Tam Nguyen: My Remote Internship Journey at R.O.S.A.
My name is Tam Nguyen, and I’m a Digital Blog and Social Media Intern at R.O.S.A. Through this remote internship, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to the mission of empowering communities through education, digital literacy, and international collaboration. From researching and writing blog articles to creating videos and social media content, my work has allowed me to explore meaningful stories from different parts of the world while developing my creative and professional skills. But beyond the work itself, what makes this experience special to me is how closely R.O.S.A.’s mission connects with the interests and values that have shaped my journey over the years.
Where It All Began: Art as a Form of Awareness
My interest in social issues and nonprofit work began long before I joined R.O.S.A. In fact, it started in an unexpected place: my high school art classroom in Vietnam.
During my International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts studies, I became interested in exploring social issues through art, particularly childhood poverty, inequality, and the lack of protection for vulnerable children in rural areas.
One of my paintings, titled ‘Pity’, portrayed a young ethnic minority girl from Sapa, a mountainous region in northern Vietnam. Inspired by Edvard Munch’s expressive painting techniques, I used vivid colors, shadows, and textures to communicate the girl’s vulnerability and isolation. Through this piece, I wanted to draw attention to child exploitation and the difficulties faced by children growing up in disadvantaged communities. More importantly, I wanted viewers to look beyond the painting and consider the real stories and circumstances behind it.
From Awareness to Action: My First Steps in Nonprofit Work
As I continued exploring these themes through art, I became increasingly interested in understanding the lives of children facing poverty, exploitation, and limited access to education.
My research eventually introduced me to Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting vulnerable children in Vietnam, which inspired me to become involved in its work.
My passion for community engagement also led me to the Silver Lining Vietnam Project, where I had the opportunity to teach mathematics and English to fifth-grade students in rural Vietnam. Alongside my fellow volunteers, I participated in organizing interactive lessons covering subjects such as science, ICT, mathematics, and English.
Being in the classroom and interacting with students gave me a perspective that was different from researching social issues through artwork. It allowed me to experience community engagement firsthand and appreciate how sharing knowledge and creating positive learning experiences can make a difference, even in small ways.
Growing Through Collaboration
My interest in community engagement continued throughout university, where I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Savannah African Art Museum on an academic project.
Through other university projects involving real clients, I gained experience researching complex topics, communicating ideas, and presenting creative solutions. These experiences helped me recognize that creativity isn’t limited to art or design. It can also be a valuable tool for communication, problem-solving, and helping people understand different perspectives.
Finding a New Way to Contribute at R.O.S.A.
By the time I graduated, I had developed a deeper appreciation for how creativity, education, and community engagement can come together. I wanted to continue learning and exploring opportunities where I could apply these interests to meaningful work.
When I learned about R.O.S.A. and its international initiatives, I was particularly drawn to its commitment to education, digital literacy, and empowering communities through collaboration.
Having previously experienced nonprofit work through volunteering and community-based projects, I was excited to explore another way of contributing: digital storytelling. As a remote intern, my responsibilities include researching and writing weekly blog articles, developing video scripts, editing, and publishing video contents across R.O.S.A.’s social media platforms. Through these projects, I’ve become more confident using WordPress, CapCut, and social media publishing tools. Beyond the technical skills, I’ve also learned the importance of creating content that is informative, accessible, and engaging.
Working with Mariarosy Calleri has been an important part of this learning experience. Her guidance and constructive feedback have encouraged me to think more critically about how stories are presented, remain open to new ideas, and continually improve my work.
Connecting Across Borders Through People and Stories
One of the most rewarding aspects of my remote internship at R.O.S.A. has been meeting and collaborating with fellow interns from different parts of the world. Unlike my previous nonprofit experiences, which involved working directly with local communities, this internship has shown me how meaningful connections and teamwork can extend beyond geographical boundaries.
I’ve also gained a deeper understanding of global communities and different education systems. One particularly meaningful project has been the Training Teachers for Tomorrow (TTT) Academy in Zanzibar, which focuses on empowering educators through digital literacy and professional development. Having previously taught students in rural Vietnam, I found it especially interesting to explore education from another perspective: supporting teachers so they can create lasting opportunities within their own communities.
Beyond education, working on stories about mental health, community development, and social impact has encouraged me to look beyond my own experiences and approach unfamiliar topics with curiosity. Together with the opportunity to exchange ideas and learn from fellow interns, these experiences have made my time at R.O.S.A. both personally and professionally enriching.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Looking back on my journey, from exploring social issues through art to volunteering in classrooms and now contributing to R.O.S.A.’s international initiatives, I can see how these experiences have shaped my understanding of what it means to make a meaningful contribution.
My remote internship at R.O.S.A. has helped me grow professionally, but more importantly, it has allowed me to connect with people across cultures, broaden my understanding of global education, and contribute to a mission I genuinely believe in.
I’m grateful to Mariarosy and the entire R.O.S.A. team for their guidance, trust, and encouragement, and to my fellow interns for making this experience feel so connected and collaborative despite the physical distance between us.
Years ago, I used art to draw attention to stories I felt deserved to be seen. Today, through writing and digital storytelling at R.O.S.A., I’ve found another way to continue doing that.
“The medium may have changed, but my motivation remains the same: to keep learning, connecting with others, and using my creativity to contribute to something meaningful”.
— Tam Nguyen, Digital Blog and Social Media Intern at R.O.S.A.