Nguyen To Quyen is the first LVC Scholar to obtain Master Degree abroad. After graduating from the English Faculty (Da Nang University), Quyen enrolled in a Master’s Program for Public Administration at University of Science (Malaysia) to gain confidence and knowledge in community organization management.

With clear goals, learning aptitude and enthusiasm to contribute to the community, Quyen has successfully persuaded the Selection Committee of LVC Fund. They were impressed by her polite attitude, commitment and gratitude to her supporters. These were also qualities which LCV Fund expects in a candidate.

After graduating with remarkable academic record, Quyen’s petite appearance belied her courage in taking on a job full of challenges, that of developing sustainable solutions based on the Vetiver Grass System. Quyen has developed the Vetiver Development Fund in Danang, a branch of Vetiver Vietnam, which is a non-profit organization seeking to support sustainable agricultural products and minimizing the negative effects of pollution and natural calamities.

• – Hi Quyen, you look so ravishing and energetic. Can you share your first impressions when staying in Malaysia? I had been to several Southeast Asian countries before studying abroad, thus when I came to Malaysia, I found no difficulty while integrating with the new environment. In fact, Malaysia is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. Malaysia is a country with many races. During the study, I met some friends whose nationalities, such as Guatemalan or Comoros, sounded quite unfamiliar to me. I was also surprised to know that there are more than 200 ethnic minorities and over 500 languages in Nigeria. Miraculously, people of various nationalities in a bus there make it like a microcosm of the world’s cultural diversity. A global mindset is not a far-fetched concept, but evident in simple things such as steering clear of derogative comments on the food of the host countries and showing utmost respect for other cultures. That is to say, having such open-minded thought helps me adapt quickly to the new lifestyle there and share fantastic experience of university life with my native friends.

– It is great to learn of your wonderful experience in the new land. And, did you meet any difficulties in your schoolwork?

Honestly speaking, my study was fairly stressful because the field of study I pursued in Malaysia was radically different from my previous major. I had to take extra study about Public Administration in order to get the general drift of the four-year undergraduate program and try to catch up with the Master’s curriculum at the same time. Moreover, it was necessary for me to fill the gap of my knowledge on Malaysian politics and economy, all packed into a year, so I must work much harder than others. There were times I suffered from fatigue. However, I motivated myself to continue to study hard with a belief that all of my efforts would pay off.

I am very appreciative of LVC Fund for its financial support for my overseas education. I accidentally knew LVC Scholarship by my friend. Though hesitant at first, I eventually decided to apply. I prepared my application thoroughly even before knowing LVC Fund because I never knew when opportunities came, so it was better to be ready anytime.

If I had combined study and work, my results would have been affected and I might have given up. . Without the Fund’s help, I would not have been able to focus on my study. The encouragement as well as the regular care from the Fund is a powerful motivating force for me to complete this Master’s program.

– What are you most proud of in the last school year?

One year is enough for me to experience some changes. After returning home, I find myself more open-minded and it is easier for me to accept differences. In the past, I sometimes let my mood influence my work but currently I often set a tight schedule and complete any task with high responsibility. I pay more attention to the process and solutions to problem rather than targets. Instead of putting myself under unnecessary pressures by setting goals like “Have high distinction” or “Lead the organization successfully”, I spend time designing schedule and specifying assignments. Therefore, I achieve more while enjoying the tasks.

Not only do I take satisfaction from my own improvement, I also recognize a turnaround in my country. The young generation of farmers is willing to come up with bright ideas, embrace advanced technology and show acute awareness of the need to protect the environment. This is one of the pillars of sustainable agricultural development.

– I guess that you have acquired a great deal of useful knowledge through the Master Course. What is the next step in your plan?

Right now I wish to apply my knowledge to develop Vetiver Fund. I am deploying a communal raising fund platform for Vetiver. It connects sponsors with individuals, organizations and small projects needing support. This platform also makes the foundation more sustainable.

Besides, I hope to contribute to LVC Fund as a Mentor. I always appreciate all the support I have received during my education path so I want to play my part in helping other youngsters who are struggling with early life difficulties. It is also LVC Fund’s “Pay it forward” spirit that I always keep in my mind”.

– This is considered a long-term project, so what motivated you to pursue such a passion?

Family is my biggest source of motivation. My mom and grandma usually took part in charity organizations when I was a child, and they taught me that happiness could only be attained when it was dedicatedly shared.

Therefore, I managed my finances using the 3S approach (Spending – Savings – Sharing). I gradually realize that sharing materials is not the only way; thoughts and methods exchanges are also of equal importance. For that reason, I really love and enjoy my work at Vetiver Development Fund.

– Would you like to send some messengers to other students in the occasion of new year 2019?

As one of my favorite quotes goes, pulling out all the stops to please others will lead to a vicious cycle that drains us, so it is better to focus on doing what is meaningful, adding value to you and others. Do our jobs with dedication and integrity, and opportunity will arise when we least expect it.

Thanks To Quyen. Hope that you can inspire others to embrace the sharing spirit and achieve even more success in your onward journey.

Content, images: Luong Van Can Fund

Graphics: Tan Phu