Jennifer Lyons's Story
Category:
Study abroad student
Country:
Vietnam
The trip offered me the opportunity to fully immerse myself in a culture vastly different from my own. It pushed me outside my comfort zone, encouraged me to try new things, and introduced me to some truly incredible people. I could not have anticipated the sheer number of new experiences packed into just two weeks.
After spending the first night in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, we took a bus down to Trà Vinh University, where we met the students we would be working with. In small teams, we worked together on project ideas focused on advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. As we sat side by side brainstorming in class, it became clear that despite living on opposite sides of the world, we all shared the same hopes and ambitions for a better, more sustainable future.
Whenever anyone asks me what the best part of my trip was, I tell them it was the people I met. The TVU students were the most welcoming, friendly, and compassionate individuals. It meant so much to see how proud and excited they were to introduce us to their culture and history. From introducing us to their favorite foods to taking us to karaoke, they went out of their way to make us feel at home.
This experience has inspired me to continue learning, growing, and working together with others to create meaningful change. Actual change happens when we listen and learn from one another. I encourage everyone to embrace opportunities for connection and collaboration across cultures to help build a better future together.