How an introverted activist “got out of the box”

A life-changing fight

“Back in high school, I was a total ‘nerd’”, said Dinh Hoang Yen Nhi - President of Book Youth Project. Typical hardworking bookworm as she was, her days filled with learning routine: in class, then extra-classes, and in training courses. She might just well live in that comfort zone until a sudden knock turn her life around.

“I had a quarrel with my best friend about some perspectives in life, and I don’t even remember the details of that fight, but it’s his final comeback that I remember clearly”, she smile in nostalgia. He blurted out in anger: “A person who live the entire life in a box wouldnt have the right to judge others”. Being hurt, and startled by the claim of her very best friend, she re-accessed her whole life and bitterly figured out that he was right. And something must be fixed, she decided.

Soon after the fight, she started a Fanpage on Facebook for her favorite fiction novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians Fanpage VN). This was the first step for her to connect with someone other than classmates and teachers. She learned how to get out of her own shelf and dealing with real life situations. First she struggled to communicate, first with those sharing the same interest, then with colleagues and audiences of the page. And as soon as she was able to gradually persuade one of the most single-minded team member, she realize that there are some inner abilities within her that need releasing.

While running the page, she wished to open a book fund, but due to lack of resources, both material and human, the plan was left unfinished. That was when she found out about Book Youth Project. The idea of an organization providing books for unfortunate children and spreading the love for books among youngsters fascinated her. With a wide and proud smile, she revealed that she attend BYP in 2014 when it was just a newborn NPO. The first event was then in planning process with just 12 members, and no official board positions whatsoever. BYP was run with pure passion of youth. 150 books and packages of milk were raised for SOS Children’s Village in this first operation. But more than anyone, Yen Nhi knew that she had taken one giant step outside of her box.

Books - more than just a hobby

Yen Nhi’s favorite book, and also the book that significantly influenced her point of view and behavior, is ‘How to win Friends and influence people’ by Dale Carnegie. This book also associated with a milestone in her time working with Book Youth Project. “I had a major fight with the Head of PR, which made me nearly quit BYP”, she laughed, “Yes, my life includes many memorable quarrels.” They had a huge dispute over a project. Both felt disrespected and let anger run in their words.

He eyes widened with excitement: “We decided to settle down, talked really maturely instead of shouting at each other. If it had not been for what I read and applied in Dale’s book, about how to deal with situations like that, I would have quit the most important thing of my life and lose a great teammate.” Taking a sip to catch her breath, she smiled: “Book does change life. And we want Book Youth Project to have the same effect on the children we help, just as what I have experienced myself.”

Evolution of an introvert

Yen Nhi’s love and dedication to BYP clearly reflected in her every expression. She recalled the early days of the project, while she was still inexperienced and shy, all she tried to do was to keep the members committed to Book Youth. Every week there is an evaluation among all members for the team to stay connected, as well as to make sure that every idea is valued. She said being an introvert herself, it is very hard to raise voice, therefore when Nhi is in charge, she offer chances for members to open up and freely contribute their utmost to BYP.

“BYP is still in a work in progress, we don’t have any patronization. But now each day waking up, I no longer bother with daily routine. I have purpose to work and I put my entire faith in BYP. And the best thing is I am no longer live in the box.”