A joyful day, reminiscing about our profession.

(QBĐT) - As the 100th anniversary of Vietnam's Revolutionary Press Day approaches, I am overwhelmed by many ideas because there are so many beautiful things in my nearly 30 years of working with Quang Binh Newspaper. And in the late afternoon, my colleague said: "Even though many things are changing, I will always love and be proud that I chose journalism. For me, growth doesn't come from anything lofty, but simply from being a reporter, from being connected to every moment of life!"

First memory

My colleague's words reminded me why I started and why, even now, I remain passionate about journalism—a profession where every step is a touch of life, a chance to fully experience moments of joy and sorrow, a demanding profession that has kept my heart full of love after so many trials and tribulations!

Reporting during the rainy season and floods: unforgettable memories.

I don't remember what my first article was, I only remember the first time my best friend and I timidly walked into the Quang Binh Newspaper office on Tran Hung Dao Street to… receive our payment after a period of collaboration. As soon as we arrived, we met a gentleman coming out of the office. That was the first time I met journalist Nguyen The Thinh, who was then the Editorial Secretary of the Quang Binh Newspaper and also a contributor to the Lao Dong Newspaper with many famous reports about Quang Binh.

Not long after, I was fortunate enough to become a member of the Quang Binh Newspaper. Along with journalist Nguyen The Thinh, I had the opportunity to work with impressive figures in the journalism world at that time, such as the dynamic duo Minh Toan-Tung Lam, Van Phuc-Trong Thai, journalists Le Hong, Huu Thai, Tuyet Nhung… and many other colleagues. From them, I learned about the “legends” of Quang Binh journalism, such as journalist Do Quy Doan, former Editor-in-Chief of Quang Binh Newspaper and former Deputy Minister of Information and Communications; and poet and journalist Nguyen Van Dinh, who could compose poetry spontaneously!

Those were the years we diligently learned, immersing ourselves in the true spirit of journalism, filled with passion and concern for every word. I learned from my colleagues how to "see" life to choose fresh "slices," how to create captivating headlines, how to write simply so that "even my grandmother in the countryside could understand"... and even tips on how to cut and paste film most economically when using a film camera. Those days were lacking in material resources, but our hearts were full of enthusiasm, faith, and dreams of a profession that could "change the world ."

Commemorating the lighting of the flame

Not glamorous, but captivating, journalism has guided me, helping me grow stronger each day, understand and empathize more with life and the human condition. Journalism has given me and my colleagues unforgettable memories. These include reporting during storms, where picturesque villages were submerged in water; the silent tears shed while talking to fishermen amidst a "marine environmental incident"; and the love and sorrow felt witnessing the long procession of people returning home during the Covid-19 pandemic… Every news item, every photograph contains so many thoughts and emotions!

But it was also in those places that I witnessed so many beautiful things. There were boats braving the raging floods to rescue people; soldiers undeterred by danger, ready to sacrifice themselves to protect the people; the mutual support and sharing among fishermen as they weathered the "marine environmental disaster"; and the warm meals and gifts that comforted those returning home during the pandemic…

Journalism and the journey of discovering life.

Even now, I vividly remember the image of the "white-clad soldiers" on the front lines of the fight against the pandemic, their faces marked by the lines of their masks after long shifts; the soldiers manning "Covid checkpoints" deep in the dense, dark forests. I also remember the radiant smiles of the children holding a cake, a packet of dried food, a small but warm gift in their devastated homes after the flood.

And we were once silent amidst the crowds bidding farewell to General Vo Nguyen Giap. The words we wrote resonated with millions of hearts filled with sorrow and remembrance of him. Amidst the boundless grief, there was also an indescribable pride in being able to work during this historic moment.

Journalism has also given me so much joy and pride. It's witnessing my homeland adorned with flags and flowers; admiring the vast "wind farm" rising amidst the white sands; gliding along the roads and bridges connecting shores of hope; and seeing Son Doong Cave and Tan Hoa tourist village marked on the world tourism map…

My memories of journalism, though ordinary and simple, have helped me and my colleagues to love, be proud of, and have more confidence in the path we are taking!

A new journey

Like many other professions, journalism is facing significant challenges as technology, social media, artificial intelligence, and other advancements develop daily, creating considerable pressure. For journalists in Quang Binh, and for myself personally, this is also a time to embrace many new things. Within the "common home" of Quang Binh Newspaper and Radio-Television Station, we begin to learn and take our first steps on this new journey.

Despite the many difficulties and hardships, we always carry with us a passionate love for our profession, honesty, sincerity, and social responsibility. On this joyous occasion, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the generations of journalists who came before us; send my faith and expectations to my younger colleagues; and sincerely thank the individuals featured in each of our articles and the readers who have always supported, trusted, and embraced us.

Because of all these wonderful things, we journalists, on this new journey, will not hesitate to move forward!

Ngoc Mai

Source: https://baoquangbinh.vn/van-hoa/202506/ngay-vui-on-ky-niem-nghe-2227090/