One of VietSeeds' important annual events is the search for mentors for the new academic year. This year is no exception, but before that, let's have a conversation with the "veteran" mentors who have been accompanying the organization for many years to better understand their role. Our guest today is Ms. Truong Ngoc Dung - Head of Executive Search & Selection at PERSOLKELLY Vietnam - and a long-time mentor at VietSeeds.

Q: Dear Ms. Dung, when did you start accompanying VietSeeds as a mentor, and how did you come to fulfill this role?

A: In 2017, around this time, by chance, I came across a post by MC Minh Trang introducing VietSeeds. I was extremely impressed with its purpose, ideas, the way activities were organized, and how it connected different individuals to provide comprehensive and effective support to students who faced challenges but had great determination.

There was one more small detail that gave me the confidence to participate as a mentor, which was the commitment of at least one hour of mentoring per month (laughs), as my busy work schedule required careful consideration of the actual time I could dedicate to participating.

So, from that point until now, I have entered the 7th year of accompanying VietSeeds as a mentor. During this period, I have had many experiences and emotions that, to be honest, I couldn't fully imagine at the beginning of this journey.

Q: I heard that your first mentee has graduated. How do you feel witnessing the journey of growth of your mentee?

A: I feel a lot of joy and pride when I see my mentee growing in terms of abilities, thinking, and experiences, especially with their milestones or special achievements. The journey of accompanying a mentee doesn't just start when they enter university and end at graduation, but it continues even afterwards. From the very first conversation and listening to my mentee’s story, I saw her as a younger sister, and she also saw me as an older sister to share everything, including difficult or uncertain times.

There were moments when I felt a little worried, but it quickly passed because I always believed that with just a little guidance, instruction, and support, my mentee could handle any situation and make the best choices. It brings me great happiness to see that my trust has always been confirmed.

Q: What has impressed you the most while working with VietSeeds students?

A: It's difficult to pinpoint one specific thing that has impressed me the most because there are so many impressive aspects. Let me share a few things (laughs).

Firstly, a notable common trait among VietSeeds students is their excellence, dynamism, and professionalism. Not only are they academically accomplished, but their work skills and soft skills are also exceptional compared to the general level. In fact, these abilities are not naturally inherent, but in addition to their personal qualities, the students have a proactive attitude and a continuous learning mindset to improve themselves. They demonstrate perseverance and determination in any situation, which is also a standout characteristic of VietSeeds students.

Additionally, I cannot overlook their positive outlook on life and their enthusiasm for supporting and contributing to the community through various projects that they ideate and implement themselves. Overall, through multiple experiences and interactions with many Seeds, I truly have great admiration for them.

Q: What do you think you have "gained" from your journey accompanying VietSeeds?

A: I have gained a lot. Besides the opportunity to connect and "broaden my horizons" regarding the capabilities and attitudes of these energetic and young Seeds, I have also connected with many other mentors within the VietSeeds network. Although we work in different fields and professions, we share common values, creating a synergy that provides me with many learning opportunities.

In addition to the role of a mentor, I have also had the chance to be a trainer for VietSeeds on some occasions. The invaluable gift I have "gained" is the attentive listening, positive interaction, and warm affection from the Seeds. This brings me a lot of positive energy and profound meaning.

Above all, the journey of accompanying VietSeeds has instilled in me a great belief in the positive influence that Seeds have had, are having, and will continue to have. I can clearly sense that each Seed is an "influencer" of the present and the future.

Q: If you could send a message to future Mentors of VietSeeds, what would you say?

A: Before joining VietSeeds, I often wondered what else I could do, in addition to developing myself in my career and personal life, that would be useful, meaningful, and sustainable within my limited resources of time, effort, and finances.

VietSeeds provided me with an answer, and the journey entering its 7th year has shown me how just one hour of conversation, monthly guidance, and genuine care from a Mentor can bring so much value, not only to my mentee, the Seeds, but also to the Mentors themselves. It also spreads immeasurable values to the community and future generations.

I wish all of you to deeply experience and appreciate every aspect of the upcoming Mentor journey on the "nurturing the generations of social innovators" train of VietSeeds 😊

Q: Thank you very much, Ms. Dung. I wish you good health and luck on your upcoming journey!