At the International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy (ISHCMC – AA), Hạnh Nguyên has always stood out for her resilience and aspiration to create value, leaving a positive mark on the community. This spirit has also contributed to her successful admissions to prestigious U.S. universities, including the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), University of California San Diego (UCSD), Hult International Business School, and the University of San Francisco.
Every day, Hạnh Nguyên spent nearly two hours commuting from Biên Hòa to school, yet she embraced this journey as part of her growth. Recalling her first day at ISHCMC–AA, she shared: ‘On my very first day, I felt like a blank sheet of paper—excited, but also full of worries. The learning environment was completely new, with active, open methods that pushed me to express myself and explore more. I wasn’t used to asking questions, voicing opinions, or leading an activity, so at first, it was a little overwhelming.’
At first, Hạnh Nguyên chose to observe more than to act, but the gentle support of her teachers gradually made a difference. In ISHCMC–AA’s small class settings, the attentive observation and encouragement from teachers helped her slowly open up and dare to try new things. She explored painting, joined the school band and volleyball team, and eagerly took on different roles in community activities. Each experience revealed a new part of herself.
“I used to feel a little lost because I liked so many things but didn’t know what my true passion was,” Nguyên shared. “But the flexible environment at ISHCMC–AA made me realize that I don’t need to force myself into just one path. I can be myself—full of colors.”
With the guidance and empowerment from her school, Hạnh Nguyên gradually grew into a proactive student with a clear sense of direction. She took part in and initiated many meaningful activities—from organizing Global Be Well Day to spread the message of healthy living across the campus, to leading a fundraising campaign for underprivileged students in Trà Bồng. Most remarkably, she even built her very first business right in her hometown: Sân Ga Coffee & Dining in Biên Hòa.
Every initiative came from her passion for the F&B industry and her desire to create genuine value in everything she does. “What makes me happiest isn’t achieving sky-high revenue,” Nguyên shared, “but seeing my café become a familiar place where people in Biên Hòa can easily enjoy delicious food, unique drinks, and quality service—just like the experiences I once cherished. At the same time, it’s also a destination for people to gather, connect, share, and inspire one another to live positively.”
Through these experiences, along with inspiration from her parents’ work stories, Hạnh Nguyên realized that business is an effective way to create value, address social issues, and connect people. This is also why she decided to pursue Entrepreneurship and Business at university—a path that perfectly aligns with the “entrepreneurial mindset” she has nurtured from an early age.
With clear direction, thorough preparation, and unwavering determination, Hạnh Nguyên has earned admission to top universities in the United States. The girl who once felt overwhelmed in an international environment is now ready to leave her own mark on the global stage of higher education. Beyond academic knowledge, she carries with her a vision and purpose—to be a creator who makes a meaningful impact and is remembered for her contributions, rather than simply becoming a successful entrepreneur in the conventional sense.
Every past experience – an imperfect presentation, a challenging community project, or the very first cup of coffee served to a customer – has been a building block in Hạnh Nguyên’s growth. For her, the path ahead may not be fully mapped out, but self-belief, a spirit of continuous learning, and a heart dedicated to community will remain her steadfast compass.
“I always carry with me the values ISHCMC–AA has instilled in me during the most important years of my life: confidence, gratitude, care, and a mindset ready to make a difference. Once a Sun Bear, always a Sun Bear.”
