Real-World Relevance:
Applying Data
WHILE EXPLORING THE ROLE OF SCIENCE AND DATA IN REAL LIFE,
I DISCOVERED THAT....
Data-driven solution - Hope Project
I spent a lot of time:
Collect peer-reviewed information on emotional awareness to educate children with intellectual disability
Gather information and prepare presentations to help caretakers approach parenting more scientifically.
What I realize:
Students' learning abilities are influenced by various factors, including their individual learning pace and socioeconomic status. Students from disadvantaged families may face barriers to regular schooling, which can impact their ability to learn effectively.
Caretakers may be less willing to provide adequate support due to financial constraints and limited science-based awareness, while their prejudice and stigma about their children's disabilities can also further discourage academic pursuits.
My key take-away:
Field research is crucial for developing a deep understanding of students with intellectual disability. By segmenting their learning pace, we can tailor educational approach to their specific needs and background.
Despite the potential benefits of scientific information, parents' willingness to adopt new information is influenced by societal education and stigma.
I plan to conduct a more focused research study on intellectually disabled children in Vietnam that specifies appropriate teaching methods to varying levels of knowledge acquisition.
I want to nurture and witness a greater awareness of intellectual disabilities that can help break down societal stigma, allowing parents to provide more informed, science-based support and companionship to their children.
Beyond the numbers - Single Mom Single Child Project
I spent a lot of time:
Research the effects of single-parent households, and it became clear that while there's plenty of data, there's a lack of personal narratives from the children's side. To bridge this gap, I decided to create TikTok content to share my firsthand experiences.
What I realize:
One's stories can be empowering to others: I have received thank-you messages from single mothers who felt more connected to their children and from single children who felt seen and heard.
My key take-away:
Data is always essential, but for data to empower, it also needs a compelling story, authenticity, and genuine execution.
I aspire to one day co-found a Vietnamese community for single mothers and single children, with a particular focus on supporting those with limited access to educational resources backed by real research and authentic stories.
From theory to practice - Karavan Internship
I spent a lot of time:
Research on challenges faced during client negotiations, focusing on strategies to identify client needs and understand their motivations.
What I realize:
Standard research process always brings benefits into the workplace. However, the experienced employees were able to achieve similar results with more efficiency based on their working experience of what to research, where to find the information, and what area to focus on.
My key take-away:
I have a lot of questions. How can I develop the ability to critically evaluate different research approaches? How can I leverage my existing knowledge and experience to conduct research more efficiently? What factors should I consider when deciding when to follow standard procedures and when to deviate from them?
In college, I aim to develop the ability to adapt research strategies and methodologies to changing circumstances and specific research questions, while maintaining a balance between structure and flexibility.