Journalist Pham Huong interviewed former youth volunteers to make the work "The girls who paved the way back then" (the work won the C prize, National Press Award in 2013).
Reporter: You started out as a teacher and did social work. What made you decide to switch to journalism?
Journalist Pham Huong: Since I was a student, I loved reading books, newspapers, listening to the radio, watching TV. I often wrote diaries, recording my thoughts and feelings about life, family, friends, and teachers. At that time, I dreamed of becoming a writer when I grew up. But when I was in high school, my father advised me: "Girls should study pedagogy". So I listened to my father, studied pedagogy and became a teacher. In 1999, after getting married, to adapt to the situation, I switched to working as a communications specialist in the population, family and children sector. That job gave me the opportunity to go to the grassroots, meet many people, and approach many sensitive social issues, from children having accidents, women being abused... The heartbreaking statistics urged me to reflect. I practiced writing news and short articles to send to Thai Binh Radio and Television Station (now Thai Binh Newspaper). In 2008, journalist Xuan Tien, former Head of the Culture and Sports Department, suggested that I should move to Thai Binh Radio and Television Station to have a professional environment. I officially entered journalism when I was 35 years old.
Reporter: Not studying journalism, and starting at an old age, what difficulties did you encounter in your early days in the profession?
Journalist Pham Huong: There were many difficulties, especially prejudice from my colleagues when they found out that I had no formal training in journalism. At first, I worked as a specialist in the Professional Department and then in the Editorial Secretary Department. This was a big lull in my career but also a valuable time for me to learn and get acquainted with journalism. After nearly 2 years of self-study and training, I was transferred to the Specialty Department, column as a reporter.
Being able to travel and write is the greatest happiness, but also the most difficult and arduous period. I had to learn how to write commentary for television, learn how to edit images, edit sound, and every technique to achieve quality work. My colleagues saw that I was diligent and wanted to learn, so they taught me wholeheartedly, every frame, every frame, every inverted axis, every left axis... Those were invaluable lessons.
Reporter: With 17 years of experience, you are one of the reporters who have won many journalism awards. How do you feel every time you receive a high award?
Journalist Pham Huong: In 2012, I submitted 3 works for the first time to the National Population Journalism Award, and surprisingly, I won 2 second and 3rd prizes. When I received the award, I was very moved because the topics of gender inequality and girls' rights that I was concerned about were highly appreciated by the organizers. Each time I won an award, my emotions were hard to describe. In 2024, when I won first prize at the NationalEducation Journalism Award, I was very happy and proud.
But what moved me the most was that the stories and characters we reflected were recognized and spread by the community. After each award, I was always grateful to the characters who shared their stories, their will, and their determination to rise up - they were the ones who helped me "inspire", practice and grow up.
Reporter: In your opinion, what makes a journalistic work successful?
Journalist Pham Huong: For me, the success of journalism, especially radio and television journalism, is not due to personal imprints but to collective strength. All award-winning works are the result of a united, dedicated, and professional team. Through this, I would like to thank the leaders for creating favorable conditions and close guidance; thank my colleagues for their concern, dedication, and intelligence to create works that have widespread influence.
Reporter: You used to work in television and radio, and in 2020 you were assigned to be in charge of special radio and live radio. Were you disappointed at that time?
Journalist Pham Huong: Each type of journalism has its own appeal. Radio, especially live radio, in the digital transformation flow requires new ways of working and new ways of transmission. That is both a pressure and an opportunity for journalists, from technicians, MCs, directors, scriptwriters, to strive to improve. Modern radio brings the breath of life, receives many positive responses from listeners, helping news to be timely and multi-dimensional. Radio programs and live radio broadcasts of Thai Binh Radio and Television Station (now Thai Binh Newspaper) have won many high awards, demonstrating innovation and keeping up with modern journalism trends.
Reporter: Looking back on your journalism journey, what do you cherish most?
Journalist Pham Huong: I did not receive formal training in journalism, but I am happy to be a journalist, to live with passion, to learn continuously and to be grateful to my colleagues who have accompanied me. Journalism has given me not only the title of journalist or awards but also an environment to practice my courage, listening skills and empathy between people.
Reporter: If you could send a message to young journalists today, what would you like to share?
Journalist Pham Huong: Journalism is not about glamour but about dedication. It is about courage, professional ethics and listening. If you do not truly love your job, do not work hard to learn and approach new things and new technologies, it will be difficult for you to go the long way. No matter what you study or where you come from, always learn from your colleagues and from practice. It is the difficulties and pressures you experience, along with a strong and emotional heart, that will train you to become a true journalist.
Reporter: Thank you, journalist! 
Bui Minh
Source: https://baothaibinh.com.vn/tin-tuc/9/225848/vuot-qua-dinh-kien-de-den-voi-nghe-bao
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