Get up and move forward.

Many young people are not hesitant to change direction and find a path that suits them better instead of choosing the safe option.

"I didn't hesitate to switch to cooking. Investing in learning shouldn't be about fear of failure, and it's never too late to learn at any age," shared Vu Anh Duy (32 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City) about his decision to become a professional chef after much hesitation.

Listen to yourself

Duy initially studied Resource and Environmental Management at a university in Ho Chi Minh City, hoping to contribute to reducing environmental pollution. However, realizing this wasn't the right field for him, Duy decided to study Chinese Language abroad. Interestingly, it was during his part-time work at restaurants in Taiwan (China) that Duy discovered his true childhood passion: food . As a child, his love for cooking was sparked by watching Martin Yan's "Yan Can Cook" program. "I realized my passion more clearly while working abroad. The real-life experiences strengthened my belief that I was capable of pursuing my big dream," Duy recounted.

For Phan Trung Kien, youth is a precious opportunity to live life to the fullest, and setbacks are the catalysts that help many young people realize their true value. Photo: THUY LIEN

Currently, Duy is studying Culinary Arts at Saigon Tourism College – a place with many excellent and dedicated teachers and like-minded classmates. Duy faces many difficulties in using knives, controlling heat, preparing ingredients, and working in groups. However, Duy is happy to be gaining knowledge and honing the necessary skills to become a professional chef. He aims to make his mark in the field of European cuisine, while also contributing to promoting Vietnamese cuisine to international friends in the future. Duy is proud to have chosen a profession that brings joy to diners through meticulously prepared and heartwarming dishes.

Mr. Duy (right) and teacher Nguyen Ngoc Thong at Saigon Tourism College.

"No one is bound to a single direction for life. On the contrary, one should be perceptive and proactive in seizing every opportunity to adapt to circumstances," Duy emphasized. For Duy, every decision in life is right at the moment it is made. Knowledge is limitless; only a thirst for learning and perseverance will help young people mature. Life is not smooth, so each individual needs to continuously improve themselves and remain steadfast in their values. Learning through many professions, though challenging, opens up new, more suitable, and correct choices.

Find your own path.

Three years after graduating from high school, Phan Trung Kien (24 years old, from Lam Dong province) resumed his education. Kien is currently a third-year student at Hoa Sen University (HSU). Previously, during his high school years, Kien witnessed many talented people around him struggling financially, so he felt the need to build a solid financial foundation early. In 2019, Kien abandoned his plans to enroll at Da Lat University and sought to establish himself on his own path.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck, leaving Kien disoriented, short of investment capital, and a burden on his family. He recalled how his grandmother lost sleep worrying about his future when he didn't go to university. Coming from a family with a strong tradition of academic excellence, Kien was always encouraged by his father to study hard and strive for success.

Outside of his university studies, Kien is busy with many jobs: advising on business development, starting a body and hair care project, and working as a consultant and trainer on nutrition and proactive health care. "The financial shock was a wake-up call, making me realize that only learning, along with ideals and ambitions, is the sustainable path," Kien expressed. Indeed, learning is also a way for him to adjust his choices, while simultaneously harmonizing his passion with a solid foundation of formal knowledge. He cherishes the dream of pursuing a PhD to gain deeper knowledge, expand his influence, and take on a larger role with greater social responsibility in the field of education and training.

Besides studying and working, Kien maintains his habit of exercising. A memorable milestone for him was participating in the VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 Vietnam 2024 race in Da Nang – which brought together nearly 2,000 athletes from 52 countries. After an 8-hour race covering 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21.1 km of running, Kien broke down in tears at the finish line. Despite only training for a few months, thanks to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and a vegetarian diet, he was still able to excel. This is not just a lifestyle choice; it's also a testament to Kien's health, willpower, and personal growth.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dung-day-de-buoc-tiep-196250927212235328.htm