Ngan – Empowered to Make an Impact

Ngan, TechGirls 2023, Vietnam

Every day, I see myself working hard to pursue my dreams, filled with hopes and passion. I see myself being supported by girls from around the world who give me advice and simply check in to say, “Hey, how is it going?” I see myself supporting girls in my community and my global friends.

All of this happens thanks to a life-changing experience that I will never forget, TechGirls. 

TechGirls taught me that I am always supported. I deeply appreciated the daily conversations with my global peers as we shared our life difficulties and aspirations. I never felt ashamed or worried that others would judge my dreams and my abilities; instead, my dear friends wholeheartedly encouraged me, saying that they saw potential inside me. I felt grateful for the TechGirls, the RAs, the Virginia Tech professors, and the TechGirls staff who valued my dreams and gave me immense motivation. 

TechGirls inspired me to chase after my dreams. I remember the story of an Indonesian TechGirl who lived in a coastal village where there was no electricity and had to study far away from home. I remember her pride when she shared that she was the first one from her hometown to go abroad. I remember the story of a woman at Capitol Hill who used to be homeless, yet her single mother tried to provide her with the best opportunities. Such stories empower me, reminding me that with persistence, determination, and passion, I can navigate my life journey through challenges and become whoever I wish to become.

Coming back to my home country, I have shared my experiences with more than 100 female students. Besides that, I have been coordinating my community project which creates a safe environment for teenagers to learn about mental well-being and receive psychological support. To support the next generations of TechGirls, I actively participate in the 2024 TechGirls Alumnae Advisory Council, working with TechGirls across different cohorts to create mentorship programs and share our STEM experiences. 

In the future, I am determined to pursue my dream as a social worker that provides opportunities and care to children around the world. I especially hope to empower girls by giving them the opportunities they need for personal and professional growth, similar to how TechGirls empowered me. The memories of the 2023 TechGirls program are still vivid in my mind everyday, stimulating me to turn my aspirations into a reality and make an impact on my society.