At the final station of Humans of VietSeeds, commemorating the 10-year journey, VietSeeds had the opportunity to have a coffee talk with Phuong Anh - First Runner-up of Miss Vietnam 2020 and also the Ambassador of Goodwill for VietSeeds.

Phuong Anh is known as a complete beauty queen, a former student of RMIT University, and a promising candidate to represent Vietnam in Miss International. She actively participates in various community projects to help those affected by the Covid pandemic and supports children in difficult circumstances.

Phuong Anh began her journey with VietSeeds by expressing her interest in becoming the Ambassador of Goodwill for the VietSeeds Foundation. In a special interview to celebrate VietSeeds' 10th anniversary, she shared her thoughts on "Resilient Seeds" and VietSeeds' 10-year development journey.

𝐐: When you received the invitation to be the Ambassador of Goodwill for VietSeeds, what were your emotions, and did it take you a long time to decide to accompany VietSeeds?

𝐀: I was very happy when I received this offer because I had already researched the values and contributions of VietSeeds. I really wanted to accompany VietSeeds. I had contacted Ms. Cat Tuong through LinkedIn before because I wanted to participate and contribute to VietSeeds. After receiving the invitation, I agreed immediately without much thought. This is a great opportunity to gain more experiences at VietSeeds and a chance for personal development. I hope that by working together and resonating with each other, we can have a better impact on the community.

𝐐: What impressed you the most about VietSeeds students, and are there any similarities or differences between VietSeeds students and students from other places you have encountered?

𝐀: I had the opportunity to interact with VietSeeds students twice. The first time was during an online sharing session in May, and the second time was when I participated in the selection process for the F11 generation, including resume screening, interviews, and group work. Through these experiences, I found that VietSeeds students share remarkable characteristics of enthusiasm and diligence in extracurricular activities. Despite facing many difficulties, they maintain a resilient spirit and determination not to let circumstances bring them down—an admirable attitude not everyone possesses. Particularly, they have this spirit and attitude from a very young age, which is something commendable and inspiring.

𝐐: What are your thoughts on the concept of "Resilient Seeds"?

𝐀: I think "Resilient Seeds" suits the name VietSeeds very well. From the moment of birth, we are like small seeds, with efforts, perseverance, and assistance from family, friends, and VietSeeds, these seeds can grow into branches or bloom into bright flowers, depending on how we want to develop. This spirit is not easy to achieve in life, but I believe VietSeeds students have the qualities to possess this spirit, and the programs and activities of VietSeeds will contribute to nurturing a positive spirit for students to strive for a better life.

𝐐: Regarding programs and activities, within the VietSeeds operating model, from sponsorship programs, training programs to mentorship, which program are you most impressed with, and in your opinion, what is the best thing that VietSeeds brings to students?

𝐀: I really like the mentorship program and the workshops at VietSeeds. When I was studying at RMIT, I also participated in a mentorship program, but it didn't last long. When I encountered this program at VietSeeds, I found it to be very useful and meaningful. VietSeeds mentors are all very nice and talented. Having a mentor is excellent for students, and they should take advantage of it because it's not something you find everywhere. As a student, there will be times when you are confused, and having a mentor helps you navigate and quickly find direction. Regarding the best thing that VietSeeds brings to students, I think everything is good (laughs). But what I like the most is that VietSeeds is like a big family. When you are at VietSeeds, whether you are a mentor or mentee, you feel like you belong to this family, and you will always receive support and companionship from the VietSeeds family.

𝐐: As an Ambassador of Goodwill, what are your thoughts on VietSeeds' 10-year development journey? And do you want to convey any messages to VietSeeds or VietSeeds students on this 10th-anniversary occasion?

𝐀: I have learned about VietSeeds' early sessions, with four Co-founders and only 11 Seeds. After 10 years, that number has grown, and VietSeeds' scale is now significant, operating across all three regions. It is commendable. I think it is a very rapid development, and with this speed, VietSeeds will expand even more, supporting more students and bringing more values to the community. As for what I want to convey, I am someone who enjoys experiences, so I want to send a message to students about the importance of experience. I think only through many experiences can you truly know who you are, what you want, what you like, and what you don't want. This can be applied even in studying, working, love, or friendships. Therefore, I believe that if I could go back to being my 18-year-old self, I would remind Phuong Anh to go out, experience a lot. There may be uncomfortable experiences, but they will somehow help you in the end.