Year 12 students, Loreto College Marryatville
“Being there made me realise that the heart of Mary Ward’s legacy is not in words but in actions, in how we uplift, connect, and stand beside one another. It was there, in that classroom, that I truly understood what it means to live out her mission.”
Before arriving at Vinh Loc, I expected a large school complex. Instead, the building blended seamlessly into its surroundings, resembling a modest two-story house. The first floor was for the older students, while the younger children occupied the second floor. We were warmly welcomed as soon as we arrived with lively singing and dancing, creating a joyful and celebratory atmosphere. It was clear that the students were excited to meet us, and their energy was infectious. Sr Ai Thien and Yen, both qualified educators, were incredibly kind and played a crucial role in helping us communicate with the children. Ai Thien’s guidance allowed us to connect with the students beyond language barriers. The children’s enthusiasm and eagerness to learn were evident from the moment we arrived, and their joy in receiving the small gifts we brought was truly heartwarming. The experience was humbling and inspiring, reinforcing the importance of access to education.
One of the most profound aspects of my visit to Vinh Loc was realising the beauty of human connection despite language barriers. While teaching the children English, they, in turn, taught me how to pronounce Vietnamese words. I formed a special bond with one girl who went out of her way to share her world with me. She created drawings of her toys, taught me how to say her name correctly, and even introduced me to different colour names in Vietnamese. This experience opened my eyes to the immense potential that each child possesses. My new friend’s curiosity and enthusiasm reaffirmed my belief that when given the right environment to thrive, every child can achieve excellence and transform their future.
During our visit, I met a 16-year-old boy. He was one of the two oldest students at Vinh Loc, and we instantly connected. Being close in age, personality, and interests, our similarities overshadowed our differences, making me forget they ever existed. However, after flipping through a few Vietnamese flashcards, there was a sharp, sudden contrast between us. Though we were only a few months apart in age, he struggled to read the Vietnamese words for animals – words I could have written in English with my eyes closed. The distance between us instantly felt larger, as if our worlds were suddenly miles apart. The distance was bridged again as we drew in a notebook. While I was more experienced with language, my new friend was significantly more learned than I in artistic ability. The bonds we formed at Vinh Loc were not about providing or teaching; they were about connection, humility, and the willingness to share in each other’s strengths and struggles.
In Vietnam, I was not only embraced with love and warmth but also given a sense of clarity about my path in life. More than just a journey; it was a defining moment that deepened my understanding of the world and my place within it. I now know that I want to dedicate my future to working with communities like the one at Vinh Loc, building relationships, fostering education, and creating opportunities for meaningful change. My experience at Vinh Loc was more than just a visit; it was a living reflection of the values I had spent the last 12 years learning through the teachings of Mary Ward.
While everyone we met on our trip was incredibly welcoming, at Vinh Loc, we were embraced with a profound sense of belonging. Perhaps this could be attributed to the unmistakable picture of Mary Ward watching over the classroom – though I think the spirit of the Loreto values and teachings were even more visible in the children’s faces. The spirit of these values is deeply entrenched in Loreto College Marryatville, visibly adorning our school and education. Yet, despite having far fewer material possessions than we have, the educators and children at Vinh Loc seemed to embody these values with a depth of understanding that was truly humbling. It was both inspiring and a powerful reminder of the work we can always continue within our own school.
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