GRIP, Internships Abroad A Letter to Phenikaa MaaS

GRIP: Sustainable Development in Ho Chi Minh City

Dear Phenikaa Maas,

I hope you are well. I miss each and every one of you so dearly while I’m back across the world in America. I’ve had some time to reflect on my experiences and wanted to write this letter to thank you for the life-changing experience you provided me.

Ambition, Compassion, and Silliness are the three words that I often use to describe what working for Phenikaa MaaS was like. On a day-to-day basis, I was given nothing but love and empathy despite the cultural differences as well as the mentorship to continue to strive to perform well in my position and grow in my professional skills. Days could go from entering into urgent meetings to figure out the best way to approach an ongoing partnership proposal to playing foosball on our break time and laughing about how badly I just screwed up (I scored in my own goal many times).

While I never perfected my skills in foosball and am likely still within the bottom percentile of players in the office, I was still constantly supported and encouraged by each and every one of you to keep trying and to engage in such a pivotal part of the Phenikaa MaaS work culture. In addition to this, your constant longing to have us learn about Vietnamese terms (thank you for the personal language session Danh), Vietnamese foods, and other cultural traditions will always remain engraved into my memories.

While my inexperience in professional work provided many difficulties in trying to catch up and learn how to best succeed in my work responsibilities, I appreciated the opportunity to be put under such tremendous pressure as it truly allowed me to thrive and grow exponentially under such a short amount of time. This was possible due to the abundance of guidance from each and everyone of you all but especially from Ms. Bich Nguyen. Truly one of the most inspirational and caring role models I will ever have. I could not have asked for a better mentor and guide throughout my two months. Ms. Bich often referred to me and my fellow interns as her “kids,” and I am truly grateful and am currently missing my “mom” and the rest of my Phenikaa MaaS family right now.

It’s been difficult coming back to America knowing that my time with you all is over, but the memories and bonds I shared with each and everyone of you are everlasting. I hope I get to visit you all soon. I love you all.

Warmest Regards,

Mario Paez
A.K.A. Your Favorite Intern ;)