Anton D.
Dang Dinh Anh Tuan
Marie Curie Science Club, Hanoi University of Education (HNUE)
Marie Curie Science Club, Hanoi University of Education (HNUE)
In the summer of 2023, right after completing my high school entrance exam, I took on a role that deeply shaped my perspective as both a student and a mentor. For two months, from July to August, I worked as a STEM-Physics Teaching Assistant for the Marie Curie Science Club at the Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE).
This was far more than just a volunteer experience. As someone who has always been passionate about Physics, I saw this opportunity as a way to both deepen my subject knowledge and share that passion with younger students. I collaborated with lecturers from the university and college students in the Department of Physics, helping them design and deliver hands-on STEM lessons for curious and eager middle schoolers.
In the summer of 2023, right after completing my high school entrance exam, I took on a role that deeply shaped my perspective as both a student and a mentor. For two months, from July to August, I worked as a STEM-Physics Teaching Assistant for the Marie Curie Science Club at the Hanoi National University of Education (HNUE).
This was far more than just a volunteer experience. As someone who has always been passionate about Physics, I saw this opportunity as a way to both deepen my subject knowledge and share that passion with younger students. I collaborated with lecturers from the university and college students in the Department of Physics, helping them design and deliver hands-on STEM lessons for curious and eager middle schoolers.
My role was multifaceted. I helped develop real-life learning modules that simulated physical phenomena—such as building an interactive model of the solar system to demonstrate planetary motion. These weren’t just static displays—they were built to help children see, touch, and engage with the physics they were learning. I also participated in designing games, quizzes, and review materials to make lessons more interactive and fun.
Outside the classroom, I took on additional responsibilities like grading tests, checking students in, and making sure the materials were ready and the class environment was supportive. Every task, no matter how small, contributed to a smooth and enriching experience for the kids—and I gave it my all.
My role was multifaceted. I helped develop real-life learning modules that simulated physical phenomena—such as building an interactive model of the solar system to demonstrate planetary motion. These weren’t just static displays—they were built to help children see, touch, and engage with the physics they were learning. I also participated in designing games, quizzes, and review materials to make lessons more interactive and fun.
Outside the classroom, I took on additional responsibilities like grading tests, checking students in, and making sure the materials were ready and the class environment was supportive. Every task, no matter how small, contributed to a smooth and enriching experience for the kids—and I gave it my all.
Standing beside those young students, answering their questions, and guiding them through building their own STEM projects reminded me of my early fascination with how the world works. It was incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow, to watch them go from “I don’t get this” to “I made this!” with pride and excitement in their eyes.
Standing beside those young students, answering their questions, and guiding them through building their own STEM projects reminded me of my early fascination with how the world works. It was incredibly rewarding to see their confidence grow, to watch them go from “I don’t get this” to “I made this!” with pride and excitement in their eyes.
This experience helped me grow not just as a physicist, but as a person. It reminded me that science isn’t just about formulas and theories—it’s about curiosity, connection, and the joy of discovery. And more importantly, that the most meaningful kind of learning happens when we lift others up along the way.
But it wasn’t always easy. I quickly learned that working with children requires more than knowledge—it demands patience, precision, creativity, and care. I had to adapt my explanations, stay encouraging even when things didn’t go as planned, and always be ready to jump in with support or a kind word.
This experience helped me grow not just as a physicist, but as a person. It reminded me that science isn’t just about formulas and theories—it’s about curiosity, connection, and the joy of discovery. And more importantly, that the most meaningful kind of learning happens when we lift others up along the way.
But it wasn’t always easy. I quickly learned that working with children requires more than knowledge—it demands patience, precision, creativity, and care. I had to adapt my explanations, stay encouraging even when things didn’t go as planned, and always be ready to jump in with support or a kind word.
