Unsent letter 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, Dad. Every two or three days, you call, just to hear her voice to reassure yourself that she is okay. But Dad, there are feelings 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 a long time.

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 that day. You wanted me to study in the police force - continuing the family tradition or in 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 finally 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 around looking for something truly meaningful for myself, I came to the Sejong Korean Language Center located at the School of Humanities. It was here that I met a special teacher who changed my life. The inspiration that he imparted helped me realize my true passion. I love language, Dad. Every evening when I step foot in the School of Humanities, I feel like I'm entering another world, incredibly beautiful. The dream of years ago, which seemed to have fallen asleep, suddenly awakened.

I have been to… such a Humanity…

I thought for months, reserving my study results at my old school to have time to experience life. When I earned my first coins 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, there were times when it was hard, but clearly feeling that I was getting closer to my dream, I tried harder.

With strong faith and love, I overcame 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 were 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 seemed far away but the lessons were still relevant to the times. I learned Vietnamese culture, and saw my country in all its many forms through "endless time and immense space". I learned my national language, which seemed so familiar but had so many surprising new discoveries.

I see myself changing little by little. I love the land I live on 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 fell in love with a Humanist like that…

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

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

When I write these lines, I am not a senior student of finance and banking as my parents expected, but a first-year student of 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 telling you. 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