Third-year Journalism student from a shy boy to an enthusiastic Youth Union officer

Duong Ha Thanh is a 3rd year student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi.

"The fateful bus" brought Ha Thanh to the Union - Association

Duong Ha Thanh used to be a quiet student. He admitted that he was an introvert and always felt shy when communicating. “Back then, I was like a quiet shadow in class. When I got to class, I just sat quietly in a corner, and after school I went home. I rarely took the initiative to start a conversation or socialize with my friends,” Ha Thanh shared. Behind that silence, the young man admitted that it was the fear of being judged and the lack of confidence that had invisibly forced him into a lonely shell throughout his time in white shirts.

And then the real turning point came to Ha Thanh in grade 12, when a saying from Ms. Ngo Thi Yen (Secretary of the Youth Union of Nguyen Duc Canh High School) awakened him: "No matter where or when, you should stand out based on what you have."”.That heartfelt advice, along with the care and encouragement from teachers, helped the self-conscious student gradually break through his own limits.

Ha Thanh (far left) with her homeroom teacher and high school friends.

Upon entering the university, with a fresh spirit and confidence that had been cultivated, Ha Thanh boldly ran for the Executive Committee of the Association and was fortunately elected as a member of the K67 Journalism Association. From that moment on, the journey of maturity of this new student was closely linked to the work of the Youth Union - Association.

“Growing up” with constant contributions

Entering university, Duong Ha Thanh quickly adapted and made constant efforts to develop himself. From the initial position of Branch Member, he has continuously contributed, learned and gradually received the trust of teachers and seniors. Thanks to that, Ha Thanh has achieved impressive achievements from Branch Member, Branch President, Executive Committee Member of the Inter-Branch Association to currently being a Member of the Executive Committee of the Student Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Ha Thanh (holding flowers) was elected to the Executive Committee of the Student Association of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

For Ha Thanh, the journey of growing up with the Youth Union - Association is the most beautiful page in his student life. "From the first days of participating in organizing small programs in the faculty, I was guided by the hand, tried my hand at professional work and understood more deeply about the work of the Youth Union - Association", Ha Thanh shared. He affirmed that every experience, no matter how small, brings valuable lessons, not only in terms of work experience but also in terms of close and sincere feelings. In particular, witnessing the bright eyes of students when participating in the events he organized, along with the enthusiastic example of his seniors, has become an invaluable motivation for the young man to always strive to do his best.

Ha Thanh is a delegate attending the Congress of Youth Union of University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Burning youth with the "green shirt" journey

Not only stopping at the Youth Union - Association work, Duong Ha Thanh is also an extremely active volunteer. In just three years of study, he has participated in 7 major volunteer campaigns organized by the Youth Union - Student Association of the School and the Faculty with key roles, such as: Team Leader of the Lai Chau Warm Winter Volunteer Team 2024, Member of the USSH Warm Winter Team 2023, Green Summer Volunteer 2023, Warm Winter Volunteer to the Village 2022, and participating in the Organizing Committee of the SJC Wishmas volunteer program in 2022, 2023, 2024.

Ha Thanh (far right) participates in the Winter Warmth Volunteer Program 2022 in Nam Lanh commune, Sop Cop district, Son La province.

The volunteer trips wearing the green youth shirt have become the most beautiful memories of Ha Thanh's youth. "Those trips took me to lands that were still lacking in many ways, but were always filled with the warmth of human love," the young man shared with bright eyes. One of the most memorable memories was probably the "Warm Winter USSH 2023" program when Ha Thanh took on the role of a member of the Team Leadership Committee. He recounted:“It was the first time I played a key role in a volunteer team far away, everything was new and full of challenges. On the day of the actual volunteering in the local area, the weather was not favorable to our team, it rained for many days and the whole team almost encountered a landslide. But luckily, because the driver took the wrong route, we accidentally avoided danger. It was a memory that I will probably never forget for the rest of my life.”

Ha Thanh as Team Leader with members of the Lai Chau 2024 Winter Warmth Volunteer Student Team in Pa Vay Su commune, Phong Tho district, Lai Chau province.

From a shy student, Duong Ha Thanh has proven that youth is only truly brilliant when we dare to step out of our comfort zone. Every Youth Union - Association program, every volunteer trip becomes a memorable diary page, giving wings to the desire to contribute of this enthusiastic Journalism student. It is not only a stepping stone for Ha Thanh to grow up but also a living proof for a young generation that dares to think and dare to do. Thanh's story is like an affirmation: "When we courageously step out of our comfort zone, every challenge will become an opportunity to make youth more brilliant and meaningful."