Just do it

Mae Catibog

My supervisor and favorite colleague’s name is Mae Catibog. She is a young independent woman filled with passion for her work and a lot of kindness and desire to give back. Her official title is Research Manager, but it did not take long for me to notice her responsibilities far exceed her official job description. Despite only having lived in Vietnam for three years as she is a Filipino expat, she has quickly become the leader here at Axis Group behind the owners Mr. Minh and Mrs. Hoa. As for her schedule and day to day activities, ever day is different. As of late she has been working out the logistics of dealing with a very difficult client. She is constantly on the phone finding solution to the ridiculous request made by the new client.

My Team

It saddens me to say that my previous team of four including Mae, Amy, Ha and myself is no longer. The other intern, Ha has decided to leave Axis Group for another opportunity. She was Vietnamese but studied in New York. Ha was so kind and it saddens me to say the our team is now down to three.

My Role

I am so pleased with the work I have been assigned. A lot of the information regarding my projects is confidential but what I can confirm is that my work is meaningful, thought provoking and multidimensional. Now not all of my days are full of jam packed action as somedays I am still assigned tasked label as “work for an intern.” Regardless I am not complaining as I have said in previous Journal’s I am very happy with my placement.

Personal Experience

As for my most interesting personal experience in HCMC, I can not pin point one event or one aspect. Our first week we had a random pick up soccer match with Vietnamese locals. That was a lot of fun. The food in the city is better than advertised. It is incredible the kinds of meals you can have for such a low price. The hospitality of the people here in Vietnam is amazing. Everywhere I go I feel safe and Welcome. At every moment when I am struggling due to the language and cultural barriers as well as my general ignorance there is always someone willing to go above and beyond and offer a helping hand.  I HAVE SAID IT BEFORE AND I WILL SAY IT AGAIN. IF YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEND A SEMESTER ABROAD IN VIETNAM. DO IT !!!!