Thank you for my life.

Dear beloved parents!

The weather lately has been so unpleasant and tiring. The feeling of being far from home and getting sick without my parents' care, even though it's been almost five years, still makes me miss them terribly. That's just what I think, but every time I feel that way, I call Mom or text Dad, telling him everything that's happening here – in this capital city – to ease my longing. In this damp, rainy, and chilly weather, I want to write something – a diary of almost two years since I came to Hanoi.

Sometimes, in my free time, I sit and think about all sorts of things in life, about what I hear and see every day. I remember how much my father struggled to choose a school at the end of high school, and now I'm happy with that decision. I still remember when I was little, before I knew what I wanted to study, my father guided me towards math, physics, and chemistry. But his stubborn daughter chose subjects he didn't like, and then I applied and took the entrance exam for the History specialization on my own. Although he didn't show it, I knew he wasn't very happy. Then I got accepted, and thinking back, he was even more nervous than I was when he saw my results. I officially left home, and I was just a "guest" as my father jokingly called me whenever I came to visit. In 12th grade, I won an award in the student excellence competition, and my father advised me to study education. Once again, our opinions clashed. Sometimes I chose Law, sometimes Journalism and Communication, causing my father so much worry. But one day I came across the name of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - VNU Hanoi, so I photocopied the documents and asked for your opinion, Dad. Do you remember what you said then? I still remember it vividly: "With your personality, I think this is the most suitable place for you." Actually, my grandmother said my personality is already like yours. I decided to choose "Humanities".

It must have been a tough day for you and me to find the school in the rain, Dad, wasn't it? Even though you're familiar with Hanoi's streets, it still took you a while of asking around before we finally found my school. My daughter happily exclaimed, "There's my school, Dad!" Turning past the school, Dad nodded in approval.

It rained on my first day of school. But the joy of completing the procedures to become a student at the school I chose outweighed the unpleasant weather. I also easily found my room thanks to the volunteers. At that moment, I thought that next year I would definitely be like them: enthusiastic and friendly. Looking at the school as a whole after the rain, it wasn't too big, but perhaps that's why I felt more connected. It's good not to feel small in such a vast space and then feel lonely, isn't it, Dad? That day, I also made many friends from different provinces, including a few from my hometown. The feeling of asking about someone's hometown and then unexpectedly realizing they're from the same place was extraordinary, and I understand that love for one's hometown also stems from such small things.

The first class wasn't as stressful as I expected. Although the class size was quite large—compared to the twenty students in high school, I was in a much larger space with many more people—the lecturer's words overcame my initial apprehension. I calmed down and listened attentively—a different teaching style, but the enthusiasm in each lecture remained the same. I learned to listen and read more. The room was spacious but well-equipped, and the lively discussions were truly enjoyable and satisfying.

And so the first year passed, with its share of joys and sorrows. In the beginning, I often called my mother to confide in her, but gradually I found close friends to share my feelings with. My mother wasn't jealous; in fact, she was very happy when I showed her my father. Because I needed to be more independent. In my parents' loving hearts, I was still very young, still the child who used to be carried to the doctor's at night when I was sick. I wasn't much older than my younger sister Hai Anh, but I knew that one day I would have to earn money and support myself. Listening to the teachers' lectures and seeing the role models at school helped change my thinking. Studying in that environment, I learned not only knowledge but also, through observation, I learned much more than I initially thought. Every morning, I developed the habit of waking up earlier, going to school, and admiring the campus. But strangely, each day the image of the school seemed to become something special. Some days, I wondered why the school was so quiet. One day I saw it shining brightly and sparkling in the early summer sun. I also felt a pang of sadness when the sphere in the middle of the schoolyard, which I saw the day before, was gone. I remember hearing an older student say that the place where the sphere was located was a "sacred spot" of the school. The sphere was in the middle of a round pool of water that my friend had described as a "small pond," and I could never have imagined there would be a pond in the middle of the schoolyard. In reality, it was much more beautiful, Dad. It's a pity, but when it's gone, the schoolyard feels so much bigger. If it was a sacred place, then even if you remove the outside, it will still be there, right, Dad? And every evening after school, that area becomes the most vibrant part of the school, even after sunset. The lights illuminate the dance moves of the Rumbo team, along with the activities of other school clubs. My school is very active besides academics. Although I don't have a talent for participating in those activities, I still feel a sense of pride in them. If encouragement is needed, I'm ready to lead the way.

But the biggest thing that makes me feel satisfied and not regretful about studying at that school is that it's a truly academic institution. Both teachers and students are enthusiastic during lessons, exams are serious, and there are many talented students. It's truly the right environment for me, Dad. I learned how to work effectively in a team, where everyone works together and feels happy when recognized by teachers and classmates. Initially, it was really difficult and there were many unfamiliar things, but now I know and can apply this not only in my studies but also in my part-time job, which has helped me feel more confident. I feel so lucky to have chosen a school I love and to have stayed with for so long, even though sometimes I felt discouraged by the difficulties. That pride grows stronger every day as I witness the admirable qualities of the students.

Now that my second year at this school is almost over, I can still assure you, Dad, that I didn't choose the wrong school. I believe you believe that too, and you always hope that I will study and develop well at this school.

The weather is getting colder; perhaps the rain is bringing the monsoon. The weather may be harsh, but life ahead will be even more challenging. I will try my best to train hard and build the best possible foundation for the future. That was my promise when I entered university, and I am still keeping it. Parents, please stay healthy and continue to watch over me on my journey.

Your daughter loves you both very much!