Legs... running

Journalism demands solid expertise, quick thinking, and timeliness in information, so reporters are always ready to... run to cover a story.

Choosing journalism as a career means we have to constantly travel to the field to gather information and materials, and we must complete our work on time and according to deadlines. Each trip is a competition in terms of accuracy and timeliness of information. The work is so hectic that we have to keep... running!

In Dak Lak province, working during the dry season is no problem, except for getting a tan. However, going to the field during the rainy season often leaves reporters in a terrible predicament. Because of the unfavorable weather, going to the field and gathering information takes a lot of time and effort, and even involves facing many dangers along the way.

A correspondent based in Dak Lak province is working in a remote commune in Cu M'gar district.

I remember vividly, 15 years ago, when I first started my career as a journalist, one day in May, I decided to go on assignment to a H'Mông village – the most remote village in Ea Kiết commune (Cư M'gar district), where many H'Mông people had migrated from the North to live. From the Cư M'gar district center, I had received a warning: "If it rains when you go into the village, there's no way back."

That day, I was traveling with a colleague from the newspaper. In the morning, we were so excited and eager on the winding red dirt road leading to the village, but around noon, it suddenly started raining heavily, leaving us utterly frustrated. The rain soaked our motorbike in red mud, rendering the wheels immobile. We were stuck in the slippery, rain-soaked road, unable to move forward or backward, with the water rising steadily. We were wet, cold, and unable to move, our spirits somewhat shaken. After struggling for a while and feeling exhausted, we could only stand helplessly in the pouring rain.

The rain gradually subsided, and we cheered when we saw the farmers' tractor returning from their fields. Three strong, burly farmers got out and quickly helped us lift our motorbike onto the tractor, giving us a ride to the main road. Sitting on the huge tractor, the rumbling engine drowning out the sound of the rain, we were taught a lesson by an old farmer's loud voice: "When you're going back to the village, you must know... to 'check the sky' before you go!"

There are hardships, bitterness, and risks, but due to the nature of the profession, journalism involves a lot of travel and brings many interesting experiences that not every profession can offer. Like many others who have chosen journalism, I share a common trait: a willingness to take risks and throw myself into the work. As a result, the memories, both happy and sad, from these trips accumulate, making it difficult to recount them all.

Despite the hardships and pressure, journalism also brings glory and pride to those who work in it, allowing them to be dedicated to and passionate about the work they love. The reward for all those difficulties is the moment of happiness when their work reaches readers quickly, vividly, and is well-received.

If someone were to ask me what I enjoy most about my profession, I wouldn't hesitate to answer: it's the travel! Traveling to learn, to feel, and to write. My own fascinating experiences have become cherished memories, deeply ingrained in my mind, fueling my love for my work and motivating me to move forward.

Having chosen journalism as our profession, we never forget to remind each other: we must maintain robust health and an "iron" spirit so that we have the strength to... keep running!

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/xa-hoi/202506/chan-chay-44203ed/