"Giving"
Hello
I'm Thai Gia Han!
I come from a traditional Vietnamese family with a deep-rooted history of academic achievement, particularly in medicine and ecology. Growing up hearing stories of family members dedicated to these fields and being instilled with the value of "Giving," I was deeply inspired to carry on this legacy, both in academics, the arts and the leadership.
The Legacy of "Giving"
Since my early childhood, I have observed my venerable grandfather curing diseases for countless people at his home. With a gentle touch, he felt their pulse, asked questions, offered advice, and checked their health. He even practiced acupuncture and prescribed medicine when needed. What struck me most was the way he gave his care freely while I knew my parents always paid for my visits to hospitals. His quiet generosity and selfless dedication to helping others left a lasting impression on me, one that I have carried with me ever since.
Curious about why my grandfather offered health care and treatment free of charge, I once asked him. With a smile, he replied, "Giving is Receiving." It was then that I realized he gained so much in return: fulfillment, self-satisfaction, gratitude, appreciation, social connections, skill development, and a strong reputation. He went on to say, "Think beyond the obvious—imagine if the poor had access to free health care. They would become healthier, join the labor force, provide for their families, and contribute to society. This, in turn, would reduce the social burden, allowing the government to invest more in public services." His words opened my eyes to the broader impact of generosity and care.
In recognition of his significant contributions to the National Oriental Traditional Medicine Association where he worked for, his compassionate medical support for war invalids in the past, and his generous care for the community, my grandfather was honored with the title of "Excellent Physician" by former National President of Vietnam, Sir Tran Duc Luong. This prestigious award stands as a testament to his lifelong dedication to healing and service.
The spirit of Giving has guided me towards various volunteer activities, where I contribute my expertise and talents to the community and support the vulnerable. Starting from a single school, our efforts have expanded to multiple institutions. From illustrations on paper, I’ve transformed ideas into projects that beautify our streets, and lessons learned from notebooks have inspired me to seek solutions in the lab to enhance human health. This Journey of Giving has bestowed upon me invaluable experiences, which I fondly refer to as my Journey of Growth.
