Live resiliently the way a tree demands to grow
Stepping out of her ‘stuck-in-a-rut’ life, Nguyen Hoang Bao Yen has an ambition to change the way society think of the deaf based on her own capabilities.
In order to communicate with normal people, Bao Yen applies lip-reading.
Growing up in Binh Thuan and being deaf at birth, Bao Yen became introverted, preferring to be at home with her parents, and almost no contact with the outside world. She even tried to be alone during class hours. Those were the unhappiest days for Bao Yen, who was born in 1987. She moved to Saigon in late 2007, and attempted having multiple types of jobs, from waitress to office worker in order to try and earn her living, Yen has always led a resilient life just like the way a tree demands to grow.
Living in Saigon, what is most significant thing that you have learned?
Even though I am deaf myself, I actually lack an understanding of people from the same background. I used to be scared of people with physical disabilities. Touching them by accident used to startle me. But later on when joining DRD, I eventually learned to be more accepting of differences and overcome such feelings. Furthermore, all my friends at DRD have shared with me their experiences, which in turn helps me understand myself better. They have taught me not to run away, not to be afraid of my own defect.
After 06 years in Saigon, you are still struggling. Have you ever thought of moving back to your hometown, for example doing some sort of household business with your parents?
I used to call several times, trying to convince my parents to let me go back home. In fact, before I had never pictured what and how I would do with my life. But now everything has changed. Due to the hardship and health condition of my family, my parents and my little brother are planning to sell our house together with the store and move to a pagoda. They asked for my opinions, but instead of choosing to live a leisure life, I have decided to make it different. In the time to come, my parents will not be able to support me anymore. Yet I believe I was born to have a life just like anybody else. With no first-hand experience, I will never understand the true meaning of life.
How far have you gone in terms of achieving your dreams?
I’ve always dreamt of being a chef at a classy restaurant. DRD provided me with a scholarship to attend cooking classes for 03 months at a vocational school. After my internship period, I was transferred to a bakery section because I was not able to handle all the stress in other sections, which require orders to be received by hearing. It has been 06 months, and I like it there. I plan to advance my career and save up for a house in Saigon…
Live resiliently the way a tree demands to grow
Stepping out of her ‘stuck-in-a-rut’ life, Nguyen Hoang Bao Yen has an ambition to change the way society think of the deaf based on her own capabilities.
In order to communicate with normal people, Bao Yen applies lip-reading.
Growing up in Binh Thuan and being deaf at birth, Bao Yen became introverted, preferring to be at home with her parents, and almost no contact with the outside world. She even tried to be alone during class hours. Those were the unhappiest days for Bao Yen, who was born in 1987. She moved to Saigon in late 2007, and attempted having multiple types of jobs, from waitress to office worker in order to try and earn her living, Yen has always led a resilient life just like the way a tree demands to grow.
Living in Saigon, what is most significant thing that you have learned?
Even though I am deaf myself, I actually lack an understanding of people from the same background. I used to be scared of people with physical disabilities. Touching them by accident used to startle me. But later on when joining DRD, I eventually learned to be more accepting of differences and overcome such feelings. Furthermore, all my friends at DRD have shared with me their experiences, which in turn helps me understand myself better. They have taught me not to run away, not to be afraid of my own defect.
After 06 years in Saigon, you are still struggling. Have you ever thought of moving back to your hometown, for example doing some sort of household business with your parents?
I used to call several times, trying to convince my parents to let me go back home. In fact, before I had never pictured what and how I would do with my life. But now everything has changed. Due to the hardship and health condition of my family, my parents and my little brother are planning to sell our house together with the store and move to a pagoda. They asked for my opinions, but instead of choosing to live a leisure life, I have decided to make it different. In the time to come, my parents will not be able to support me anymore. Yet I believe I was born to have a life just like anybody else. With no first-hand experience, I will never understand the true meaning of life.
How far have you gone in terms of achieving your dreams?
I’ve always dreamt of being a chef at a classy restaurant. DRD provided me with a scholarship to attend cooking classes for 03 months at a vocational school. After my internship period, I was transferred to a bakery section because I was not able to handle all the stress in other sections, which require orders to be received by hearing. It has been 06 months, and I like it there. I plan to advance my career and save up for a house in Saigon…