"There was a summer like that."

When we think of summer, we all think of trips and vacations after months of hard work and studying. And for me, my summer of 2015 was also a trip away, but it was more meaningful than ever. It was a volunteer trip to Van Tho commune.The volunteer trip to Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province, lasted 12 days and was organized by the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH). The trip wasn't too long or too short, but it left me with many memorable experiences and firsts.

This is the first time I've worn the blue volunteer shirt with the name of my university – the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – printed on it, representing the youthful energy of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, bringing that energy to Van Tho commune to participate in volunteer work. Through this, I feel proud to be a student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

It was also the first time I had left Hanoi for 12 days to go to a new place, a place full of unfamiliar things, so different from the bustling city. I remember the first time I arrived in Van Tho commune and went to the homestay where I and five other friends would be staying for the next 12 days. Everything seemed fine, except for one thing that I only accepted after two or three days: the toilet. It was the first time I had seen one firsthand; before that, I had only heard about it from my grandparents, and I was quite shocked. It wasn't a flush toilet, there was no light inside, and it was built quite simply.

Volunteering at Van Tho was also the first time I got to know, work with, and immerse myself in a team of 33 members, each with their own personality and character, but all sharing the same home: the Van Tho volunteer team led by Ms. Nguyen Vo Hoai Nam - a sister and mother figure who cares for the members, most of whom are first-year students like me.

That was also the first time I was given the responsibility of being the group leader of 8 students. At first, I was quite worried about whether I could complete the task because I had never participated in any activities or events at school before. However, after going to Van Tho and participating in volunteer activities and cultural and artistic exchanges in the villages with my group members, I realized that I was a pretty good group leader and organizer. And I also had members who were also my best companions throughout my volunteer journey in Van Tho. It's a beautiful memory that I will never forget. I want to thank Ms. Hoai Nam for letting me be the group leader, helping me discover more hidden abilities within myself that I probably wouldn't have discovered for a long time without this volunteer trip.

This was also the first time I stood in front of a crowd to sing, dance, and mingle with the local people. The image of me confidently expressing myself in front of a crowd is something I never imagined in the past 18 years.

Truly, the volunteer trip to Van Tho gave me so much. Van Tho showed me how warm and compassionate the people in the countryside are. It gave me members and friends to work with me there. It gave me friends who live with me at Ms. Van Ve's house, who are as close as sisters, people who understand me like soulmates, and we've named our group "Let Go." Thank you, "Let Go"—my good sisters.

Thank you, Van Tho, for giving me such wonderful memories this summer of 2015. I hope to see you again soon.