Me and journalism - an unexpected fate

I was born and raised in a family where no one was a journalist, and I never thought of entering this profession, which is full of hardships and glory. However, as if by an unplanned fate, I came to journalism unexpectedly, without preparation or planning, but I have been attached to it for more than three decades of my life. A journey that I always consider a gift, a mark of my youth.

With colleagues on a field trip to write an article at Quang Tri Citadel.

Journalism to me is something sacred and noble. It is not just a job or a career - but a mission. Journalists carry a special responsibility: to speak the truth, reflect the breath of life, connect people, spread good things, and sometimes... endure and sacrifice silently. Only those who have lived their lives fully in the profession can fully understand the happy, sad, ups and downs that not every profession has.

The day I set foot in the press agency, my only luggage was a degree that had nothing to do with media work, plus a few trivial certificates. I was like a lost bird in a strange sky, wandering into the Thanh Hoa Newspaper house. I still remember clearly those first bewildered days, when I was just a typist and makeup artist at the TKTS Department. After that, I moved to the HC-TC Department, and the last stop was the TT-QC Department. This was the starting point for my passion for writing, albeit late but full of enthusiasm.

Attend the Spring Newspaper Festival At Ty - 2025.

As an amateur journalist, who has never been through formal training in journalism, every word I wrote was a groping, a struggle in front of a blank page. I still clearly remember the first time I was sent to report on a company's general meeting of shareholders. The night before, I was restless - not knowing where to start, how to end, how to write in a way that was both true to the event and sharp, engaging to the reader. My first news was eventually published, receiving positive feedback from the relevant unit. At that moment, I felt like I had been given a new lease of life. It turns out that if you try hard enough, if you are passionate enough, everything will have a way.

I used to think that to be a journalist, one had to be talented, well-trained, have a solid knowledge base and a deep understanding of the locality and society... I lacked almost all of those things. But there was one thing I never lacked - a love for the job and a desire to contribute. I never thought I would stop, even though I was tired at times, even though I thought many times that I was not suitable. Thanh Hoa Newspaper has become my second family, where I have dedicated my youth, all the years of sweat and tears.

Meeting with businesses on Vietnam Entrepreneurs Day.

There were times when I thought of giving up - because of fatigue, because of pressure, because of the feeling of being small in the middle of such a vast ocean. But I was not alone. Behind me was a group of people, colleagues who always encouraged and shared; leaders who understood and created favorable conditions. Especially, my mother-in-law - a veteran journalist, who was always by my side, helping me "pull up" my spirit after each fall. She was not only a mother, but also a silent teacher, giving me inspiration, faith, and perseverance in the profession.

I understand that journalism is not simple. It is a special profession, even somewhat harsh, always under pressure from many sides. Journalists have to go, have to listen, have to commit, sometimes have to face danger. But mixed in there are sudden joys, a sense of satisfaction when an article touches the hearts of readers, when good things are spread widely. And sometimes, there are tears - of emotions, of love, of silent sacrifice. Journalism requires journalists to sacrifice a lot, and so do their loved ones. I have witnessed many colleagues having to trade moments with their families, missed appointments with their children, calls in the middle of the night just to keep up with an article, a trip. I have been sad, heartbroken when I saw some brothers and sisters having to endure "cracks" in family affection just because of work pressure. But I also admire - people who persevere, quietly do their job with a bright heart and a loyal soul.

We - journalists - always remind each other of the 6 golden words: "Sharp pen - Pure heart - Bright mind". That is the guiding principle in the profession, the belief, the core to not deviate from the path amidst countless temptations or challenges. That is also what I always remember and remind myself every day, in every line of writing, in every meeting, in every page of manuscript.

After 100 years since President Ho Chi Minh published the first issue of Thanh Nien newspaper (June 21, 1925), I feel fortunate to have been involved in journalism for more than thirty years. It is a great honor and pride that I always cherish. During the process of merging and streamlining the apparatus according to the Government's policy, I proactively "stepped back" to give development opportunities to the younger generation. It was not an easy decision, but I believe it was necessary - for the transition, for the continuation of a journey that never stops. Although it is time to leave the daily grind, in my heart, journalism is still an indispensable part. The lessons from the profession, the side stories, the joys, the sorrows... will always be beautiful memories in me. Maybe now I no longer sit in front of the computer to keep up with work progress, no longer drive in the rain to report to the unit or interview a character, but I always follow, always love, and always be proud of the path I have chosen.

An unplanned relationship that has lasted until today

After more than three decades in this profession, there were times when I asked myself: If only I had chosen a “safer” career, perhaps life would have had less worries. But then I realized that it was those hardships that made me who I am today. I have matured, understood myself better and learned to live more responsibly towards the community. I have learned to listen, understand and share. And most importantly, I have contributed a small part in spreading good things - through my own writings.

Journalism to me is a life. A life full of colors, experiences and memorable moments. Even though I am no longer “on duty” every day, I still vow to live up to the title “journalist”. To live honestly and kindly - as the profession has taught me over the years.

I call it a fate - an unplanned fate that has lasted until today.

Article and photos: Ngoc Lan

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nbsp-toi-va-nghe-bao-moi-duyen-khong-hen-truoc-252724.htm