Smiles and Sunshine

by Emma Tran

“Let me snooze, please,” I told my mom as she tried to wake me up. I was still sleepy and tired, but I got up, had breakfast, and made it onto the bus by 7:30 in the morning. It was a bumpy 90-minute ride to the school, but I was excited to see what the day would bring.

When we arrived at the school site in Hung Loi, I saw students already there, laughing, talking, and having fun. It reminded me so much of my friends and me back home in Sugar Land. Even though we live on opposite sides of the world, rising sixth graders are really not that different.

We were each given jobs to do once we got there. During our breaks, I handed out little tattoos and bracelets to the students. They were so happy to be part of everything. We gave each other high fives, said hello with big smiles, and shared joyful moments throughout the day. Even though we come from different places, I felt like we were all connected.

But there are big differences too.

In America, I have so many opportunities that I sometimes take for granted. Wherever we went in this commune, we were reminded that this is the poorest area. It made me think deeply about how lucky I am. Earlier this year, I helped fundraise for this school’s library through the H.O.P.E. Project. I was proud to be part of a team that wanted to make a difference.

One of the most inspiring things I saw was when H.O.P.E. gave bicycles to students who live far away but still do really well in school. At home, my family takes me to school every day, and I never really thought about how special that is. These students are thankful for everything, even the small things. I realized how much I have gotten used to having things like a phone or the ability to travel.

With each trip, I learn more. Seeing the lives of students my age in Vietnam helps me understand how lucky I am. I am thankful I get to visit, to help, and to make a difference not just by helping build a beautiful school, but by giving hope and showing these students that someone across the world cares.

What do I love most about this experience? I can see with my own eyes how much the students love the school we built for them.