Newsletter 22: A New Year. Health. Leadership as Practice. And You?
1 January, 2025
Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
I am writing to you from wintry Japan, where I’ve just wrapped up working as a counselor for UWC ISAK Japan’s Winter School. Over the course of an intense five days, I had the privilege of spending time with 47 students aged 12 and 13, alongside other faculty members and counselors. It was vibrant and fast-paced, to say the least, and also deeply inspiring. This experience reminded me of just how impressionable we are in early adolescence, but what struck me most was the students' sense of wonder and their willingness to engage in introspection. From Design Thinking to Direct Action, from Business Models to Leadership, those five days were a whirlwind of learning and growth. It was also wonderful to see another short course in the broader UWC ecosystem in action.
At UWC ISAK Japan, they believe that leadership is a practice anyone can develop. Their approach focuses on four facets:
Identifying what is most important and needed
Taking action in the face of discomfort
Using diversity as a strength
Supporting others as they learn to do the same
I left inspired by the concept of leadership as a practice and am carrying this idea with me into the new year.
Your Word for 2025—What Is It?
Last year, I asked a question: What is your word for the year? My personal word for last year was discipline, which, upon reflection, I achieved in some areas but fell short in others. On one hand, I was disciplined in writing these newsletters every month without fail, always on the first of each month. However, there were other aspects of my life where discipline eluded me—such as maintaining consistent sleep, healthy eating habits, or regular exercise.
This year, my word is health – not just physical health but also emotional, spiritual, and interpersonal well-being. I’ve never prioritized health as much as I should, but as I reflect on the kind of life I’m curating for myself, I realize that being healthy and well in all aspects is essential for sustainability. True sustainability, I’ve come to realize, isn’t just about external actions or environmental consciousness—it starts from within. It’s about aligning my physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being so I can bring my best self to the work and people I care about. When I neglect any part of my health, it’s as if the foundation begins to crack, making it harder to sustain the energy and focus needed for long-term growth. By prioritizing holistic health, I’m learning that I can show up more fully, lead more effectively, and create a ripple effect of positivity and resilience in my personal and professional life.
So now, I ask you: What is your word for the year? I’d love to hear from you. Please share in the comments below or shoot me an email!
Reflecting on Last Month’s Success
Our Virtual College Essay Writing Party, hosted last month, was a resounding success! We had 215 registered students from 37 cities across Vietnam and Cambodia, and with the support of around 20 dedicated volunteers—including current and former university counselors—we provided 1:1 advice to 40 high school seniors.
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to each volunteer, Hoa Nguyen from the Education USA Ho Chi Minh City office, Lee Coffin (Vice President and Dean of Admissions & Financial Aid at Dartmouth College) for delivering an inspiring keynote, and the UWC National Committees of Vietnam and Cambodia for their support.
We’re excited to host more impactful events like this in the coming months. Stay tuned!
SECOND UWC Short Course: Exciting News!
With the resounding success of the UWC Short Course: Doing Good last July, we’re thrilled to announce a second iteration of this program in summer 2025, which I will share more about in the February newsletter.
But that’s not all! I’m incredibly excited to introduce a brand-new UWC short course in Vietnam: Embodying Earth. Taking place at the foothills of Dong Nai Province, this transformative program is designed for young changemakers aged 16-20 who are passionate about sustainability, eager to explore regenerative leadership, and committed to driving meaningful climate action.
What is Embodying Earth?
Embodying Earth is a hybrid learning journey that equips participants with the tools, knowledge, and inspiration to become sustainability leaders. The program begins online and culminates with a deeply immersive experience at Nui Tuong, a sustainable community in Dong Nai.
Participants will engage in:
Climate literacy training through interactive workshops.
Storytelling for change, crafting powerful narratives to inspire action.
Nature-based practices such as solo reflections and regenerative leadership activities.
Through mentorship and hands-on experiences, participants will develop the inner skills and practical knowledge needed to tackle the climate crisis with empathy, courage, and vision. More information to come—stay tuned!
We are hiring!
We are hiring for the following positions:
If you or anyone you know might be looking for new and exciting opportunities to become a part of our project, please have them reach out directly to via sam.jeong@uwc.vn!
A New Year, A New Opportunity to Give
As we step into 2025, let’s reflect on the power of giving and the impact we can create together. Your support enables us to deliver transformative programs, like Doing Good, Embodying Earth, the Vietnam Changemakers Hackathon and our Virtual College Essay Writing Party, that empower Vietnamese students to excel, discover their potential, and drive meaningful change in their communities.
Consider investing in education that goes beyond the classroom—nurturing leadership, sustainability, and global citizenship. Your generosity helps provide the resources and opportunities these talented students need to thrive.
Let’s make 2025 a year of opportunity and impact. Together, we can shape the future of changemakers ready to lead with purpose.
Vietnam Bank Details:
Account Name: Education for Good Co. Ltd
Bank: MB Bank
Account Number: 318684746
Friends, thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a year filled with growth, health, and positive change. I can’t wait to share more updates with you in the months to come!
Happy New Year to you once more!
Yours,
Sam Jeong
so many exciting news!!!
enjoyed reading, Sam! Happy new year;
my word this year, as it has been for a while now, is love. I still believe it's the most important thing in my life, and everything I intend, think, or do, rests on that laurel. i still find it difficult sometimes, but that's what makes it fun!