The remaining moments of youth

One Monday morning, as I was driving to work as usual, I came across a group of high school students taking photos near the Museum of Vietnamese Ethnic Cultures. The graduating students, dressed in elegant traditional ao dai, were radiant and creating beautiful moments to preserve their youthful memories.

High school seniors take photos to preserve the remaining moments of their youth.

I slowed down my motorbike, admiring the young people, the future owners of the country. My friends and I also had a beautiful youth like that. Back then, there were farewells at the end of high school, farewell notes that were "blurred out before they could be given," and photos taken on the school grounds as mementos, but there weren't the professionally produced yearbook photos we have now. No one can pinpoint exactly when yearbook photography first appeared, but when we think of yearbooks, we usually imagine photos that encapsulate a whole journey of learning and fun under the roof of our beloved school, photos that preserve the memories of our final year of school.

When we think of yearbooks, the first image that comes to mind is undoubtedly the school uniform. The pristine white of the shirt, paired with trousers or a skirt, is simple yet holds a whole world of memories. Back in our school days, we didn't have uniforms; clothes that weren't patched were considered quite fancy. But now, students from elementary school onwards wear uniforms. Uniforms are not just clothes worn to school; they are also symbols of unity, of innocent, carefree, and pure years. In yearbook photos, uniforms become even more meaningful because they represent visual harmony, a harmony of souls, and shared dreams of school life.

When it comes to yearbook photos, the image of a pristine white ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) flowing in the wind, highlighting the gentle and demure beauty of female students, is unforgettable. Wearing the ao dai, the girls "suddenly feel grown up," becoming more mature while retaining the innocent and pure charm of their school days. Photos of them in ao dai possess a unique beauty, simultaneously traditional and modern, romantic and elegant. The white ao dai fluttering in the wind creates a picturesque scene, evoking memories of poetry and gentle love songs.

Graduation photos now aren't just about the carefully chosen outfits; they're also about the endless creativity of students and photography teams. No longer confined to outdated patterns, young people are boldly experimenting with unique concepts that reflect the distinct personality of each class. Some classes choose to recreate traditional childhood games, with traditional Vietnamese clothing like the áo bà ba and khăn rằn, evoking memories of a carefree and beautiful childhood. Others transform themselves into students from a bygone era, with retro outfits and vintage bicycles, transporting viewers back to a time long past.

Beyond just concepts, the locations for graduation photos are becoming increasingly diverse. The school grounds remain a top choice, as they hold the most cherished memories. However, students are also seeking out beautiful outdoor locations such as parks, fields, quaint cafes, or even elaborately staged film sets. Each location possesses its own unique beauty, contributing to the creation of distinctive graduation photos that reflect the style of each class.

Behind every yearbook photo lies a story, a memory, an emotion. It's the bursts of laughter while posing, the tight hugs, the affectionate glances exchanged. It's the moment the whole class shared stories of joy and sorrow, dreams and plans for the future. Therefore, a yearbook is not just about capturing images, but also about recording the most genuine emotions of school life.

Each yearbook photo carries its own message. Some photos showcase the dynamism and enthusiasm of youth. Others convey a pensive, reflective mood about the past and the future. But above all, yearbook photos express deep friendship, the bond between teachers and students, and love for the school they were once connected to. These are values ​​that cannot be measured in money, but can only be felt with the heart.

When cicadas chirp among the vibrant red blossoms of the flamboyant trees in the school grounds, a poignant song resonates in the hearts of every graduating student: "And who knows if we'll ever meet again?" At that moment, standing side-by-side, posing for a photo, is enough to dispel all worries and erase all conflicts. Friendships become stronger and closer through gestures of care, sincere sharing, and companionship on that journey. For students today, graduation photos have become an important event, a memorable part of their school years. Therefore, everything is meticulously and carefully prepared, like a professional team at work. Few can resist the temptation of taking photos when they are young.

Life is fast-paced and waits for no one. And people don't have the magic to hold onto the beauty of youth forever. Graduation photos, in a way, help each person fight against the oblivion of time, or at least open the door to a few moments of quiet reflection and reminiscence.

A certain poet once wrote, "Memories are a beautiful carpet that is occasionally spread out to air." After ten or twenty years, when a reunion occurs at a class meeting or some special event, friends gather around old yearbook photos, reminiscing about some, reflecting on others' images, and sharing the stories behind them. These stories evoke a sense of nostalgia and allow everyone to recognize their own growth and maturity through each stage of their lives.

A yearbook is not just a milestone marking the end of a journey, but also a promise of future reunions, a thread connecting hearts no matter how far apart they may be. Later, when we look back at those photos, we will smile, remembering a beautiful time of youth, a dreamy time in our school uniforms that was once an indispensable part of our lives.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202506/khoanh-khac-thanh-xuan-con-lai-8990804/