Journalist Phan Thi Thuy Lien: "A fire-resistant brick"

(Baonghean) - "The Fire-Resistant Brick," that's the title of a rather impressive article written more than 40 years ago by young reporter Phan Thi Thuy Lien when she first started working at the Nghe An Newspaper editorial office. I borrowed that title to talk about its author, a journalist, a teacher, and a beloved older sister to many generations of journalists in Nghe An over the past few decades.

It's certainly not wrong to say that journalist Thuy Lien, former Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper, is a "fire-resistant brick." "If we were to describe Ms. Thuy Lien using basic personality traits, they would be: diligence, dedication, perseverance, and courage," journalist Hoang Chinh remarked about his colleague and former female leader with whom he shared a long-standing relationship.

Comrade Phan Thị Thúy Liên, former Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper.

In 1973, at the age of 21, journalist Thuy Lien started working at Nghe An Newspaper. Initially, she worked as a reporter, sometimes also as an editor, and even did odd jobs like errand girl and makeup artist. “Those were difficult and arduous months, but also a vibrant and passionate period of youth. Then, with the affection and guidance of her seniors, coupled with a growing love for her profession, journalist Phan Thi Thuy Lien matured day by day to become an outstanding writer. Each stage of her journey is filled with countless memories of a diligent, hardworking, and selfless journalist. Back then, the office consisted of several rows of thatched houses in Phong Toan, Hung Dung. The communal meals consisted of two portions of corn, but she still stayed overnight, meticulously copying edited articles before sending them to the printer. She endured hunger and cold while working in the field, striving to write articles on time for the editorial office. “Once, I went to a meeting summarizing the fish and salt industry in Cua Lo with reporter Xuan Huong. The two of us rode together on an old bicycle.” On the way back, it was dark, the road was sandy, and the tire was flat, yet Huong still insisted: "Stay still, if you get off, the bike will be even heavier!" I remember, when talking about journalism, journalist Duong Xuan Huong jokingly said: "Reporters of the provincial newspaper/Cycling all over the roads, near and far..." - the former editor-in-chief recalled.

From a young college graduate to a seasoned writer, then married and had two children… All the joys and sorrows, the private lives of journalist Thúy Liên, were intertwined with her small newsroom. In those days, she mostly ate at the office, especially after her husband went abroad for ten years. During Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, her two young children would accompany her to the newsroom for night shifts, becoming regular customers at Mrs. Lý's noodle shop. Then, they would trudge along behind her on the way home. In those days, carrying her children home across the windy night railway tracks, the mother, after a tiring day of work, still felt a chill. However, her resilience, her maternal instinct for love and protection, and the strong character honed through journalism helped her overcome everything, including the difficult times when her son was ill for many years.

From 1993 until 2007, journalist Thuy Lien served as Deputy Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Secretary of Nghe An Newspaper. During this period, the Secretariat was a close-knit team, always filled with laughter. Everyone often joked that they were "living in the temple of Lady Lien," and frequently called their female leader "Mother." "Mother Lien has gone to a meeting." "Oh, Mother Lien is back to give out candy!" "Good children / Open the door quickly / Mother has come home…" At the end of the year, the editorial office would have a humorous poem: "This year the editorial office has many rhymes with 'ien' / Ten years of assisting Mother Lien / Mr. Chinh, don't worry about not having enough money to buy a motorbike / Borrow a few million and you'll have it right away" (this refers to the time when journalist Hoang Chinh - editor of the Secretariat - intended to buy a motorbike. At that time, the Editor-in-Chief was journalist Thanh Tien, the Deputy Editor-in-Chief was journalist Van Hien, and journalist Thuy Lien, hence the phrase "many rhymes with 'ien'"). Journalist Thuy Lien's quiet dedication, commitment, and sense of responsibility were recognized and appreciated when she was promoted to Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper in 2003. As a leader and manager, she was praised for prioritizing integrity and possessing a keen eye for talent. She saw the glimmer of potential in her young colleagues, nurtured and cultivated it, helping it to shine. She was instrumental in discovering and developing several talents, who later made significant contributions to the development of Nghe An Newspaper. A united team that valued young people, whose writings left a strong mark on the journalistic community, and who spoke out for change—but in a way that fostered a better life—this is the hallmark of Phan Thi Thuy Lien, the first female Editor-in-Chief of Nghe An Newspaper.

Knowing we had come hoping to write something about a former journalist, Ms. Thuy Lien declined, saying, "I have nothing to write about! To be honest, looking at Nghe An newspaper now, you guys have made so much progress, while I've only accomplished so little, so mentioning it again... I'm too embarrassed. There are many things I regret." Then, she confided her concerns about her profession. After retiring (2007), she returned to work as the Party branch secretary of Block 11 (Cua Nam Ward - Vinh City), but she still reads Nghe An newspaper every day. Though far from the editorial office, the newspaper has become a part of her very being, she said with emotion and pride.

Thuy Vinh