Leadership
During the days leading STEMBRACE, teaching at xPhO – VPhO BootCamp, and serving as a mentor at Phan Chess Academy, I often thought about the light passing through a camera aperture: not always bright, but enough to illuminate what truly matters. To me, leadership is the same – not loud, but steady, patient, and always centered on the people I work with.
Physics Mentor and Tutor
XPhO and VPhO Bootcamp
At xPhO, I mentored more than 35 students across over 10 sessions. My work involved designing lessons, compiling exercises, writing materials, and developing online content so students could learn along a structured pathway. I guided them through problem solving from basic to advanced, provided intuitive examples, and helped them prepare for academic competitions from school level to national level. What I appreciated most was seeing them shift from “being afraid of physics” to “physics is actually pretty interesting.”
At the VPhO BootCamp, I led a 4-person team creating mock exams for participants and taught online lessons for more than 150 students nationwide. I was in charge of topics in Optics, Quantum Mechanics, and Electromagnetism, using a tablet, stylus, and simulation software to make the lessons as visual as possible. One thing I learned from VPhO was that when explained the right way, even complex concepts can become approachable and familiar.
Head of Specialization
STEMBRACE
At STEMBRACE, I felt like adjusting a lens aperture, searching for just the right amount of light to reveal each small detail. Every class had its own rhythm: sometimes we set up experiments while explaining physical phenomena; sometimes we had to pause to work through a difficult question together; and there were days when the students were so engrossed that they forgot about break time.
I directly guided students through experiments, explained new concepts, and observed their learning step by step – from when they were still confused with wires, sensors, lenses, all the way until they could confidently set up, measure, and analyze results on their own. What I enjoyed most was seeing their independence: students repeating experiments on their own, asking questions, making real-world connections. From a small classroom, we created a space where every bit of curiosity was encouraged.
Advisor
Phan Chess Academy (PCA)
At Phan Chess Academy, I served as an advisor and tutor for nearly three years – long enough for me to realize that chess is not just a battle of minds on 64 squares, but also a way to train patience and strategic vision.
Unlike STEM or Physics, chess brings a very different rhythm – quieter, more contemplative, and deeply strategic. I started by joining the district-level student tournament and building a collection of gameplay tactics to pass on to younger players. I helped club members improve their skills, analyze games, and shape playing styles that fit each person. What I valued most were the moments when they “saw” a new idea on the board – like a lightbulb turning on.
Besides training support, I also helped organize club activities and internal tournaments, giving everyone a chance to challenge themselves and grow through each match. PCA, to me, is a small but warm and close-knit community: a place where focus, resilience, and fair play are nurtured through simple, everyday practice.
