Motivation to travel and write

Reporters covering the event at the DK1/9 offshore platform. Photo: DAC MANH

As the youngest female reporter in the delegation participating in the reporting mission during the recent Lunar New Year, reporter Uyen Nhi (Thanh Nien Newspaper) shared: "This is truly a very special and memorable experience in my journalistic career. Uyen Nhi has just started working at Thanh Nien Newspaper, in the southern region. When she received the notification that she was on the list of the national press delegation participating in reporting at the DK1 offshore platforms, the young female reporter was overjoyed, excited, and eagerly awaited each hour."

"Only when I went there in person did I truly understand the greatness and significance of these structures. Meeting and talking with the soldiers who are on duty here day and night, I was filled with admiration and even more love for journalism, which has given me such a meaningful trip," Uyen Nhi shared.

Recalling her first days at sea, when she wasn't used to the rocking of the ship, the young female reporter often suffered from seasickness to the point where she couldn't eat or drink anything. “But my biggest worry was that if I didn't maintain my health, it would affect my work, especially the rope access to the offshore platforms. However, thinking about being able to go to the platforms and meet the soldiers, I tried to overcome it. Every moment at sea, every detail about life, activities, and missions at sea has left me with profound and invaluable memories,” Uyển Nhi added.

For reporter Minh Thông (Dak Lak Newspaper), the assignment at the DK1 offshore platforms was an opportunity to create the most authentic documentary works about the lives of naval soldiers.

“I’ve always hoped that this special trip would capture the most ordinary and authentic moments of the sailors on the offshore platforms. From simple meals and intimate conversations to moments spent guarding, patrolling, and tending to the vegetables together… All of these are priceless images that I want to convey to readers,” Minh Thông shared.

Recalling his first visit to the DK1/9 offshore platform, reporter Minh Thông expressed his impressions and emotions about the scene where he and his colleagues sat and chatted with the soldiers while wrapping traditional green sticky rice cakes. “They told us about their families, their simple dreams, and their homesickness. Those stories touched my heart and helped me understand even more the silent sacrifices of these resilient naval soldiers,” Minh Thông confided.

For female reporter Dieu Huong (Quang Binh Newspaper), her first special assignment at the DK1 offshore platforms significantly changed her thinking and approach to her profession. “Before going, I read and researched a lot, thinking I was well-prepared mentally and academically. But when I set foot on the platform, I realized everything exceeded my expectations. Life on the platforms is difficult, but the soldiers' spirit is always optimistic and cheerful, which I greatly admire,” Dieu Huong shared.

She was particularly impressed by the camaraderie and fellowship among the naval soldiers. “The soldiers are not just comrades, but like brothers in a family. They live together, share, and always strive to complete their missions. Witnessing this firsthand, I appreciate the value of comradeship even more. It's truly an inspiration and valuable material for me to convey the spirit of camaraderie to my readers in each of my works,” Diệu Hương further shared.

For reporter Quang Tan ( Gia Lai Newspaper), while he has previously worked in the Truong Sa archipelago, this is his first time reporting from the DK1 offshore platforms. Quang Tan shared that this is not only a special reporting trip but also a great "school," where he and other journalists from across the country can further hone their professional skills and life skills.

“The offshore platforms are located in the southern continental shelf of our country, where they face harsh weather conditions year-round, with high waves and strong winds, especially during the stormy season... Traveling, living on the ship, and even approaching the platforms all require each journalist to have sufficient health, resilience, and high adaptability,” the young male reporter confided.

During this memorable reporting trip, reporter Quang Tan said that he also learned valuable skills in navigating challenging real-world conditions to complete his professional work. “With limited time and resources, every journalist must hone their ability to filter information, conduct quick interviews, and take effective photos and videos in all situations. Along with that, skills in managing and protecting equipment such as cameras and computers from the effects of the marine environment are also essential,” reporter Quang Tan added.

Reporter Van Tuyen (Bac Giang Radio and Television Station) said that after his reporting trip to the DK1 offshore platforms, in addition to learning how to adapt quickly, he also added to his skills in effective teamwork and support. “In a special environment like on ships and offshore platforms, solidarity and effective mutual support among journalists and with officers and soldiers are extremely necessary.”

"In addition, every journalist needs keen observation skills to quickly grasp the story, capture the most authentic and vivid images to portray the life, the resilient spirit, and the silent sacrifices of the naval soldiers," Van Tuyen confided.

“Witnessing firsthand the lives and sacrifices of officers and soldiers on the front lines has given me a deeper understanding of the sacred sovereignty of our nation's seas and islands, thereby enhancing my sense of responsibility in my work. These memorable experiences provide rich material for me to create profound and emotionally resonant journalistic works that touch the hearts of readers,” Van Tuyen shared.

It can be said that the special reporting trip to the DK1 offshore platforms not only yielded meaningful journalistic works but also left indelible memories in the hearts of the young reporters about the courage and resilience of the naval soldiers at the forefront of the waves. These are beautiful memories, a memorable reporting trip, and will forever be a motivation for them to continue dedicating themselves to their profession, bringing to readers and the public beautiful stories about soldiers, about the sea and islands, their homeland, and their beloved country.

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Source: https://baodanang.vn/100-nam-bao-chi-cach-mang-viet-nam/202506/dong-luc-di-va-viet-4009735/