When empathy becomes a connecting force
The origami cranes scattered on the floor were once symbols of the fragile hope of the autistic boy whom Hung Anh always took the time to observe. Each fold represented a moment of concentration, a mark of patience, but also the loneliness of a soul living in its own world . “He’s not sick, he’s a quiet genius. Others see autism as a barrier, but I see it as another form of language,” Hung Anh confided about his cousin.
Based on that understanding, Hung Anh initiated Artism, an interactive website where autistic children can upload unfinished drawings, allowing viewers to "swipe right" and help complete the other half.
“Collaborative creation has become a form of dialogue. Together they adorn the sky with countless stars, transform stick figures into superheroes, and embellish gardens with vibrant colors through shared imagination. At that point, what remains is not mere compassion, but joy, recognition, and empathy,” Hung Anh explains.
Just a few months after its launch, over 200 collaborative paintings have been shared on social media platforms, reaching more than 10,000 viewers. But for Hung Anh, the number is less important than the emotional transformation of the participants. “Children who were once misunderstood are now becoming companions in artistic creation. Two seemingly disconnected worlds are beginning to intersect through color, imagination, and stories,” Hung Anh said.
Through his journey with his cousin, Hung Anh realized that storytelling is not only a means of self-expression but also a bridge connecting people. Communication is no longer just a tool to support autistic children, but becomes a canvas for building connections.
The journey of young people who dare to listen and lead.
Not only is Hung Anh compassionate, but he is also an outstanding student with an impressive academic record. He won third prize at the national level in 11th grade and first prize at the city level for two consecutive years in the Literature Olympiad for gifted students.
Professor Tran Nho Thin, from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, commented: “I rarely meet such a multi-talented and inspiring student. Hung Anh has a very strong desire to explore knowledge. He approaches literature as a lens through which to discover the colorful world. In class, Hung Anh often asks insightful questions that make both his classmates and teachers ponder. His open-mindedness to diverse viewpoints and his yearning to deeply understand the essence of issues demonstrate the qualities of a true scholar.”
Alongside his academic achievements is a spirit of creative leadership. As the President of the Ams Wide Web Media Club at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for Gifted Students, Hung Anh once faced a major crisis when his fan page with over 40,000 followers was hacked.
Vice Principal Duong Tu Anh recalled: “He almost burst into tears but remained calm to resolve the issue. Hung Anh proposed creating a pioneering promotional video for the school. His efforts yielded well-deserved results, as the video was a resounding success and contributed to the revival of the Club.”
Not stopping there, faced with the exhaustion of his team members, Hung Anh proactively designed an AI-powered scheduling system to optimize work schedules. "In just one week, he presented a complete solution," Ms. Tu Anh shared.
These experiences have shaped a leadership mindset centered on empathy, a crossroads between humanities and technology.
When asked about his future aspirations, the new RMIT student shared his desire to "transform media into a tool for creating social impact." Hung Anh plans to study Professional Communication, establish a media lab focused on social impact, where students can experiment with and solve social problems using the widespread power of mass media.
Professor Tran Nho Thin wrote in his letter of recommendation to RMIT: “Hung Anh will shine not only in his studies but also become a great leader, with fresh perspectives and bringing lasting value to the RMIT student and faculty community.”
From silently folded paper cranes to collaborative online artwork, Hung Anh's journey demonstrates that listening can create change and empathy can become a constructive act that connects people. The silent world of autistic children, thus, finds a voice, through color, imagination, and the heart of a young person who dares to listen.
Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/lang-nghe-the-gioi-thinh-lang-cua-tre-tu-ky-qua-tung-net-ve-20251029115946915.htm
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