The admirable self-learning journey of an 82-year-old man.
Diep Thanh•October 1, 2025 11:10
The story of Mr. Dinh Trong Xoan (82 years old), residing in Block 5, Ha Huy Tap Street, Vinh Phu Ward, conveys the message: Regardless of age, if we still have passion and love for the community, we can continue to write our lives with good deeds.
"A new chapter" for teacher Xoan
Formerly a PhD lecturer at Hanoi University of Technology, in 1997, after deciding to settle in his hometown of Nghe An, Mr. Dinh Trong Xoan assumed the role of Deputy Director of the Nghe An Department of Industry. In 2003, Mr. Xoan retired. At that time, many people thought he would enjoy a leisurely life with his plants, friends, poetry, and other pursuits after years of dedicated service. But unlike others, instead of letting his brain "retire early," he opened a new chapter for himself in his retirement: learning to use a computer.
"After retiring, I was entrusted by the community with the responsibilities of Party Group Leader and Branch Association Chairman."Association for the Promotion of Learning"I was in grade 7 (formerly). The work wasn't strenuous, but sometimes I needed to create lists, draft documents, etc. To handle these tasks myself, I decided to invest in a computer and teach myself how to use it – starting with a course in office software," Mr. Xoan recalled.
Mr. Xoan participates in many community activities to contribute, work, and feel that he is living a meaningful life each day. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
At that time, computers were not as common as they are now, and computer training centers were still scarce. With diligence and hard work, the elderly student quickly mastered the computer and went on to learn more skills in using Word and Excel software to create documents, prepare estimates, and perform statistical analysis.
At the same time, thanks to his reputation and capabilities, he was invited to manage and estimate costs for a large brewery construction project in Vinh. During his work with foreign partners, he was amazed to see engineers able to create hundreds of designs in a single session. “That’s incredible! If I tried to draw by hand, I probably wouldn’t be able to finish even one design in a day! I have to learn!” – and so he took an AutoCAD course.
Throughout his years in charge of the project, from laying the first bricks to the successful assembly and commissioning of the factory, he earned the absolute trust and respect of both the investor and the construction partners. With his meticulousness, scientific approach, attention to detail, and precision, he even managed to get the German construction company to pay hundreds of millions of dong in fines for breach of contract – something no one thought possible.
Mr. Xoan is particularly dedicated to the work of the education promotion association, caring for the future generation. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
The project concluded with him being elected by the people to a new role – Secretary of the Party branch of the neighborhood. With his full dedication to community work and neighborhood affairs, and leveraging his prestige, he was continuously entrusted with many other roles: Head of the Front Committee of the neighborhood, Chairman of the Association of Retired Teachers of Ha Huy Tap ward (formerly), Vice Chairman of the Ward's Education Promotion Association, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association of Nghe An province… His scientific and modern working style has reformed the activities of the community and neighborhood, bringing about positive results.
He drafted and processed most of the documents, plans, reports, and papers himself on the computer. Every movement and activity of the group bore the mark of meticulous and scientific preparation, no less than that of a professional agency.
Before smartphones existed, Mr. Xoan bought a camera and learned to take pictures. Photography became a habit, and his photos have created a rich archive of images for the construction and development of the neighborhood and community organizations.
To boost everyone's spirits, he – who knew nothing about poetry – learned to write, and as he jokingly called himself, he created a "poetry hut" with poems celebrating birthdays, encouraging movements, and propaganda poems… Thanks to this, every neighborhood activity became more cohesive, warm, and joyful.
The mural street was built thanks to the efforts of Mr. Dinh Trong Xoan, who campaigned for its construction and implementation. (Photo courtesy of the artist)Mr. Xoan and his neighbors are beautifying the alleyways and streets. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
More than 10 years ago, Alley 23 on Hoang Van Thu Street (Vinh Phu Ward) was just a narrow, winding passage less than 2 meters wide, with only 14 households. But now, that alley has been transformed into a 4.1-meter-wide road with a standard drainage ditch, neat and tidy fences. Behind this "transformation" lies the exemplary efforts and persistent campaigning of Mr. Xoan. Not only Alley 23, but numerous other alleys around it have also undergone a significant change thanks to him: The fences are no longer uneven or cluttered with small advertisements, but instead feature vibrant murals; many haphazard garbage collection points have been eliminated, restoring cleanliness and civility; and more benches and trash cans have been added along the canal-side park...
Just live happily!
In late 2023, after a medical check-up, Mr. Xoan discovered he had a serious illness. The bad news caused panic and worry among those around him – those who loved him. He calmly went for another check-up in Hanoi, and upon returning, he decided against surgery, opting instead for medication with the attitude: "Continue to live happily!"
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"I want to keep my brain from freezing up." People of this age are not fit to be in the business world. Participate in ward-level activities To give the brain no rest That's a way to have fun. "Don't give your brain a rest to prolong your life."
Teacher Dinh Trong Xoan
He humorously shared, "I see illness as a loyal girlfriend. Even if I get old and ugly, that girlfriend still won't leave me." Mr. Xoan's optimism and positive attitude towards life earned the admiration of everyone, including his treating doctors. Perhaps it is thanks to this attitude that, at the age of 82, despite a serious illness, Mr. Xoan still maintains a quick, neat demeanor, a perpetually cheerful face, and a calm, composed voice.
Now, Mr. Xoan no longer holds as many positions as before. He only retains the role of Head of the Grade 5 Ha Huy Tap Education Promotion Association and Vice President of the Vietnam-Poland Friendship Association of Nghe An province. Every day, he maintains his habit of learning, working on his "old-fashioned" computer, playing volleyball, visiting people, and tending to his plants… When he has time, he participates in trips to satisfy his passion for travel and exploration. When needed, he still takes on the task of creating wall newspapers for the grade level, still writes poetry, and still keeps his mind active, so that each day is complete and meaningful.
Mr. Dinh Trong Xoan's spirit of learning and unwavering optimism have inspired everyone. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)
Commenting on the exemplary citizen in the ward, Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga Son - Standing Vice Chairman of the Fatherland Front Committee of Vinh Phu ward, and Chairman of the Women's Association of Vinh Phu ward, shared: "Although he is no longer standing at the podium, he is still 'teaching' lessons about responsibility, dedication, and attitude towards life... through his actions and way of life."
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