(Dan Tri Newspaper) - Luu An Ton (born in 1990) was the valedictorian of Nguyen Trai University ( Hanoi ) at the age of 35. He once had a special experience celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) in both the North and South of Vietnam.
After graduating from high school, Luu An Ton (Hanoi) decided to go to Ho Chi Minh City to study pilot training. From 2008 to 2014, he was a pilot for Vietnam Airlines .
This made An Ton's Lunar New Year even more special as he had the opportunity to experience traditional New Year celebrations in both the South and the North of Vietnam.
"There were years when, due to the nature of my work, I couldn't return to the North to celebrate Tet. However, that didn't make me feel disappointed, because I had the opportunity to experience the traditional Tet atmosphere in the South," he shared.
Luu An Ton is one of the top graduates from universities and colleges in Hanoi in 2024 (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).
After some time, Luu An Ton decided to quit his job to pursue his studies. At the age of 30, he became a business administration student at Nguyen Trai University (Hanoi).
An Ton shared: "For me, this was not an easy decision at all. Starting to study at an age when many people have already established their careers is a big challenge, especially when I'm studying alongside generations more than 10 years older than me."
However, for him, this was not an obstacle but an opportunity to prove himself. An Ton shared that he initially felt a little lost, but after only 2-3 weeks, he realized it wasn't too big a challenge.
"I've always believed that it's never too late to learn. At any age, a thirst for knowledge is always a valuable quality. That's why I see it as my motivation to strive and excel in my studies alongside younger students."
"I actively participated in many activities, such as taking on the role of Student Union President, joining the English club... Being open and not shying about myself helped me integrate better with my fellow students," An Ton shared.
Luu An Ton (left) participates in the English club of Nguyen Trai University (Hanoi) (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).
Thanks to his hard work and perseverance, he excelled and became the valedictorian of the Business Administration program with a GPA of 3.80/4.0 at the age of 35. For him, this is the most meaningful gift of 2024.
After finishing his studies, An Ton returned to Ho Chi Minh City to work. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), he clearly felt the bustling atmosphere. He shared: "The excitement and busyness of preparing for Tet reminds me of the days I spent with my family preparing the feast and cleaning the house."
This year, due to the nature of my work, I was only able to arrange to go home to celebrate Tet with my mother close to the holiday. The distance has made every moment of reunion more precious than ever."
A memorable Tet holiday in 2024 for Mr. Luu An Ton (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).
When sharing his impressions of Tet in the two regions, Mr. Ton remarked that each place has its own unique "style" of celebrating Tet.
The South is characterized by vibrant yellow chrysanthemums and blossoming apricot branches, creating a cheerful, lively, and exciting atmosphere. Meanwhile, the North is associated with the gentle pink of peach blossoms, evoking a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and familiarity.
He further shared: "Tet in the South is usually associated with a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, suitable for outdoor activities and gatherings with friends. As for Tet in the North, besides the characteristic cold weather, it also brings traditional values, such as the feeling of gathering around the family feast and admiring the peach blossoms indoors. Each region leaves me with beautiful memories that, for me, are irreplaceable."
Recalling Tet in 2024, Mr. Ton recounted that he unfortunately fell just two days before returning to Hanoi: "I felt very sad because it was so close to Tet and such an unfortunate incident happened. But I still tried to stay optimistic, thinking that I was about to go home and reunite with my mother after a year of separation. Isn't that still a better thing?"
Thinking of my mother and child waiting for my return, I was determined to get back to Hanoi by any means necessary. Thanks to the help of relatives, I was assisted to the airport. There, I received support with a wheelchair and was given priority boarding."
Mr. Luu An Ton (on the left) celebrates Tet in Northern Vietnam with his mother (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).
When he met his mother and received her comforting words, Mr. Ton truly understood the meaning of Tet (Vietnamese New Year), realizing that returning home is always the best thing. He shared: "After many years of struggling and being busy with work, missing many Tet celebrations with my family, I understand that no matter where I go or what I do, Tet must be celebrated by returning home, because home is always the warmest place to return to."
For the Lunar New Year of 2025 (Year of the Snake), Mr. Ton tried to arrange his work schedule to return home and prepare for traditional Tet activities with his family. He said he would help his mother clean the house and prepare everything meticulously to welcome the New Year.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/giao-duc/trai-nghiem-ngay-tet-hai-mien-cua-thu-khoa-tot-nghiep-dai-hoc-o-tuoi-35-20250127115234170.htm
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