Traveling to Vietnam was a completely different experience from living in the US. Before going, I expected a lot of cultural differences, but actually being there made me realize how unique everyday life is. From the crowded streets to the food and the way people interacted, Vietnam felt exciting and unfamiliar in a way that made the trip memorable.
One of the first things I noticed was how busy and alive everything felt. The streets were packed with motorbikes, small shops, and food stands almost everywhere I looked. In the United States, especially in suburban areas, things usually feel quieter and more spread out. Vietnam felt much more connected because people were always outside talking, eating, or working together.
Another big difference was the food and the sense of community. In Vietnam, meals felt fresher and more traditional, with lots of rice, seafood, and herbs. Trying street food was one of the best parts of the trip because it felt authentic and showed a different side of the culture. I also noticed that families seemed very close, and people spent more time together in public spaces than what I usually see in America.
Visiting Vietnam changed the way I looked at other cultures. Even though life there was very different from what I’m used to. The people were welcoming, and the country had a strong sense of energy and tradition. The trip showed me that experiencing another country in person teaches you much more than reading about it online or seeing it in videos.
Volunteering in Vietnam was one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve ever had. During my time there, I spent time with children at an orphanage, playing games with them, showing them my phone, and simply being someone they could laugh with and have fun. Even though many of the children had difficult backgrounds, they were still full of energy. I also helped support cancer patients by handing out meals to them in the hospital. Some patients were going through very difficult times and did not look well at all, yet they remained very strong and grateful.
What I observed most was how much a simple gesture could mean to someone. Whether it was sharing a meal, having a conversation, or just being there, I saw how important human connection is. Before this volunteer work, I took many things for granted. Seeing the challenges these children and patients faced changed my perspective. It made me more grateful and more aware of the struggles many people face every day. After this experience, I want to be able to help others more often, and I know that being kind can have a big impact on someone’s life.
About the Author
Preston J. Walls is the award-winning co-author of Bus Stop Buddies: The Showdown. He is a junior in high school and an honor student in the International Baccalaureate program in Washington. In his spare time, he loves hiking and exploring new terrain, climbing mountains, and traveling overseas. Preston also holds championship medals in Mixed Martial Arts, Powerlifting, and American Football. He is also a foodie and is currently working on his baseball accolades. Preston is part of the proud Class of 2027 and plans to pursue an international teaching career.
Bus Stop Buddies: The Showdown is available on audiobook, ebook, paperback, and hardcover. Winner of three prestigious Bookfest Awards, this middle-grade auto-fiction book celebrates diversity and addresses bullying, friendship, and the courage to speak up.
