In Vietnam, we have a saying: “Quý nhân phù trợ” — to be supported by benefactors. It means that in life, you are fortunate enough to meet people who help you, guide you, and shape you into who you become. They can be everyone, not really “benefactors” in the traditional sense, but everyone around you, who appear in your life at the right time and help you in the right way, regardless of whether they are older or younger than you, or stay with you for a long time or just a short time.

I’m very lucky. I have met many of those people in my life.

Family

When I was young, I loved playing games. Day and night, every free moment I had went into gaming. If there was no school, there was a game. If there was no homework — actually, even if there was — there was a game.

It was fun. But looking back, I was just drifting.

Then I met my wife at university.

She totally changed my life. Forever.

I learned so many things. I changed a lot — and I mean really changed. Some good, some… not so good. But overall, the direction shifted. The person I was becoming was no longer the kid glued to a screen all day.

The Colleague Who Was Younger — and Better

At work, I met a colleague younger than me. But this person was smart. Really smart. And more importantly, incredibly hard-working.

That hit me. Age means nothing. Experience means nothing — if you’re not putting in the effort. Watching someone younger outwork and outthink me was humbling. But it was also the push I needed. If they could do it, what was my excuse?

The Dreamers

Then I met people who were passionate about startups. They had this fire — this enthusiasm that was almost unreasonable. They talked about building things, solving problems, changing how things work. Not for money (not really haha). Not for titles. Because they genuinely believed they could make something meaningful.

Being around them made me realize: it’s okay to dream big. It’s okay to take risks. Not everyone will understand, but that’s fine. The energy of people who believe in what they’re building is contagious.

The Talented Ones With Great Attitude

Over the years, I’ve met many talented people. But the ones who left the deepest impression were not just skilled, they had great attitudes.

They were humble. They helped others without expecting anything in return. They celebrated other people’s wins. They gave honest feedback, not to show off, but because they cared.

Talent is common. Talent with a good heart is rare. And when you find those people, hold on to them.

The Haters

I also saw and met strangers. Not really met, but saw them on social media. They show me how the world out there really is. Someone hates other for no reason. Someone hates others because they are successful, they are happy, they are beautiful, they are rich, they are knowledgeable, … But some people are very supportive. They encourage others, teach, share, and help for no reason.

I think the way you react to others define who you are. If you see the positive side of others, then you learn from them, you have a benefactor in your life. If you are jealous, you just miss your chance to learn and grow.

Looking back, I realize that I didn’t become who I am on my own. Every person I met along the way left something with me: a lesson, a habit, a new way of thinking.

Quý nhân phù trợ. I am lucky. And I hope someday, I can be that person for someone else too.