By choosing poetry and culture as the foundation of his application, Trần Hoàng Hải, a student of the Class of 2028, exemplified the three qualities Fulbright University Vietnam seeks when evaluating applicants: pioneering spirit, intellectual curiosity, and care for others.
From his high school years, Hải showcased his dedication to community engagement by organizing art exhibitions and charity concerts. His profound passion for Vietnamese culture and identity culminated in his Original Piece of Work (OPW)—a distinctive poetry collection chronicling his personal growth, leaving a lasting impression on Fulbright’s admissions committee.
Hải successfully earned the prestigious HV Foundation Impact Scholarship, designed to promote Vietnamese culture and heritage. With this scholarship, Hải aspires to creatively and sustainably amplify Vietnam’s cultural values.
Let’s explore Hải’s inspiring journey and his immense love for culture!
We all have unique ways to express ourselves.
For Trần Hoàng Hải, poetry became a tool for self-reflection and growth. “Writing is often slower and more deliberate than speaking. It gives me space to pause, think, and ask myself questions,” Hải shared.
Poetry, as Hải described, allows each person to perceive and interpret it differently. Motivated by this, he created a blog and leveraged social media to share his work, inviting readers to explore deeper meanings. “People may find themselves in my words, which is my way of connecting with others,” he said.
Through classroom lessons and personal observations, Hải continuously absorbed knowledge, learning from predecessors and adopting techniques to hone his craft. This unwavering pursuit of knowledge reflects the intellectual curiosity Fulbright values in its applicants.
“For me, reading is a way of listening, and creating is a way of speaking. My youth is full of things I want to say,”
Hải reflected. His OPW—a poetry collection—expresses his personality and unique perspectives on life. Vietnamese culture serves as the central theme, drawing inspiration from traditional customs, literature, and aesthetic values.
Hải’s passion for culture extends beyond writing to various initiatives, such as The Renewal project and the exhibition space Chênh. Through these projects, Hải and his team illustrated human vulnerability using diverse art forms, including poetry, photography, and oil paintings.
“I hope this exhibition helps people feel less alone on their journeys,” Hải said.
A portion of the profits from The Renewal was donated to the EVG (Eco Vietnam Group) community library in remote areas and the Ngày Mai hotline, which provides mental health support for those experiencing depression.
Launching The Renewal was a challenging yet unforgettable journey for Hải.
The initial hurdles, particularly in financial management, offered him a more grounded perspective on working in arts and culture. From his teammates, Hải learned the importance of responsibility and the critical role of human resources in a project. “A great leader isn’t someone who commands from the front but someone who connects and uplifts the team from behind,” Hải emphasized.
To scale its impact, The Renewal aims to transition into a social enterprise model. This approach ensures the project creates long-term community benefits while maintaining sustainable operations.
Hải chose Fulbright University Vietnam
for its dynamic environment and interdisciplinary teaching approach, which equips students with tools to explore their full potential. “What if we could integrate culture into design or technology in classes like Design and Systems Thinking?” Hải wondered.
The young visionary also won the HV Foundation Impact Scholarship, dedicated to fostering Vietnamese culture and heritage. This scholarship offers Hải resources such as expert mentorship and extensive networking opportunities to support his projects.
Wishing Hải great success in his academic journey at Fulbright University Vietnam!
