Why did the top 15 Miss Ocean 2023 contestants decide to enlist in the military?

(Dan Tri Newspaper) - "Beauty will fade, only intelligence creates one's value. Therefore, I am determined to leave the arts to pursue my passion and dream of wearing the military uniform," Phuong Ngoc shared.

After graduating with a Bachelor's degree from Ho Chi Minh City University of Law, Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc abandoned her dream of pursuing a career in the arts and decided to follow her dream of serving in the military, even though no one in her family served in this field. Participating in the beauty pageant was just an experience. Hello Ngoc, how do you feel now that you only have one day left before you put on the green uniform of a soldier and enlist? - As I'm about to put on the military uniform and become a soldier of Uncle Ho, I feel quite nervous, but also excited because being in the ranks of the Vietnam People's Army has been my long-held wish. As the day of enlistment approaches, I'm also sad because I'll be away from my family, friends, and loved ones for quite a long time.

Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc was a Top 15 finalist in Miss Ocean 2023 (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).

Having been in the Top 15 of Miss Ocean 2023 was a great opportunity to develop a career in the arts. So what made Ngoc decide to give it up and volunteer for military service? - In 5th grade, I participated in a military training program at the Dong Nai Provincial Military Command. Through the training I received there, like a soldier, I developed a deep love for the military uniform and a strong desire to serve in the military. However, as time passed, that desire faded. When I took the university entrance exam, I didn't think I would apply to military schools, so I decided to study at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law. Later, I interacted with military friends, and I frequently watched images and videos of soldiers in peacetime and wartime. Suddenly, my love for the "military uniform" rekindled. In my final year of university, I decided to join the military by volunteering for compulsory military service. I think it was fate.

Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc has been passionate about being an MC since she was a child (Photo: Provided by the subject).

So why did Ngoc participate in Miss Ocean before? - My friends and teachers had been encouraging me to compete in beauty pageants for a long time, but I still didn't feel confident, so I kept hesitating. In my final year of university, my MC instructor finally pushed me to participate. He taught and supported me a lot to do well in the Miss Ocean competition. Thanks to his help and the guidance of my older sister who taught me catwalk, etiquette, and other skills, I confidently entered the Miss Ocean competition. Luckily, I made it into the Top 15. Did your parents support you when you competed in Miss Ocean? - My parents didn't support me pursuing an artistic career; in fact, they didn't like it. When I competed in Miss Ocean 2023, I kept it a secret from my family. I only told them after I reached the finals. For me, art is just a means to fulfill my passion; I don't think it's sustainable to pursue this path long-term. Beauty fades, but intelligence endures and creates value. Serving in the military helps me reconcile my parents' wishes and fulfills a long-held dream. I love the green of the military uniform more than the path of art. Enlistment is a long and challenging journey. I want to face more challenges to forge a stronger spirit. That will be useful in my work and life in the future.

Phuong Ngoc participated in the volunteer program while she was a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Law (Photo: Provided by the interviewee).

Determined to pursue her dream of wearing a military uniform, Ngọc abandoned the "gentle" path of art and stepped onto the more "tough" path of discipline. How did she envision facing these difficulties? - I enlisted when I was a student; at that time, my love for the green military uniform was even stronger. Initially, my family was quite worried because they feared that I, having been pampered like a "princess," would be too weak to be trained and disciplined in the army. After persuading them, my parents were very supportive and proud of their daughter's decision. For me, there's nothing that can't be done; it's about whether you try hard enough. I think participating in military service will help me train and develop myself into a stronger and more decisive woman. Other women have gone and trained, so I will try to follow in their footsteps. So, after completing my military service, I will be determined to follow the path of wearing a military uniform? - When I participated in the Miss Ocean pageant, I considered it just a youthful experience and never intended to pursue a career in the arts or showbiz. I only engage in artistic activities when I have free time or to fulfill my childhood passions, such as hosting or modeling. Since making it to the Top 15 of Miss Ocean, I haven't participated in any major arts or entertainment events. After completing my military service, I hope to serve in the military for a long time to contribute my youthful energy for a longer period. I hope that the knowledge I gained at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Law will help me contribute more in my future career. I realize I really love the green uniform of the military, and I am determined to pursue that dream.

Bui Thi Phuong Ngoc (23 years old, residing in Gia Ray town, Xuan Loc district, Dong Nai province), a top student in Literature at the provincial level and an outstanding Youth Union/Association officer , is a recent graduate of Ho Chi Minh City University of Law and a former Top 15 finalist in Miss Ocean 2023. Phuong Ngoc boasts impressive achievements: she joined the Communist Party while still a 12th-grade student at Xuan Loc High School; won second prize in the provincial-level Literature competition; and won second prize in the city-level Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) contest while a university student. Notably, she reached the Top 15 in the Miss Ocean 2023 competition.

Dantri.com.vn

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