As I take time to reflect on my experience with ACE, I can’t help but feel extremely grateful and blessed to have had such a rewarding opportunity. I got a taste of Vietnam last summer during the virtual program and was absolutely thrilled to get the chance to be involved in the in-person program this summer. I never imagined how many meaningful relationships I would build in such a short 3-week period.
Coach for College (CFC) is an amazing program for middle students that is fully voluntary and open anyone and everyone in the area to participate. These students are taking time out of their summer break to learn and build relationships that will help them in school the following year. I was truly inspired by their desire to learn and commitment to education.
My experience in Vietnam opened my eyes to how American culture takes education for granted and inspired a passion in me for helping students in America to love learning.
– Lillie Walker, Duke Softball
Education in America to the high school level is the norm, but in Vietnam, especially in the rural areas like Long My, it is common for students to stop attending school much earlier and start working to help support their families. The Vietnamese students have a greater zeal for their education because it is not guaranteed. If their family needs more support, the high school age child’s labor is more valuable than leaving them in school.
One specific student that was on the Green Team with me shared that his family planned to take him out of school after 9th-grade because his academic abilities weren’t good enough. He would become a farmer on his family’s farm in just two short year but here he was anyway at the educational summer camp coming to school every morning at 7 am. He led the Green Team to a victory at the end of CFC.
My experience in Vietnam opened my eyes to how American culture takes education for granted and inspired a passion in me for helping students in America to love learning.