By Phiyen Nguyen, MBA ‘10

Someone asked me while we were in Vietnam, “So how does it feel to be here?”
Well, it was as if I was connecting with a missing part of myself and had
now become a more complete person.  The United States has given me countless
opportunities and a comfortable lifestyle that I am grateful for, but I
had always wanted to visit Vietnam and see the country that is a part of
me. Being in Vietnam and seeing its breathtaking beauty, vibrancy, and even
the poverty and desperation was amazing.  In the two short days I spent
there, I thoroughly enjoyed all of the experiences I was able to have: from
eating fresh spring rolls, to crossing the busy streets, and seeing how the
people live.

Learning about how different businesses operated in Vietnam, and later
seeing the ingenuity and daring of the Cu Chi tunnels were enlightening, in
different ways. Hearing about and seeing all of the exciting business
activities occurring there made me think of ways I could play a part of it,
too.  Looking at the details of the war that my parents had only sparingly
told me about was an eye opening experience.  As one of many young
Vietnamese-Americans born after the war, I know what happened and have my
own beliefs and views based on what I have been told by my parents and from
history class. Still, being where the war was fought was a moving experience
and made all of the history become more real to me.

Being able to see the modernity and successful businesses in Beijing and
Shanghai made me excited for all of the possibilities that were in store for
Vietnam if it only continued to increase international trade and openness.
Despite both countries having similar government structures and forming
similar policies to spur economic growth, I remember what Dave Averne, the
speaker at US Commercial Service, said to us.  “Vietnam should be the
anti-China.”  I am excited to see Vietnam continue to construct its unique
path to economic success and hope I will contribute to it in the near
future.