Letter not sent to father

I will tell you, Dad… About a sunny school

My loving father!

Your daughter has been studying away from home for nearly 4 years, and now she suddenly writes a letter home. You must be very surprised. Every two or three days, you call to hear her voice to reassure yourself that your daughter is okay. But Dad, there are emotions that cannot be expressed over the phone; there are worries that are difficult to express even when we meet in person. Although I know you are very busy, I hope you will take a leisurely morning and patiently read this letter in its entirety because these are the thoughts I have kept in my heart for so long.

Surely you still remember, in the last days of my 12th grade year, the whole family was busy with me choosing a school. You never said anything harsh to me, but we argued a lot. You wanted me to pursue the police force - continuing the family tradition or pursue the finance - banking industry which was "hot" at that time so that I could easily find a job after graduation. I - who studied in the A group for 3 years in high school - insisted on taking the entrance exam to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. The first time I heard the name of the school, I was filled with a burning desire to study here. I only knew the school through a short summary in the book "Researching Universities" but I was strangely attracted. In the end, after too much pressure and stress, I had to reluctantly take the entrance exam to study economics.

At the age of 18, I once dreamed of a Humanities like that…

Then I set foot in Hanoi, trying to force myself to love economics. But the more I studied, the more frustrated I felt, I only went to school according to the arrangement, indifferent to knowledge. While wandering to find something truly meaningful for myself, I came to the Sejong Korean Language Center located at the Humanities School. It was here that I met a special teacher who changed my life. The inspiration that the teacher conveyed helped me realize my true passion. I love languages, Dad. Every evening when I step foot in the Humanities School, I feel like I'm entering another world, incredibly beautiful. The dream of years ago, which seemed to have fallen asleep, suddenly awakens.

I have been to… such a Humanity…

I thought for months, put my results at my old school on hold to have time to experience life. When I earned my first money with my passion, I decided to apply to the school I always dreamed of. While working, I also took the opportunity to review general knowledge, sometimes it was hard but clearly felt that I was getting closer to my dream, so I tried harder.

With strong faith and love, I have overcome many difficulties and challenges to officially become a student of the Faculty of Humanities. On the first day of school, my heart was strangely moved. I was as excited and moved as a child entering first grade. The same corner of the yard and the sky that I used to visit years ago are now really my school? This reality is even more beautiful than a dream. Every day in class is a happy day with so many new things. I learned History, not simply events but an objective multi-dimensional approach, stories that seem far away but the lessons are still relevant to the times. I learned Vietnamese culture, and saw my country in all its many forms through both "endless time and immense space". I learned my national language, which seemed so familiar but had many surprising new discoveries.

I see myself changing little by little. I love the land I live in more, understand more the culture that raised me, love more the language I speak every day. And... The most wonderful thing is that I love myself more. Since becoming a Nhân Văn girl, I find myself more gentle and delicate. I know how to live with passion and ambition. I look at life with more affection and love. Every word I say, every action I do, I am conscious of being worthy of the two words Nhân Văn.

I loved a Humanity like that…

I love the school tinged with sunshine and the dust of time - 60 years of persistent development and progress with the country.

I love the school imbued with the essence of knowledge and culture. It is that school that taught me how to be a human being.

As I write these lines, I am not a senior student in finance and banking as my parents expected, but a first-year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. This is the bravest choice of my life, something I believe in and am willing to pursue to the end. It may be a few years later than others, but I am confident that what I have learned is invaluable.

Thank you for patiently reading this letter to the end. You must be angry because I kept the truth hidden for so long. I am truly sorry, I just wanted to walk firmly before confessing. There are things that are difficult to understand, so I just hope you will accept my choice.

Dad is always a grateful and respectful son. Love you dad.

Daughter of Humanity