From a young age, Mỹ Trân was enchanted by the vibrant tapestry of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Weekend trips to traditional festivals, bustling local markets, and serene villages with her family planted seeds of pride and curiosity in her heart. Over time, those experiences became more than cherished memories—they became a calling.

By the time she reached ninth grade, Trân felt compelled to act on her love for Vietnamese culture. She founded a media platform called "Gấc Đỏ," aimed at showcasing the beauty and richness of Vietnam's traditions. With a mission to “preserve the flame of national culture,” the platform sought to balance tradition and modernity, appealing to a generation navigating between their cultural roots and the demands of a rapidly globalizing world.

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Gấc Đỏ’s work touched on themes of cultural identity, adaptation, and continuity. Its events, such as “Mùa Hạ Trên Áo Em” (“Summer on Your Shirt”), encouraged participants to share their thoughts on traditions like the back-to-school season. The project also hosted insightful discussions, such as the talk show “Culture and Communication Stories,” which delved into how culture can remain relevant in a modern, interconnected society.

Over four years, Gấc Đỏ grew into a community that connected young people across Vietnam and beyond. With their collective creativity and passion, the team brought fresh perspectives to age-old traditions, proving that cultural heritage could resonate powerfully with today’s youth.

Embracing Uniqueness: A Personal and Cultural Reflection

Mỹ Trân’s advocacy for cultural preservation is deeply personal. Born with naturally curly hair—a rare and often misunderstood trait in Vietnam—she spent much of her childhood grappling with feelings of self-consciousness. The teasing she endured made her resent her hair, and she often tried to alter it to fit societal expectations.

But as she grew older, Trân began to see her curls as a symbol of individuality and strength. This shift in perspective inspired her to embrace not only her own uniqueness but also the singular beauty of Vietnam’s culture in a globalized world. Her college essay explored this connection, arguing that Vietnam’s traditions, like her curly hair, should not be hidden or “tamed” to blend in but celebrated for their authenticity and distinctiveness.

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Global Impact and Leadership

Mỹ Trân’s commitment to cultural and social issues transcended borders. In high school, she earned the honor of representing her school and Vietnam at a prestigious UNICEF conference. The week-long event brought together young leaders from around the world to collaborate on pressing global challenges.

During the conference, Trân worked with an international team to devise innovative solutions to combat global hunger. Their project stood out for its creativity and feasibility, earning them the opportunity to present their proposal to the Northern England regional head. This experience reinforced Trân’s belief in the power of collaboration and cultural exchange to create meaningful change.

From Local to Global: The Journey Ahead

As Mỹ Trân prepares to embark on her academic journey in the United States, she carries with her a wealth of experiences and an unshakable commitment to her mission. Her work with Gấc Đỏ has not only preserved cultural narratives but also inspired a new generation to take pride in their roots.

Trân envisions a future where she can use her education and global platform to further amplify Vietnam’s voice on the world stage. Whether through storytelling, cultural exchange, or advocacy, she remains steadfast in her belief that culture is not just a legacy to be inherited but a gift to be shared.

MiYork congratulates Mỹ Trân on her remarkable achievements and wishes her the best in her journey. The world is waiting, and we are confident that she will continue to shine brightly as a cultural ambassador, a changemaker, and a proud representative of Vietnam.