Duong Ha Thanh is a familiar face in the activities of the Youth Union and Student Association at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.
"The fateful journey" brought Hanoi to the Youth Union and Associations.Duong Ha Thanh had a rather quiet period as a student. He describes himself as an introvert, always feeling hesitant when interacting with others. “Back then, I was like a silent shadow in class. I would just sit quietly in a corner, and go home after school. I rarely initiated conversations or socialized with my friends,” Ha Thanh shared. Behind that quietness, the young man admits that the fear of being judged and a lack of self-confidence had invisibly trapped him in a shell of solitude throughout his school years.
And then the real turning point came for Ha Thanh in his senior year of high school, when a remark from Ms. Ngo Thi Yen (Secretary of the Youth Union at Nguyen Duc Canh High School) awakened him: "No matter where you are or what time it is, you should always stand out based on what you have." That heartfelt advice, along with the care and encouragement from his teachers, helped the once insecure student gradually break through his own limitations.
Ha Thanh (far left) with her homeroom teacher and high school classmates.
Upon entering university, with a fresh spirit and cultivated confidence, Ha Thanh boldly ran for the Executive Committee of the Student Union and was fortunate enough to be elected as a member of the K67 Journalism Student Union. From that moment on, the journey of this freshman's growth has been closely intertwined with the work of the Youth Union and Student Association.
Growing up alongside unwavering dedication.Upon entering university, Duong Ha Thanh quickly adapted and strived tirelessly to develop himself. Starting as a Branch Committee member, he continuously dedicated himself to learning and gradually earned the trust of his professors and senior students. As a result, Ha Thanh achieved impressive accomplishments, progressing from Branch Committee member, Branch President, Executive Committee member of the Student Union, to his current position as Executive Committee member of the Student Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Ha Thanh was elected to the Executive Committee of the Student Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
For Ha Thanh, the journey of growing up with the Youth Union and Student Association is the most beautiful chapter in his student life. “From the early days of organizing small programs in the faculty, I received hands-on guidance, had the opportunity to test my skills in professional work, and gained a deeper understanding of Youth Union and Student Association activities,” Ha Thanh shared. He affirmed that every experience, no matter how small, brought valuable lessons, not only in terms of work experience but also in terms of genuine and heartfelt bonds. In particular, witnessing the radiant eyes of the students participating in the events he organized, along with the enthusiastic examples from his seniors, became invaluable motivation for the young man to always strive his best.
Ha Thanh is a delegate attending the Congress of the Youth Union of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
A passionate youth filled with journeys in "blue uniforms".Beyond his involvement in student union activities, Duong Ha Thanh is also an extremely active volunteer. In just three years of study, he participated in 7 major volunteer campaigns organized by the University's Youth Union and Student Association and the faculty in key roles, including: Team Leader of the Lai Chau Winter Volunteer Team 2024, Member of the USSH Winter Volunteer Team 2023, Summer Volunteer 2023, Winter Volunteer in the Village 2022, and participation in the Organizing Committee of the SJC Wishmas volunteer program in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Ha Thanh participated in the "Warm Winter in the Village 2022" volunteer program in Nam Lanh commune, Sop Cop district, Son La province.
The volunteer trips, wearing the youth volunteer uniform, have become some of the most beautiful memories of Ha Thanh's youth. "Those trips took me to places that, although lacking in many resources, were always full of warmth and human kindness," the young man shared with a radiant look in his eyes. One of the most memorable experiences was perhaps the "USSH Winter Warmth Program 2023," where Ha Thanh served as a member of the Team Leadership Committee. He recounted: "That was the first time I held a key role in a remote volunteer team; everything was new and challenging. On the day of the field trip, the weather was uncooperative, with heavy rain for several days, and the team almost encountered a landslide. Luckily, the driver took a wrong turn, and we unintentionally avoided danger. That's a memory I'll never forget."
Ha Thanh, as the team leader, along with the members of the Lai Chau 2024 Winter Volunteer Student Team, visited Pa Vay Su commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.
From a once shy student, Duong Ha Thanh has proven that youth truly shines when we dare to step out of our comfort zone. Each Youth Union and Student Association program, each volunteer trip, has become a memorable diary entry, fueling the aspirations of this passionate journalism student to contribute. These are not only stepping stones for Ha Thanh's growth but also a vivid testament to a generation of young people who dare to think and dare to act. Thanh's story affirms: "When we bravely step out of our comfort zone, every challenge becomes an opportunity to make our youth even more vibrant and meaningful."
Vietnam Student Newspaper: A third-year journalism student transforms from a shy young man into an enthusiastic youth union and student association officer.
