Why It's Called "Stroke of Luck"?
I call this section "Stroke of Luck" because I believe that small moments of fortune can lead to larger opportunities. I've learned how to appreciate these small blessings and seize them to grow personally and expand my network. This mindset has allowed me to pursue my passion for the environment and sustainable development, take part in community projects, and learn from top experts in the field. These 'strokes of luck' have opened many doors, guiding me toward a promising future.
BUYO INTERNSHIP
- entering the field
After deciding to pursue my path as an environmentalist, I began seeking out opportunities and diverse experiences to better understand this field. As I scrolled through my Facebook friends list, I came across an old senior from my high school who had a familiar green profile picture, a symbol of our Biology specialization class. I knew she had studied Environmental Studies at UC Berkeley, so I reached out to her for advice on this career. During our conversation, we realized we shared the same goal: to explore innovative sustainable solutions and engage in hands-on fieldwork. She was eager to help and introduced me to her former mentor, Ms. Hoa Trinh, the Co-Founder of Buyo.
Buyo, founded in 2019, is a startup specializing in creating eco-friendly materials from bagasse and other agricultural by-products. Joining this project was a significant step for me, as I believed in developing human potential and the importance of combining technical knowledge with practical applications. I accompanied Ms. Hoa Trinh to seminars and factory visits with leading corporations in the biodegradable materials sector in Vietnam. One of the most memorable experiences was my first time entering the UN building in Ba Dinh District with my company badge, serving as the secretary of the conference. Sitting there, surrounded by professionals and experts discussing macro-level issues, I felt my perspective expanding. Listening to them exchange ideas and analyze the current state of environmental challenges in Vietnam provided me with real, firsthand insights into how policies and strategies are developed and the complexities involved. It was an eye-opening experience that grounded my academic knowledge in practical reality. I could feel the weight of these discussions shaping my understanding of sustainable development and reinforcing my desire to contribute to meaningful solutions. The conference offered me a rare chance to observe leadership and expertise in action, motivating me to strive for excellence in my future endeavors.
This was the first time I truly saw the reality of the industry and had the chance to exchange ideas with founders of startups and large corporations. It was clear that as a scientist, I needed to put myself in the shoes of these entrepreneurs and constantly think of new improvements to encourage public use of sustainable products. I sat there, taking notes on my phone to research further later. Visiting an actual production factory was another eye-opening experience. The complex process of producing bioplastics was both costly and technically demanding, but it was fascinating to see the machinery in action. I observed how leftover plastic pieces were recycled back into microplastic beads for reuse and noted the strict EU and Japanese standards that required separate sterilization and packaging steps to ensure cleanliness.
These experiences underscored the potential Vietnam has to supply high-quality, innovative products to the market. I learned that improving waste management policies and infrastructure is essential to supporting compostable materials instead of harmful oxo-biodegradable plastics that break down into microplastics.
After returning from my first seminar, I dived into product assessments and worked on enhancing product quality at Buyo. Facing challenges in the local bioplastics market, we aimed to make our products visibly eco-friendly through campaigns and validation competitions. We offered trial products to key domestic and international clients, including big companies like 4Ps, and worked to lower production costs by sourcing local materials such as bagasse and hemp residue. Our products were designed to look simple yet feel distinct, ensuring that customers could immediately recognize the difference. It took us about a year to develop an optimal product model, and I was proud to be part of that process, witnessing eco-friendly packaging reach both domestic and international markets. I am hopeful for the future, envisioning the expansion of these efforts to cover the biomedical field, including medical gauze, bandages, and skincare facemasks.
LIVE&LEARN INTERNSHIP
- learning in context
At Buyo, after months of dedication and conversations with Ms. Hoa Trinh, I shared my desire to work in the field of education, especially with children, to spread the values of environmental conservation to the younger generation. Thanks to her recommendation, I had the opportunity to intern at Live&Learn, an NGO that perfectly aligned with my passion for sustainable education and practical models to raise awareness. This was a turning point that pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me in a new environment where I could contribute and learn from experienced professionals.
My first task at Live&Learn turned out to be much larger in scale than I had imagined. I was responsible for working with schools and city councils in Central Vietnam, including Da Nang, Tam Ky, and Hoi An - places I had previously known only as popular tourist destinations. Now, I had the chance to immerse myself in reality and contribute to developing “green” schemes for the entire city through education. I started by gathering detailed information about the schools and proposing tailored solutions and guidelines, from building waste sorting systems and designing engaging activities for students to creating compost pits, reuse cabinets, and organizing 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) product competitions like creative school supplies and plant pots. I remember spending long hours planning each step, from selecting which types of waste to include in activities to finding ways to make the students excited to participate.
When I began receiving positive feedback from the schools about noticeable improvements and the enthusiastic participation of students, I felt a sense of validation. The students joined the activities with remarkable energy, making all the effort worthwhile.
I also had the chance to attend workshops with leaders from environmental and educational departments in Central Vietnam to create green school initiatives. Initially, I felt anxious knowing I would be joining meetings with high-level leaders. However, my nervousness quickly dissipated when I realized the meetings were not what I expected. Instead of a formal atmosphere, everyone was actively participating and exchanging ideas. The meetings began with ice-breaking activities like “Simon Says” - a game I was familiar with from my club, and even a Gen Z slang guessing game that made the leaders laugh and join in with a relaxed spirit. This created an open atmosphere that helped everyone better understand the mindset and perspectives of the younger generation.
We worked together using colored pens and paper to brainstorm and draw out creative ideas, jotting down solutions and suggestions from group discussions. I felt truly delighted and excited to be part of such an innovative environment where experienced professionals and younger generations collaborated to find new directions. This experience deepened my love for my work and made me appreciate the importance of intergenerational connections to drive change.
Another unforgettable experience was teaching at the Khát Vọng summer camp. Initially, I was a bit nervous taking on this role because the students were only in grades 1 to 6, and I had just three hours to convey the importance of environmental conservation and waste management. I spent an entire week researching and preparing suitable activities, from simplifying questions and using stickers as rewards to selecting relatable images and examples for children living in rural areas. When I arrived and saw the children enthusiastically participating in discussions, watching the documentary Hope (2020) about sea turtles living amidst plastic waste, and playing waste sorting and decomposition guessing games, I realized my efforts had paid off. Despite their young age and rural upbringing, the children displayed an impressive curiosity and eagerness to learn.
It was an immense honor for me, and I felt proud to have contributed a small part in sowing the seeds of environmental awareness in the younger generation. Those moments were not just achievements but also a source of motivation for me to continue on this path, believing that change starts with small steps and persistent effort..
RESEARCH PROJECTS
- a leap of faith
My journey in research has been one of the most profound chapters of my personal and academic growth. The experiments I conducted were more than just a quest for results; they were a journey of self-discovery and an exploration of the intricate world around me. Every time I stepped into the lab, I felt a surge of excitement, forgetting everything else as I immersed myself in pure research. It was here that I learned to confront challenges, face my own limits, and push beyond them. This process not only strengthened my academic capabilities but also helped me grow as an individual, discovering resilience and adaptability within myself. Each experience deepened my understanding of the bond between humans and nature and reinforced my belief that stepping out of my comfort zone was the key to finding sustainable solutions. Experimentation became more than a method; it was a bridge that connected me to larger values and visions.
Ms. Hoa introduced me to the concept of transforming everyday discarded items into environmentally friendly materials, sparking my curiosity to explore unique research topics. One of these was kombucha, a popular fermented drink. I was fascinated by the idea of using the typically discarded SCOBY biofilm to create sustainable, biodegradable materials. Cultivating the SCOBY and observing it form a thin, cloudy membrane was a captivating process, but the real challenge came when I began various experiments. I reached out to the Chemistry Department, who expressed interest in my idea and offered me lab access under the guidance of supportive mentors. While I felt nervous handling sulfuric acid for the first time, the excitement of working with microbiological materials and imagining their potential to reduce plastic waste was unparalleled.
One of my most memorable moments came when I successfully calculated the total carbohydrates in kombucha samples after dozens of failed attempts. The heat released from the mixture of sulfuric acid and phenol at my fingertips was like an ignition, fueling my passion for science. It was a tangible reminder of the thrill of discovery and the perseverance needed in research. I still recall the pride I felt seeing the chemical reactions succeed after so many setbacks.
Through diligent cold emailing, I connected with two professors, Mr. Tran Dang Khanh and Mr. Mai Van Trinh, who were conducting experiments on soil, plants, and plastic degradation. Engaging with them required exchanging numerous ideas, refining my thoughts, and meeting them in person to discuss research topics that aligned with my aspirations. Working in their labs allowed me to assist in studies on microbial symbiosis in plants and the breakdown of plastics in soil. This hands-on research was essential in evaluating environmental threats and exploring bioremediation as a solution.
One of the most inspiring moments was when I collected and ground soil samples, touching the mixture of earth and plastic fragments. The process of isolating bacterial strains and observing them change color during staining experiments and siderophore production gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. It felt as though an inner strength was unlocked, affirming my belief in my goal to become an environmental scientist. These experiences reminded me of the power of research and the determination needed to seek innovative methods that can contribute to the world. The more I learned, the more my desire to make an impact grew, pushing me forward with unwavering confidence.
This is the experiment named 'Degradation Plastics Waste in Soil Environments" at Institute for Agricultural Environment. I got to hold a rusted sickle and wear a conical palm-leaf hat to the field to collect the soil, grind it, and perform further experiments.
This is the experiment that identified new bacterial endophytes in the holy basil, the common plant in Vietnam. I got to isolate 18 different strains and performed challenging experiments to further explore it potential. The first one I have worked at the lab, but the most remarkable one so far.
This is the experiment that I worked
with the SCOBY (that thing found in Kombucha fermentation). Through my internship, I first knew its potential to create cellulose films for biomaterials, and I was inspired to explore this aspect and bring new insights to Vietnam. Afterall, the whole lab had some refreshing Kombucha tea!
UWC FINALIST
- you will see, you will change
I applied to UWC during a hectic period when I was fully committed to my national competition team, juggling study sessions and preparation for the application with little time to spare. The timeline was tight, and I didn’t feel fully prepared. Honestly, I never expected that I would make it past the initial rounds. But, to my surprise, I found myself progressing further and further until I reached the final interview round in Ho Chi Minh City.
The journey to that final round was a milestone in itself. It was my first time boarding a plane and traveling to an unfamiliar city without my parents - just me and a friend by my side. The feeling of being on my own, managing my own responsibilities, and navigating this new experience marked a shift in how I saw myself. I felt a new sense of independence unfolding within me. Arriving at the venue, I found myself among 39 other candidates from all corners of the country. Each conversation we had was like opening a window to a different world. We talked about our backgrounds, shared bits of our daily lives, and exchanged stories that revealed how diverse our experiences were. I remember being amazed to learn that in the South, people never experience the clammy, humid weather that’s so typical in the North. These small moments of connection gave depth to our interactions and showed me just how varied life could be, even within the same country.
Living in the dormitory for those few days was a crash course in cooperation and empathy. We learned to share space, respect each other’s routines, and create a positive environment where everyone felt seen and heard. I discovered that it wasn’t just about making an impression but about building genuine connections. Each shared laugh, every late-night chat, and even moments of quiet reflection brought a new layer of growth. The experience taught me the importance of being adaptable and considerate while remaining true to myself.
Those days in Ho Chi Minh City left a deep impression on me. They were more than just a step in the application process; they were a chapter of growth, filled with newfound confidence and readiness to face the unknown. I walked away not only with memories but with a stronger sense of who I was and a determination to embrace future challenges with open arms.
