I was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam. For the first eighteen years of my life, this city was my world. Among its many charms, autumn holds a special place in my memories. There's a tranquil beauty to those early mornings, riding my mini scooter beneath the canopy of trees on my way to school.

Growing up in Hanoi instilled in me a deep respect for traditional family values. My Hanoian identity is a badge of honor, a constant reminder of who I am and where I come from.

Despite those years studying and living abroad, my connection with Vietnam grows stronger. now, more than ever, I feel compelled to share the beauty of Vietnam with the world.

Vietnam is more than a country defined by its past struggles. It's a tapestry of culture, cuisine, and breathtaking landscapes waiting to be explored. I aspire to bridge the gap between Vietnam and the world, to showcase its richness and diversity to a global audience. Through my journey, I hope to shed light on the true essence of Vietnam—a land of resilience, beauty, and boundless potential.

High school behind me, I took my first leap into the unknown—a journey to the States. It was a mix of excitement and nerves, stepping out on my own without parental guidance. Little did I know, it was just the beginning of a nine-year adventure abroad.

In my 3rd year of college, I decided to join an exchange program in the UK. It marked my third country to call home, alongside Vietnam and the USA. The differences in culture among these three places opened my eyes in ways I never imagined.

Living with a welcoming British family made my experience extra memorable. I got invited to holiday dinners, traditional tea breaks, and weekend special lunches.

Studying in the UK was a stark contrast to my time in the US. The campus was sprawling, with a forest tucked away inside—an unexpected surprise that left me in awe. And the school community was buzzing with activity, with clubs and events galore. Plus, navigating the country was a breeze compared to the US; hopping on a bus or train made traveling between cities a piece of cake.

Graduating from school should have been a moment of celebration, but instead, it coincided with a global pandemic that shook the world to its core. The uncertainty was palpable as my job offer was canceled or delayed, and the prospect of returning home to Vietnam became increasingly uncertain with each canceled flight and closed immigration board.

As an international student, the clock was ticking; I had a mere 90 days post-graduation to secure employment related to my major before risking legal status in the USA. With limited options and no means of returning home, I faced the daunting task of finding jobs in an unstable market. Navigating the transition from campus life to independent living was compounded by the end of a relationship and multiple quarantines due to COVID exposure.

Yet, amidst the adversity, I persevered. Securing my first full-time job brought a glimmer of hope, and forging new connections while rekindling old friendships provided solace during uncertain times. Despite the challenges, 2020 wasn't solely defined by hardship; it was a year of resilience, growth, and unexpected blessings amidst the chaos.

As the grip of COVID began to loosen, I made one of the most significant decisions of my life—to transplant myself to the concrete jungle of New York City. It was a daunting leap, bidding farewell to friends, stability, and a burgeoning career for the allure of the unknown. Three years on, the city still dazzles me. Through the tears and triumphs, the challenges and comforts, I find myself reborn in the embrace of this city—a place that both pushes and inspires me to grow.

If I were to title this chapter of my life, it would be "Omakase". these years were a flavorful journey of exploration and growth. As many call 25 as the quarter-life crisis, I also grappled with friendship fallouts, identity crisis, relationship uncertainties, and healing from past trauma. Like a caterpillar shedding its cocoon to unveil wings of beauty, this period marked my metamorphosis.

During this time, I prioritized self-care, embracing mindfulness and appreciating life's abundance. Travel became my teacher, opening my eyes to new cultures and ideas, inspiring my purposeful living.

As I shifted the focus, my life began to blossom in positive ways. I attracted uplifting individuals into my circle, forging deeper and more meaningful connections.