Reflections from the Journey “Small Steps - Big Dreams

On June 1st, “Small Journey – Big Dream” brought the footsteps of volunteer students from Phan Chau Trinh University of Medicine to the highland district of Dong Giang. There, warm hearts met not through material things, but through genuine love. Every reflection shared by the students after the trip is like a piece of an emotional mosaic, forming a touching picture of compassion and a deep sense of responsibility toward the community.

Touched by Love – Minh Thang’s heartfelt story:

“Seeing those tiny hands holding each notebook and warm coat so gently, I truly understood the real value of giving,” he shared. Though the gifts were small, the sparkling eyes and bright smiles of the highland children made him realize that joy sometimes comes from the simplest things. The journey of spreading love helped him become more responsible, more mature, and taught him how to love sincerely - from the very children he came to help.

Y Nhu – Growing through the smallest things:

This was her first time witnessing the reality of life in a place with many hardships. Simple gifts like notebooks or small toys became radiant dreams in the eyes of the children. She wrote: “Giving is not losing, it is watering green sprouts with fresh drops of kindness.” To her, kindness is the flame that can spread and create miracles. More touching still, she realized that giving is a way to train the heart - something no textbook could ever teach.

A beautiful dream through the story of an Indian student:

“Small acts of kindness can spark big dreams”, she wrote. Though her visit lasted just one night, the warmth, the shared meals, and the laughter left her with memories that words cannot describe. That deep emotion made her realize: helping does not need to start with grand gestures - sometimes, a school bag, a packet of instant noodles, or a hopeful gaze is enough to change a heart.

Dan Linh – A cherished moment in Dong Giang:

Bringing youthful energy and compassion, Linh and her friends came in search of the smiles of highland children. And they found them - in the clear eyes, the wide grins, and the tight farewell hugs. “It was just a short day, but what stayed with us was the happiness of sharing”, she emotionally wrote. To Linh, it was more than a charity trip - it was a pure memory that touched her heart.

Bao Trang – A short day, a long-lasting memory:

“Dong Giang welcomed us with gentle sunshine after a heavy downpour”. From the very first step into the highlands, Bao Trang captured subtle emotions. For her, the trip left countless imprints - warm handshakes, innocent smiles, bright eyes, and the oddly comforting friendliness of the children. “We came to bring joy, but we were the ones who received even more”. When she handed out small gifts - a notebook, a pen, a teddy bear, or a hand-written card - the children’s eyes lit up, leaving the students silent in awe. It was a short day, but it carved deep lessons into their hearts - about sharing, loving, and growing up.
“If someone asked: ‘Would you do this journey again?’ The answer would be: Yes - a thousand times yes. We’re ready for the next journey”.

Wrapping up the journey with seeds of kindness:

“Small Journey - Big Dream” was more than a volunteer trip; it was a deeply human experience filled with life lessons. From the shining eyes of the children to the quiet reflections of the students, they all shared the same truth: love is to be shared, to help us grow together.
And when someone asks, “Are you ready to go again?” the answer is a resounding nod.
Because when a heart is awakened by kindness, the road ahead is no longer a distant path - but a place where we plant seeds of hope, together.