengthen teamwork, communication, empathy, and a multidimensional approach to problem-solving. Linh cites senior volunteers as a key source of inspiration: “Seeing experienced volunteers dedicate themselves tirelessly to VietHope motivates me to take on more responsibility and contribute meaningfully. Most importantly, I hope my involvement brings practical value to the students, helping them gain confidence and opportunities.”
Message to the Next Generation
Regarding the upcoming MDP volunteer recruitment in September, Linh shared: “I hope to find passionate and responsible individuals, ready to bring fresh ideas, a learning mindset, and teamwork spirit to improve our programs. More importantly, I hope everyone sees this as a chance to grow and spread positive impact to students.” For Linh, dedication and responsibility are the essential qualities for anyone who wants to commit long-term to community service. Giving time and effort may not always be easy, but it yields unforgettable lessons and memories.
A Note of Gratitude
VietHope sincerely thanks Linh – a living example of the journey “from receiving to giving.” We wish her continued enthusiasm, health, and joy to keep planting seeds of confidence and hope for generations of students in the VietHope family.
