“A question that struck me was whether I wanted to go back to school. My immediate answer was yes—I wanted to.”

At just 12 years old, Can, the youngest of four siblings, faced a heart-wrenching decision when his family’s financial struggles forced him to leave school. To add, both his parents were in poor health. Understanding the weight of responsibility, Can left his humble province in Vietnam and journeyed to the bustling city, selling chewing gum to tourists. Day after day, he worked tirelessly with a single goal: to support his family. But one fateful encounter with a kind foreigner changed his life.