From Passion to Purpose: Van Anh’s Journey at ISHCMC
For Van Anh of Class 12.3, ISHCMC has been more than just a school – it’s been a place of growth, reflection, and purpose. Joining in Grade 6, Van Anh has spent the past seven years shaping her identity as a resilient learner and compassionate changemaker.
Central to her journey is Libraries of Joy, a student-led initiative she founded to nurture a love of reading in under-resourced schools across Vietnam. What began as a CAS project with a library renovation in Dak Lak expanded to a long-term partnership with a primary school in Vung Tau. “Returning after completing the project and receiving a thank-you letter reminded me why I started,” Van Anh shared. “It showed me how service can connect people beyond borders.”
Describing her time at ISHCMC as resilient, reflective, and transformative, Van Anh credits the school community for helping her become both a thoughtful learner and engaged global citizen. From MYP INSOC discussions to TOK debates, she developed a passion for critical thinking, empathy, and action.
That passion first sparked in Grade 9, when she created A Step to School, a student charity group. “Between that first idea and Libraries of Joy were sleepless nights, tough lessons, and moments of doubt,” she said. “But I didn’t give up.” A key part of her perseverance, she adds, came from the unwavering support of her teachers – Mr. Archer, Mr. Klymow, and Mr. Marshall – alongside friends who faced each challenge with her. “They reminded me that teamwork really does make the dream work.”
This fall, Van Anh will attend the University of Michigan, enrolling in the LEAPS program at the Marsal School of Education to further explore learning, equity, and problem-solving for the public good.
To her future self, she writes:
“Keep the passion and drive—there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.”
And to ISHCMC:
“Thank you for every challenge and every encouragement. To the students – keep going. Even when you lose hope, someone will always believe in you.”
At ISHCMC, Van Anh found her voice. In Michigan, she’s ready to use it to create change.
