Hello readers. My name is Dang Nguyen Thu An. I am 19 years old and currently a second-year fast-track student pursuing my degree in the Faculty of International Studies at Hanoi University.
Since turning eighteen, I have changed quite a lot. I have been stepping out of my comfort zone to try things I never imagined myself doing, just to make sure this journey of youth is full of passion and unforgettable moments. As my first bold step, joining the fast-track programme meant I had to self-study unfamiliar specialised subjects alongside older students. Another big decision I have made is to go on an exchange programme during my third year, so this summer camp is the perfect stepping stone to prepare for that long journey ahead.
When I was a little girl, my parents took me abroad quite a lot, but my memories of those places have faded. So this will be my first trip outside Vietnam since I became an adult. Thailand gives me a warm, familiar feeling because it has so much in common with Vietnam. Having experienced Thai culture and eaten plenty of Thai dishes, I have completely fallen in love with the country. When I first looked up Kasetsart University, what caught my attention immediately was its green, expansive campus and its dynamic student life. Seeing pictures of the tree-lined pathways and bustling campus courtyards made me incredibly excited, yet a little nervous at the same time.
By joining this summer camp, I hope to discover what I truly want to do after graduation. I want to become stronger and more confident in communication. I am also eager to exchange ideas and gain valuable insights at the camp. The prospect of debating and receiving feedback from leading international experts brings a mix of excitement and nervousness. I look forward to being inspired by the professors to see a bigger picture and to better shape my future career path. Collaborating with international peers will expose me to fresh perspectives and cultural diversity, helping me build a truly multifaceted worldview.
To me personally, the SDGs are not just distant global goals or abstract textbook definitions. They are the silent realities I face every single day. My commute through Hanoi has become a test of patience. The city is rapidly transforming, but that means navigating through concrete dust, endless construction barriers and choked traffic. Witnessing this daily struggle makes SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) no longer just a dry concept, but an urgent and human need. It forces me to ask: what is the real price of development if people have to sacrifice their health and livelihood? The SDGs are about looking at development with empathy.
This upcoming summer course is a great chance for me to change from a student who only observes these struggles into an active learner, one who wants to find a balance between modernisation and caring for people and the environment. I am entirely ready to embrace the unexpected lessons, deep connections and personal growth that await me at Kasetsart University.
Dang Nguyen Thu An