MANILA, Philippines — Miss Universe Vietnam H’hen Nie shared inspiration as she took part in a youth congress recently held in Naga City in Camarines Sur.
The beauty queen, whose life story has moved fans of the international pageant, expressed thanks for the warm welcome she has received in the Philippines.
In an Instagram post on Saturday, Feb. 2, she shared a photo of herself as she spoke in front of a big crowd at the youth congress.
She wrote, “I’m very honored and grateful to be here, to join Youth Congress of FPPFI [Francis Padua Papica Foundation Inc.] at which I could meet various students, potentials of future Philippines and share my stories.”
Nie also noted the significance of her past to the person she is today: “Without any part of my past, I wouldn’t be the person I am right now. I believe in the miracle of life, that if you truly believe, life will not give up on you.”
“Many people call me the Cinderella of Vietnam, but Cinderella has a fairy godmother to help her, while I created this miracle for myself,” she added.
She ended her post with a reminder that read, “Believe in yourself, always make the efforts, think positively, you would definitely achieve your dreams!”
READ: Miss Vietnam’s rise ‘from nothing’ continues to inspire fans after Miss Universe stint
Nie, who hails from the Rade ethnic minority, was born to a poor family in rural Vietnam. Her tribe requires marriage at age 14 but she rejected this tradition to pursue education while working as a domestic helper.
The 26-year-old Vietnamese beauty also advocates for girls’ literacy in Asia as the global ambassador of non-profit organization Room to Read.
In fact, she donated her entire cash prize worth more or less $43,000 from her Top 5 finish at the Miss Universe pageant to provide scholarships for poor students and complete her social project Room to Read.
READ: Miss Vietnam H’hen Nie gives entire cash prize to community activities
In a separate Instagram post on Sunday, she thanked the Philippines for its warm welcome before heading back to Vietnam.
“It’s time to say goodbye, Thank you so much Philippines, I will never forget your love and warm welcome, I love all of you,” she wrote.
Nie, who made history as the first representative from Vietnam who reached the Top 5 of Miss Universe, arrived in the country on Friday, Feb. 1. /cbb