Testimonial of Mentors & Mentees

" A canola flower never blooms by itself. You always see a field of canola flowers.

Go together with others. If you do, 100 miles will feel like ten."

- When Life Gives You Tangerines

In mid 2023, I found myself feeling lost, uncertain about my job, my path, and even who I was. It was one of the lowest points in my life. I've identified as an introvert, I did not like networking events or initiating conversations with strangers. But then I thought, maybe “what I seek is seeking me” so I decided to sign up for the Mentorship 2023 program by HNV Foundation.

Since I’ve always dreamed of working at York University, I felt incredibly lucky to be matched with Mrs. Lan V. Torres , M.Ed, B.A. I didn’t have high expectations when I joined the program. But what I received was far more than I ever imagined. Mrs. Lan not only helped me revise my CV, but she also invited me to visit her office at York University. Those two hours in her office changed my life forever.

I had the opportunity to observe her work, join her on a campus tour, and learn about the work culture at York. Her guidance inspired me and gave me the clarity and confidence to apply for a position at York right away. And tada… I manifested it successfully. Two months later, I went through the interview rounds and received a job offer from School of Continuing Studies - York University. Mrs. Lan and I still occasionally meet up for lunch at York to this day.

Thanks to the mentorship program, I not only gained a clearer direction in my career path, I also found a big sister and a colleague.

I believe networking isn’t a magic doorway to a job offer. But a single piece of advice, a bit of guidance, or a timely helping hand can make the journey a little easier.

“A canola flower never blooms by itself. You always see a field of canola flowers.” I feel so lucky that we have each other here, and that we found each other on this beautiful journey.

A student once asked me where she should begin when looking for her first job in Canada. I told her, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" (Lao Tzu). Start with a coffee chat. Start with a certificate or a program that brings you one step closer to your dream job. 

Honestly, I can't fully express my gratitude and appreciation for the Mentorship Program Season 4, and especially for An Vuong – who has not only been a mentor but also a caring older sister, always by my side and sharing every aspect of my journey in pursuing a career in real estate. An has guided me patiently from the very first steps, such as preparing my resume, choosing the right certifications, to invaluable experiences on how to keep up with market knowledge and assist clients. What’s even more special is that she took the time to show me around her company, giving me a meaningful, real-world perspective.

Even though the geographical distance meant we mostly worked online, I felt like there were no barriers at all. The connection between mentor and mentee was still close and deep. The highlight was when I attended the offline event and gala night in Toronto, where I not only had the chance to meet people but also connect with new, valuable relationships.

And truly, after everything I’ve gained from the program, I only hope to be able to "give back" even more. That’s why this year I’m so happy to have the opportunity to return as part of the organizing committee, hoping I can contribute in a small way to bringing the program to more young Vietnamese in Canada, helping them find the right career path and meet amazing mentors, just like I was fortunate enough to have. 

Right after graduating, I received a full-time job offer and had to move to a new city. I was eager to find a community of Vietnamese people who had gone before me to learn from and gain guidance on life after graduation... So when I came across the HNV Mentorship Program, it felt like a "sign from the universe" after all the times I had wished for it, haha!

When I joined the program, I got an amazing mentor, and I also connected with many new friends, built meaningful relationships, and gained a deeper understanding of various industries.

I want to send a sincere thank you to Minh – my mentor – for the practical advice and straightforward approach that helped me clarify my future goals and career development path. In addition, he also shared incredibly valuable tips on how to maintain a work-life balance, as well as the importance of finding yourself outside the corporate environment. What I learned from Minh is not only knowledge about work but also profound life lessons ❤

In my 20s, I used to doubt myself and always thought I had to overcome all challenges on my own. After joining HNV Mentorship, I no longer feel afraid because I have the guidance of my mentor and the support of my HNV “teammates,” walking this journey with me, helping me step forward with greater confidence!