"Because life is a series of...wanderings."

The last days of July bring both sunshine and rain…

I miss Hanoi!

That place is perhaps something special: first, it's the destination of dreams; then, it's the place of friends and soulmates; memories, love… and journeys. It has the fragrant, chewy sticky rice cakes and bananas; the sweet, gentle autumn with its straight, golden roads; and… my humanity.

Listen to me tell you about one piece of the puzzle called "Humanity within me"...

The volunteer trip is far from over, yet I'm already lingering on the past, regretting moments that weren't fully realized, missing the people who are still appearing before me every day, and striving to make the most of the remaining few months filled with lovely and happy experiences.

Being away from home for an extended period with a group of strangers for the first time, I was worried about a journey where I wouldn't be myself, wouldn't be fun, and wouldn't have any memories. I'm a bold and confident person, but at that time, there were moments when I wanted to withdraw into myself and be part of this group. Now I realize how foolish I was! Now I wish I could stay longer, I wish I had more time to experience more with those strangers…

I remember vividly how we bonded after just our second meeting. Thirty-four people – thirty-four personalities, with so many different goals and ideals when we decided to volunteer, but we understood that this would surely become a second family when we were away from home and the people who would create memories when we returned. Experiencing things together, listening to stories from different regions, cooking and eating meals together, caring for each other from socks to bathing and washing... we gradually learned empathy, sharing, living and behaving in a group, and understanding each other.

Twelve days may never be enough for a true friendship, but perhaps it was enough to give many friendships a chance to blossom. Precious, lovely moments are only truly appreciated after they've passed, but that's what we shared throughout this memorable journey. I cherish and feel valued in my life.

For me, the volunteer trip to Van Tho was not only about fulfilling my desire to engage in charitable activities and showcasing the image of friendly, proactive, and talented students from the Faculty of Humanities to the local people, but also a significant step in my life – a step towards maturity. I matured through the small things my friends did for me, from their words of encouragement and reminders, and through those moments of wholeheartedly enjoying myself and forgetting my responsibilities... I've grown up!

Growing up is inevitable for everyone. We just hope to be old enough to still be carefree about life, to still know how to laugh, and to still cherish the little moments...

Grow up so that your heart is no longer selfish, open your heart to love your fellow countrymen, and love even those lands that are still unfamiliar...

Growing up means protecting and nurturing the dreams and aspirations of those around us.

Thank you, Humanities University, for giving me a piece of the puzzle full of colors, sounds, and flavors. The trip truly revealed a very different me – more positive, more loving, full of life, mature, and strong.

Thank you for the trip, thank you to my friends and to myself. It was wonderful that we were together!

Love!