Chapter 1
Hi! Welcome to my corner of the world
My story began in the quiet city of Hai Phong, where I was born to a Vietnamese mother and a Taiwanese father. As the only child of two devoted parents - a businessman and a teacher - I grew up in the countryside, surrounded by the calm rhythm of rural life. They taught me the values of hard work, humility, and the pursuit of knowledge, lessons that became the moral compass of my upbringing. Yet, despite their love and the warmth of my community, I often felt a quiet distance within myself. I was too Taiwanese to be fully Vietnamese, too Vietnamese to be fully Taiwanese. Living between two cultures, I learned to navigate the in-between - to observe, listen, and reflect on what it means to belong.
And then, I found stories
Within the pages of books and the frames of films, I saw who "I" was. The inner worlds of people so unlike me were compelling, and yet, somehow, they were also mine. I saw myself in their struggles, their triumphs, their quiet moments of doubt. Through stories, I began to understand that the distance I felt wasn't isolation-it was perspective.
It was through the lens of stories that I first began to understand the extraordinary complexity of human experience. I learned that empathy isn't just a feeling-it's a way to see reality itself better. These weren't just entertainment; they were a bridge connecting back to the world, looking in on the human condition without ever truly connecting.
My Mission
From that moment of revelation, I began to realize and appreciate the extraordinary power of storytelling. It is the most compelling way to spread ideas, to plant seeds of change, and to inspire action. Stories are not just entertainment; they are bridges that connect us to one another.
This inner journey has led me to a single dream, a purpose clearer than all others.
To create stories
Stories to Come
Long before I learned to weave stories with written words, I learned to tell them with my voice. Debate is more than just a skill: it is a part of who I am, a journey that began early in my life and has shaped the aspirations I hold today.
THE FIRST WORDS
I don't recall when I first learned to debate-perhaps because it was always there. At first, it was family dinner every night, each open for discussion, my exploring society turned into "Why?" Debate became my lens to question and understand the world.
What struck me most was that debate wasn't just about winning arguments. It was about understanding perspectives, about finding truth through the collision of ideas. As I grew, so did my skills in debate. I learned to craft arguments, to anticipate counterpoints, and to speak with confidence. But more importantly, I learned to listen-to truly hear what others were saying and to find common ground even in disagreement. Debate requires empathy, strategy, and maturity.
THE RETURN AND THE CONQUEST
Instead of teaching me, that setback became fuel. By tenth grade, I committed myself to debate with renewed focus. I studied the techniques of the best debaters, analyzed countless rounds, and practiced relentlessly. I wasn't just preparing; I was transforming.
What mattered most was the friend we built. We didn't simply debate side by side; we learned to think as one. Their clarity planted seeds through encouraging me to question my assumptions, to see the world through different lenses. In those heated halls, I felt a profound sense of transformation. The girl I used to be-uncertain and lost-had given way to someone who could stand her ground and speak her truth.
THE DREAM IN THE HALLS OF YALE
Yale itself left a mark deeper than the tournament. Between sessions, I wandered the campus, observing the spirited, purposeful students. In those halls, I saw not just academic excellence but a culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration.
It was a place where ideas were not just discussed but lived, where every student seemed encouraged to ask "What if?" I realized then that I wanted to be part of such a community. I was determined to follow. In those halls of freedom, light, and opportunity-with the perfect balance of tradition and innovation-I saw a place where I could no longer be an outsider. I struggled to myself: I became a believer.
That day, as I left the campus, I made a promise to myself. I would work harder than I ever had. I would seize every opportunity, learn from every setback, and grow into the person Yale-or any institution like it-would be proud to welcome. The dream wasn't just about getting in; it was about becoming someone worthy of the path ahead.
