Stories

If you’re looking for an inspiring story of someone making a difference, and impacting their community, let us tell you about Hai Yen, our alumna class of 2021

After receiving scholarships and exploring multicultural environments at BUV, Hai Yen returned to her hometown – Quang Binh – to open an English center for local children.

Hai Yen’s story is truly inspirational, brimming with a remarkable spirit of community service.

Sharing about the uni-time, Hai Yen said:

“My journey at BUV (British University Vietnam) was a truly transformative experience. Receiving a full scholarship to study there was an incredible privilege that opened new horizons for me in terms of international education.

Studying at BUV provided me with not only a high-quality education but also a multicultural environment where I could interact with students from various backgrounds. This exposure broadened my perspectives and helped me develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

The faculty at BUV were highly knowledgeable and supportive, always encouraging critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. The curriculum was rigorous yet engaging, allowing me to delve deep into my chosen field of study while the internship periods helped me also gain practical skills that would be valuable in the real world.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my time at BUV was the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities and community service projects. These experiences helped me grow personally and professionally, teaching me important lessons about leadership, teamwork, and social responsibility.

Overall, my journey at BUV equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue my goals and aspirations, both academically and beyond.”

Coming back to Quang Binh and founded her own centre, Hai Yen shared her own story behind the decision:

“The motivation behind founding Grit Education in my hometown stemmed from a deep-seated desire to contribute positively to the development of education in my community. Founding Grit Education was driven by a combination of:

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗩𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀: Education has always been a cornerstone of my life, shaping my personal growth and opening doors to opportunities. I believe in the transformative power of education and want to share that with others in my hometown.

𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆: Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and shortcomings within the local education system. Instead of simply lamenting these issues, I felt a sense of responsibility to take action and make a difference.

𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: Founding Grit Education provided an avenue for me to have a tangible impact on the lives of young people in my community. I wanted to create a learning environment that not only equipped students with academic knowledge but also nurtured essential life skills and values.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our center has had on students and the broader community, and I am committed to continuing our mission of educational excellence and empowerment.

Establishing Grit Education was a journey of challenges. Sharing about the most challenging time, she said:

“After launching Grit Education, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to shut down just as we were gaining momentum. Despite the setback, we swiftly transitioned to online teaching, ensuring continuity for our students. With determination and resilience, we navigated through the challenges, and when restrictions eased, we came back stronger, reopening with enhanced safety measures and a renewed commitment to providing exceptional education.”

Looking back at the journey with Grit Education, Hai Yen grew a lot and achieved her milestones in both her personal and professional journey.

“What made me most proud and fulfilled while running Grit Education was witnessing the transformative impact we had on our students. Seeing their progress, both academically and personally, filled me with immense pride and joy.

The most meaningful moments were when students experienced life-changing lessons and breakthroughs in their learning journeys. Whether it was overcoming academic challenges, gaining newfound confidence, or discovering their passions and potential, witnessing these transformations was incredibly gratifying.”