"Humanism - The Sacred Thing"

Everyone is born with a problem.You have your own dreams. I did too; I dreamed a lot when I was a child. But then, as I became more mature, I realized how unrealistic those dreams were. Have you ever thought your dreams were ordinary or small compared to others? I never have, because everyone has their own dreams, which partly reflect the burning desires of their soul, so no one has the right to judge them as ordinary, not even you. There are only unrealistic and realistic dreams. But the limits of those dreams are very thin; they depend on you. I once dreamed, but I also destroyed them with my own hands right when they were still in their "conception." Looking back, I suffered and tormented myself for a long time. I deprived myself of the right to dream and retreated into my own shell, which I now think may have been a strong fortress imprisoning my soul, and only I could break it down. You know, I literally came back to life when I single-handedly shattered that stupid fortress. I was so lucky to rediscover my dream after it had died. People often say, "When one door closes, another opens. What you need to do is stop waiting for the closed door and find the one that's opening for you." I'm happy to realize that the life of a 15-year-old isn't closed off, not as dark as I had previously hypnotized myself into believing. Do you know what that new door opening before me is? A bright future where I discover I love something – something new for a middle school student. I learn about "university" – a somewhat unfamiliar concept to someone like me who's "autistic."

After entering high school, I decided to pursue the humanities/social sciences (Block D), a block that, in my opinion, included Literature – a subject where I could "talk nonsense" or "get carried away," even though I wasn't very good at it; English – my favorite subject – where I enjoyed immersing myself in structures, vocabulary, and heartfelt melodies; and Math – a rather challenging subject for me, but one I thought I could manage. But which school and what should I study? You probably thought the same thing when you were in 12th grade, only I thought about it earlier, right? I was different from before; no longer gloomy and withdrawn, but more talkative, more optimistic, and more self-loving. I loved creative freedom and hated constraints. And I once thought I would attend a school that was more socially oriented and free-spirited. And I chose the Faculty of Humanities. At that time, the Faculty of Humanities felt both familiar and strange to me. The university belongs to the National University of Hanoi, so I was afraid I wouldn't be strong enough to pass and pursue my dream. But I'm an ambitious person, so I made up my mind to pass, even if I had to retake the exam. After a mental transformation, I became very optimistic, but who can avoid anxiety when the university entrance exam – a new threshold in life – is approaching? I panicked subconsciously, but I never stopped hoping. I struggled in the chaotic mess of thoughts and tried to free myself from the black hole of my subconscious – where I had stayed for a considerable amount of time during my childhood. My parents and relatives offered me other choices. I wavered, I even wanted to give up my dream again. But after I gave it up, what would I gain? Would I be depressed or withdrawn, or would I force a smile despite the pain? No! I was afraid I would lose faith in myself, in the future. The Humanities department holds a huge place for me; it's gradually taking over a significant part of my heart. Sometimes I hypnotize myself into imagining myself as a Humanities student, happily going to school every day with pride and joy. And it seems that this vision is the greatest motivation that keeps me moving forward, even if it's a little risky.

And I got accepted into the school I've always dreamed of. Soon, I'll get to know and learn from new teachers, things that are completely different from before. I'll make new friends, become independent, gain new experiences, and of course, stumble along the way. I'm still overjoyed, even though I have to leave my parents to study far away – something I've never done before.

There were times when I suddenly cried because of intense homesickness and the shame of being in a foreign land. Could an 18-year-old girl from a small town like me be surrounded by life's temptations? I cried when I entered a crowd of strangers, stepping into a life where I was alone. How did I overcome that awkwardness? I was captivated by the lectures and stories in the teachers' classes. I was charmed by their enthusiasm and sincerity. I still felt insecure, but that gave way to a joyful acceptance of the new, the unfamiliar, and the diverse. The teachers were the ones who introduced me to my first life lessons. My friends were the ones who shared my loneliness while I was far from home. Thank you, Nhân Văn University, for igniting my dreams and helping me keep that flame of enthusiasm burning.

Right now, thinking about the Faculty of Humanities, it feels sacred. My love for the Faculty of Humanities has never diminished since the name entered my life. I feel incredibly fortunate to have entered this school, to have received knowledge and life lessons from the lecture halls that have become so familiar to me. The Faculty of Humanities is so dear and close. Whenever I have something difficult to share with my friend or whisper to my mother, I unconsciously go to school, sit under the cool green trees, and there's something here that soothes my soul. My sadness bids me farewell. The Faculty of Humanities has truly become an important part of my life. It's not just a school where I study, but also a friend I can confide in, even without saying it out loud.

It's wonderful to find your passion, isn't it? But it's even more amazing when you let that passion enter your life and let it shine. Are you currently pursuing your own dream, or are you living for someone else's? Have you ever, like me, given up on your childhood dreams, only to torment yourself and live forever in the past? If so, think again, slowly. You'll see that sometimes in life, we have to let go to pursue what truly belongs to us. Remember that!

That's my "Humanism." And you? Close your eyes and look in some deep corner of your heart; you'll find a beautiful light, even if it's weak. Do you know why? Because it hasn't been lit yet.