NEWS
Good evening everyone,
My name is Hien, and I am one of the very lucky recipients of AVEPA’s scholarship. I am humbled and grateful for the recognition I have received, and I hope that it will be a springboard for me to achieve greater things in the community.
A bit about what I’m currently doing: I am studying the Bachelor of Science – Global Challenges at Monash University. It’s a course that integrates science into leadership, entrepreneurship, politics and diplomacy, in hopes of creating leaders who can tackle today’s global challenges such as climate change, famine, war, and discrimination, through the use of science. It’s very different from other degrees where you can have a specific career in mind. For instance if you can do a law degree, you become a lawyer. Do a dentistry degree, you become a dentist. Do a music degree, you become a musician. With Science – Global Challenges, there is a lack of certainty that I have struggled with, not knowing what career this will lead me to, but AVEPA has given me the confidence and trust that I am doing what is right for me and for the community.
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| Vũ Thanh Hiền |
A couple of years ago, my grandmother came from Saigon to Melbourne for a holiday. It was the second last day of her stay, and since I was getting to that age where I had to start thinking about jobs and careers, we had a talk. And she said to me “You can choose whatever career you want, as long as you are happy. But how about you do medicine?” And I just nodded and laughed to myself.
But of course, this all makes perfect sense. The generations who had to face the Vietnam War, want nothing more than to ensure that their children will never have to face the fear, poverty or desperation that they did. Their diligence and sacrifice, pays for my privilege. The Vietnamese community work hard and stand strong, to build a platform for the younger generation.
AVEPA represents a confidence and belief in our youth to do great things. This is the belief that AVEPA’s founders and donors hold. The same belief that my parents hold when they push me to work hard. It’s a belief that says “You have the ability and the responsibility to do what is best and what is right. And we are there to support you.”
AVEPA’s recognition gives me the confidence to take on new challenges, and develop myself personally and professionally. I hope to become part of a generation of Vietnamese Australian leaders, who will strengthen the bonds between Vietnam and Australia, and give back to the community what our parents gave up for us.
I think what AVEPA is doing is brilliant, and I hope you will all join me in supporting the work they do to further the development of Vietnam and Australia alike.
