I am Hoang Son. My childhood was full of hardship, but I felt love from my parents, who gave me the best they could. They taught me how to love those around me. There are three people in my family. But we rarely talk or see each other because my parents go away for work. My childhood was spent living with my aunt and cousins in an undeveloped neighborhood. It was often affected by theft and verbal violence—and I was surrounded by a toxic environment.
As a kid, I was pretty selfish and arrogant. At the beginning of 9th grade, many big events happened in my family, and everything suddenly changed due to financial difficulties. At that point, I was in a negative state— self-blaming, depressed, and hurting myself. But then, I was introduced to the Young Life English Club. I was listened to and loved unconditionally without judgment. When I gained a clearer sense of God's love through the Young Life camp in 2024, it became an important milestone that helped me realize my worth and I dared to face my challenges and step out of the negative zone. Through the company of others and true love, I have changed.
Now a Developing Global Leader, I want to be a good leader who can provide spiritual guidance to his people, which is beneficial for God. I am honored to be the first person in my family to attend university.
