Thảo's Insights
Above: Thảo and local PeaceTrees staff pose for a picture during a learning activity about fishing in central Vietnam.
"The Citizen Diplomacy Trip enriched my life in so many ways… I gained a renewed appreciation for the country’s rich history... Our time in Quảng Bình and Quảng Trị was especially impactful as we witnessed PeaceTrees’ work up close. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to interact with the dedicated local staff who carry out this mission as well as with the local people, especially the ethnic minority residents whose lives have been directly touched by PeaceTrees’ efforts.
This was a truly heartwarming experience that I will never forget. Also, I can’t emphasize enough how much depth my fellow travelers added to this already meaningful journey. The conversations we shared about different topics and our own life stories were the highlight of the trip for me. I have built meaningful connections and learned so much from everyone on the trip and for that, I will always be grateful.
All in all, the trip has inspired me to continue to learn more about Vietnamese culture, US-Vietnam relations and how young generations navigate their complex identities. I feel hopeful and empowered to have been a part of this experience and am excited to find more ways to engage in the organization’s work."
-Thảo Tăng, 2025 Citizen Diplomat, current Heritage Circle member
