I used to believe that reminding others to be more considerate could help make our streets a better place. But one afternoon in Hanoi made me question that belief, and left me feeling shaken and powerless.

Hanoi is choking on traffic and smog. A simple, low-cost fix could save billions: two work-from-home days each week.

Everyone around me seemed to know what they loved. My classmates had clear hobbies: football, painting, playing music. But I didn't know what I liked, or what I wanted to become. I felt lost and empty.