Two Nghe An male students bring young aspirations and Vietnamese pride to America

This is an event organized by the US Embassy as part of activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of US-Vietnam diplomatic relations. The trip was carried by Nguyen Bao Phuc and Vu Duc Phap with many aspirations to introduce a youthful, resilient Vietnam rich in national cultural identity.

Be confident in yourself

3 months ago, the visit and work of the US Embassy toPhan Boi Chau High School for the Giftedleft a special impression on Nguyen Bao Phuc and Vu Duc Phap, two students in the school's language major. This was also the first time they learned about the "On Demand Youth Leadership Program" (ODYLP) sponsored by the US Embassy - a program that helps young people develop leadership skills and international exchanges.

After reading the information and learning that the program would give 14 students from specialized schools across the country the opportunity to experience 20 days in the United States to celebrate the 30th anniversary of US-Vietnam diplomacy, Phuc and Phap quietly submitted their applications. A month later, they received information that they had passed the qualifying round to enter the direct interview round. The result was beyond expectations, because this was a program that attracted a lot of students to participate and they were all capable students.

Vu Duc Phap said he was very happy when he received the notification letter from the US Embassy because he had previously sent his application and considered it a personal challenge, not hoping to win. However, preparing for this application was not easy, because in addition to a personal introduction, candidates had to write many essays on various topics such as about themselves, leadership skills, conflict resolution and projects to be implemented.

"While writing the essay, I told myself to stay true to myself. I described myself as a diverse person, who likes to go to new environments to experience, easily adapts, integrates, and transforms many different personalities to suit the environment I am in. In fact, to write the essays, I don't spend too much time finding ideas and building ideas. However, I spend a lot of time editing the essay, putting myself in the reader's perspective and asking myself whether this highlights my personality or not?", Vu Duc Phap shared.

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I think every program will look for the most suitable person, not the best. If
If I had to use two words to describe myself, I would choose diverse and adaptable. I am a person who enjoys cultural exchange, and I hope to participate in the program to have the opportunity to approach a new culture as well as improve my skills.

Student Vu Duc Phap

Unlike Vu Duc Phap, when writing an essay describing himself, Nguyen Bao Phuc chose two words: "resilient" and "compassionate".

Phuc also shared that he has always considered himself a rather shy student, so when he passed the entrance exam to Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, he wanted to change himself.

In my essay, I wrote about my participation in the “For Children’s Laughter” Project initiated by Phan School students. In this project, Phuc was assigned to be in charge of the finance department and learned how to take the lead in the process of fundraising. To be a leader, one does not necessarily have to be the most talented person, but one must be adaptable to all perspectives.

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In the face of every difficulty, I do not stop but keep learning to find other opportunities. I also have the habit of keeping a diary every day. Every person I have met, every experience will give me experience to behave.

Student Nguyen Bao Phuc

Messenger of Peace

Although he is only in grade 10, Vu Duc Phap has a long list of impressive achievements, having won the valedictorian title four times in the English Language Competition of Quynh Luu District. This male student also won the third prize in the provincial excellent student competition in grade 9 and has a large collection of awards in the Phu Dong Sports Festival, provincial and national sports competitions in swimming and badminton. Previously, Phap won the first prize in the English Challenge televised English competition in grade 5. Two years ago, Phap was also selected by Nghe An Provincial Youth Union to participate in the Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia Friendship Exchange Program.

With a wealth of experience, Phap said that he had prepared very well for the interview with the US Embassy. Phap even prepared 50 questions on different topics to be ready for any situation of the judges. With his ability to speak English fluently, Phap had almost no difficulty during the interview. The most surprising thing for Phap was that he only had 15 minutes to express himself and there were questions that were not in the script.

"In my answers, I always expressed my desire to go to the US to meet friends and introduce and promote the culture, country and people of Vietnam. The judges' questions also continuously revolved around this topic, including one question: "When you come to the US, what project will you bring to introduce your country?" This is a question I have not prepared, but then I thought of promoting Nghe An's Vi and Giam folk songs recognized by UNESCO and I myself have been nurtured in my love for folk songs by my grandmother and mother since I was a child," Vu Duc Phap shared.

There were no unexpected questions, but for Nguyen Bao Phuc, being interviewed was an opportunity for Phuc to share about his projects.

Before that, from the application round to the interview round, Phuc said that he may not be the most outstanding candidate, but he was confident because of the coherence in his performances. Phuc always paid attention to charity activities and to the less fortunate children.

This male student also hopes that if he can participate in the program, go out into the world and meet many other students, he will have the opportunity to implement projects that are useful to the community. This is also an opportunity for him to introduce to his friends the young people of Vietnam today who are always eager to learn, connect with people and integrate with the outside world.

In addition to the purpose of exchanging, connecting, and introducing culture, Nguyen Bao Phuc and Vu Duc Phap both expressed their pride in participating in the "Youth Leadership on Demand" Program on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of US-Vietnam diplomatic relations, a relationship that is opening a new page together for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development.

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During the war, Vietnam suffered a lot of damage, the previous generation sacrificed and traded a lot for peace and independence. But in the current context of globalization, I think there needs to be a connection between countries, continuing to build the foundation that our ancestors built. Vietnam is a country rich in tradition, but also very modern, absorbing the quintessence of humanity. And I hope to contribute a small part to the connection, healing, and integration with the outside world.

Student Vu Duc Phap