MY INNER CHILD
Growing up, I carried the quiet curiosity of my inner child—a small voice that dared to ask why, even when tradition told me not to. In a community where stories remained sacred and questions felt forbidden, my inner child longed to see beyond the narrow lens of familiarity, to reach out, explore, and embrace new perspectives. This unrelenting curiosity became my guide as I stepped into academia, business, and leadership.
Over time, I realized that nurturing my inner child was not just about seeking answers for myself; it was about creating spaces for others to ask their own questions, to dream beyond boundaries, and to rediscover the wonder of possibility. My inner child’s courage became my compass, shaping projects that empower others to find their voices and write their stories.
TEDxNewton Grammar School: Rekindling Wonder
In many ways, TEDxNewton Grammar School is a love letter to my inner child. As its Head Organizer, I want to create a platform where questions flourish, where curiosity sparks innovation, and where stories connect a diverse community. Entrusted by my Principal to secure the license, I envision the event as a playground for ideas—one that brings my peers and mentors together in meaningful conversation.
The journey to our event on December 9, 2024, will sure be both exhilarating and challenging. Navigating differences in perspective reminds me of the countless "why"s my younger self whispered into the void. My inner child guided me to persist—to find solutions, build bridges, and stay true to the event’s purpose. I hope that this event inspires others to rekindle the wonder they once held and dare to share their questions and dreams.
Social and Community Fund Vietnam (SCF): Building Hope Through Small Hands
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When I first joined SCF, Vietnam’s largest NGO for social change, I felt like a small hand trying to hold up a giant mission. My inner child, though, refused to shrink back. The tasks may have seemed repetitive—processing over 5,000 sponsor data entries and securing funding—but I approached each one with the wide-eyed determination to make a difference.
The tenacity I developed secured millions in funding, but more importantly, it led to tangible change: building a concrete schoolyard at Yen Thang Primary School, installing solar-powered streetlights, and introducing vocational training programs that gave isolated communities the tools to dream of better futures. My inner child marveled at the joy of creation, the satisfaction of turning vision into reality.
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One of the most profound moments came during the International Social Activist Exchange, connecting universities in Vietnam and Malaysia. Here, I saw the same spark of hope and curiosity I felt as a child mirrored in the eyes of students receiving scholarships to study abroad. It reminded me that my inner child’s small voice—persistent and hopeful—had grown loud enough to impact others.
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Rediscovering the Inner Child’s Gifts
The projects I have undertaken are more than accomplishments; they are journeys back to the core of who I am.
My inner child taught me that true growth comes not from silencing questions but from embracing them. They reminded me to lead with curiosity, to persist with wonder, and to build spaces where others can rediscover their own inner children. I strive to create environments that nurture connection, resilience, and creativity—places where no question feels too big or too small.
After all, it was my inner child who taught me that every question has the power to spark change, and every answer begins with someone daring to ask why.
