Rekindling the passion for journalism.

Journalism is a unique journey, where every trip is an experience and every article conveys the joys and sorrows of the writer.

A delegation from the Vietnam Journalists Association is working at the Angkor archaeological site in Cambodia.

Memorable moments

Over 25 years in journalism have given me a wealth of experience. But my first articles when I first started my career always left me with unforgettable memories.

Back then, after graduating from university, I started working at the Hai Phong (formerly) newspaper and was assigned to cover Tien Lang district, a district far from the city center. At that time, Tien Lang district was surrounded on all sides by rivers, and transportation relied on self-propelled ferries… Although assigned to a remote area with difficult travel conditions, with the enthusiasm of youth, I proactively stayed close to the area. Each time I went on assignment, I had to spend a considerable amount of time waiting for the ferry to get back to the district, so I usually left early, taking advantage of the time to gather as much material as possible until late afternoon.

During the period of local coverage, through each news item and article, I gradually matured, and this was also a time marked by many memorable moments in my journalistic career. One unforgettable memory is when I discovered that the Tien Lang hot mineral water source in the area had not been fully exploited for many years. To gather information and write this article, I diligently researched documents and met with relevant people; including someone who was assigned the task of exploiting the resource but neglected it, mainly returning to his hometown in Tien Thang commune (formerly), now Hung Thang commune, to run a fish farm…

After gathering information from the district, I went to interview the manager of the Tien Lang hot spring mine, who resided in the former Tien Thang commune… At that time, lacking experience in fieldwork, I went alone to the aquaculture pond along the dike for the interview, not anticipating the difficult access to the pond area. Therefore, when I reached a narrow section of road separated by a wooden bridge, both I and my motorbike fell into the pond. Fortunately, the pond workers were there in time to rescue us, helping to bring both me and my vehicle ashore. The incident wasn't serious, but my motorbike and recording equipment, including my camera, were damaged…

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With much thought and dedication, the articles I wrote and the collected materials helped me successfully write a three-part series about the untapped potential of Tien Lang Hot Springs. The series later won an award in the city's tourism writing competition. These early experiences in my career have given me valuable lessons. Each time I visit a location, I have to be more cautious to minimize risks…

Trips add more experiences.

Reporters working at Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia.

Over the years, I've gained valuable experience in my profession. In addition to working within the city, I occasionally travel for work. These trips provide me with many new experiences. Returning from these trips, I'm filled with information that inspires me to write the most authentic articles and travelogues about the places I've visited…

I recall a business trip to Cambodia where I, along with officials from the Vietnam Journalists Association, visited many areas, from urban to rural, of Cambodia. Each place we visited gave me inspiration for writing truthful articles, including "The Tuol Sleng Genocide Prison and Museum." I vividly remember the chilly feeling upon arriving, as all the exhibits were authentic... From the windows and shackles to the decorations inside the prison, everything was preserved intact... Or when visiting the Tonle Sap Lake area, where Vietnamese children lived precariously on the water. Their lives and education depended entirely on charitable organizations... When visiting the Angkor complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a famous tourist destination in Cambodia, I was amazed by the magnificent scenery and the professional approach to tourism in this country, which attracts many international groups.

The places I visited in Cambodia gave me profound emotions that inspired me to write a long series of articles about them. From stories about tourism development in the Angkor complex, the Tuol Sleng Genocide Prison and Museum, to the plight of impoverished children around Tonle Sap Lake… Through these experiences, I learned the importance of accurately gathering information on the ground and always respecting the culture and customs of the places I visit. When approaching destinations and gathering information from individuals, sincerity, attentive listening, and sharing are essential to help them open up and provide the most authentic information possible.

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Looking back on my more than 25-year journey in the profession, every assignment, whether within the city or in distant places, has been an opportunity to gain more experience and rekindle my passion for journalism.

HUONG AN

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/them-lua-dam-me-nghe-bao-545787.html