Chi Nguyen

A drawing I made of Chi Nguyen (I drew it.)

My hero is Chi Nguyen. She is very kind and has a good heart. I came to learn about her when my sister mentioned about her. When I learned more about Chi, I was amazed at what she has done and how much love and effort she puts into her work. Chi Nguyen is devoted to helping the street children of Vietnam. She has held benefit concerts and has sold her homemade toffee to raise money to help Vietnamese children. Along with the Vietnamese Health Education and Literature Projects, she has raised over $31,000 and provided clothing, meals, literacy classes, and basic medical needs for more than 100 orphans.

In October 1998, when Chi was just 10 years old, she held a sale of her collection of Beanie Babies and almond toffee to help the children of Vietnam, her parents' home country. Chi only expected to raise $200 from her Bay Area neighbors, but at the end of the day she earned more than 5 times that amount.

The next summer, Chi visited Vietnam and the rural town of Giai Xuan. Her donation helped build and furnish a library. She also visited nearby Can Tho and met former street children in an orphanage. Chi was touched by their strength, and when she returned home, she was determined to do more. Chi focused on helping children learn and go to school, emphasizes the power of education to change lives.

Chi Nguyen is important to me because she inspires us to help others who are in need. At the young age of 16, Chi is already a veteran of promoting children's rights. She became involved when her parents told her stories of the history of Vietnam, impoverished people, and people who skipped school to work for money. Chi was touched and decided to start on these projects. After she met the street children 9 years ago, she knew she wanted to help them because they were bright and motivated kids. Chi is now the sole sponsor of the Street Children's Shelter in Vietnam.

I feel so inspired and motivated when I hear Chi's story. I can connect because my parents' home country is also Vietnam. She helps kids because she wants to change their lives, and doesn't necessarily want or need feedback. This story also inspired me because it taught me that these children have been living in poverty but have not complained, yet I have complained about simple things like chores. Chi Nguyen really made a difference in those children's lives, and I admire her for that. She inspired me with her kindness and love. To me, Chi Nguyen is a true hero.