Marigold - The most wonderful thing

My first time participating in the Green Summer program was a trip that was neither too long nor too short, but enough to leave me with many memories—joyful, sad, happy, angry, and even frustrating. It also gave me many experiences, friendships, brotherhood, and, even more importantly, a sense of family.

"Green Summer"—I've heard those three words many times, but I've never experienced it. From the very first days I stepped through the gates of university, I was determined to participate in the Green Summer campaign organized by the school. When I decided to join, I was very worried and anxious, wondering if I could do it, but partly I wanted to change myself, to live a more active life, a true student life. Part of me wanted to tell my parents that:

"You're all grown up now and capable of doing many things."

Before starting our volunteer trip, our team spent four days living and socializing together at the Me Tri Dormitory. This was a wonderful arrangement by our team leader, Nguyen Vo Hoai Nam, as she wanted us to gradually get used to communal living and get to know our teammates before the trip, so we wouldn't feel awkward or unfamiliar on our first day of volunteering. Those four days at the dormitory were filled with joy and laughter. We not only had fun, but also practiced songs and Flashmob dances together, getting ready for our first volunteer trip as university students.

I remember that night before we left so clearly. My roommates and I couldn't sleep; we were so nervous. I started imagining what would happen on our trip. We lay there chatting, humming songs about youth, and gradually drifted off to sleep.

The early morning was sunny and beautiful, just like my mood at the time. I was dressed in my youth union uniform, gathering at the school for the mobilization ceremony. The bus rolled along and stopped at a strangely peaceful place: Van Tho Commune, Dai Tu District, Thai Nguyen Province.

Upon arriving in Van Tho commune, I felt a little tired. Our car stopped at the gate of the People's Committee office, and I had a strange feeling. Looking around, I sensed that the scenery here was truly peaceful, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of where I live.

On the first day, we, the team members, met and got acquainted with the elders, aunts, uncles, and older siblings in the commune, then returned to the families we had assigned to stay with for the rest of the volunteer trip. At night, I couldn't fall asleep, probably because I was in an unfamiliar place. But that was only one night. The following nights, I slept soundly without needing anyone to lull me to sleep, for a very simple reason: I was completely exhausted from being in the sun all day. I've never experienced such a mix of joy and exhaustion before!

One day… one night, two days… two nights, three days… three nights… as the final nights approached, I felt increasingly sad thinking about having to say goodbye to Van Tho and the days and nights that followed, when we would no longer work and have fun together. My mood just kept getting worse.

Then, as fate would have it, the days of volunteering began to pass quietly like a breeze, and when that breeze passed, it left behind the most lasting impressions in the hearts of those who experienced it.

Twelve days passed quickly, and I was able to return to my family, but there was more sadness than joy. I miss the feeling of gathering every night, the alarm clock every morning, the hard work in the villages with innocent smiles, the scenes of my team eating together, the simple meals, the fun jokes during each meal… I also miss the sweat in the hot weather, the nights of singing and dancing, and the nights lying on the floor yet still sleeping soundly. I miss the warm smiles and affectionate words of concern from the people of Van Tho commune. I miss the innocent, naive smiles of the children in each village we visited.

The memories feel like they happened just yesterday. Even after returning home, I still have those same habits: I can't sleep peacefully at lunchtime for fear of being late for work, and at night I miss the infectious laughter of the children during those get-togethers. I miss them so much, so much, more than anything that has passed!

I especially remember the lunchtimes we spent together chatting and preparing for the evening cultural exchange program in the villages. Oh, and don't forget the scene of sharing every morsel of rice and slice of meat – how heartwarming it was. I also remember the injuries you sustained while working; I know you were in pain, but I could feel the joy and happiness in your eyes and smiles because you had everyone by your side when you were sick – that warmed our hearts even more. I also remember the evenings when the whole team sang and had fun together.

I fondly remember the warm, affectionate calls and the hearty laughter of the Van Tho Family.

Thank you, my Van Tho family. Thank you for your care when I was sick, thank you for your reminders when I was lacking, thank you for the moments of anger that helped us understand each other better, thank you for being friends, thank you for the warm moments that made me feel that true happiness is here…

Now life is gradually returning to normal, gradually settling into its routine, but I will never forget this summer—the most meaningful, memorable, and unforgettable summer of all.

Dear Van Tho family, let's live happily, always stay in touch, and see you next summer when we'll stand side-by-side again to do many meaningful things. Like you, I am always proud to be a dynamic, creative, and studious student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, always working my hardest!

"The joy of being together makes all worries and sorrows disappear quickly."

Those moments together passed so quickly, leaving me speechless with emotion.

Overwhelmed with happiness, the song expresses gratitude for love and for bringing us together in moments that will last forever.