Lessons not in the curriculum
There are dreams that come late, but there are dreams that grew up with a child. I belong to the second type. At the age of 12, when my friends dreamed of becoming doctors, teachers or singers, I longed to become a journalist. Not because I thought this profession was flashy, but because I liked to go and retell the stories I witnessed. And to this day, after 6 years of working, I am always proud every time I introduce myself: "Thieu Trang - Reporter of the Multimedia Communication Center, Lao Dong Newspaper". That is not just a title, it is a source of pride.
Being a journalist, the greatest value after each trip lies not only in the published article or news bulletin that has been broadcast, but also in the silent experiences that foster the bravery of a writer. The more attached I am to Lao Dong Newspaper, the more I realize I am lucky to grow up in a collective that always trusts, gives opportunities and is willing to guide young people. The most valuable lessons do not come from books, but from the colleagues I am accompanying every day.
I still remember the time when I was still a trainee, clumsy in each working trip, confused with each first article. Each article sent out and then received back with dense lines of comments. Some words were revised many times, some headlines had to think of dozens of options to get a nod. At that time, I once thought you guys were too strict. And then later I understood, that meticulousness is the way those who came before pass on to the young generation of reporters the spirit of caution and responsibility with each piece of information before it reaches readers.
Not only teaching me how to write, the seniors also patiently guided me in each skill of a multimedia reporter. From how to hold the microphone, stand in front of the camera, breathe, emphasize each introduction, to how to handle situations when filming the scene or calmly improvise in live broadcast programs. Every time I don't host well, every time I stutter or edit a film that doesn't work out, I receive very frank comments but never lack encouragement. That strictness has helped me gradually overcome the psychology of hesitation, so that today I can be more confident in front of the camera and in front of the challenges of the profession.
What I am most grateful for is that at Lao Dong Newspaper, young people are not only instructed but also trusted. Every time I am assigned a task, it is a time for me to worry and feel pressured, but also an opportunity to step out of my own comfort zone. Behind me are always comments, script revisions until late at night, revisions of each frame, each introduction, every small detail to make the final product the most meticulous.
Looking back at the past journey, I understand that my growth is not the result of a few shining moments, but is nurtured by many ordinary things - a timely encouragement, a time to patiently point out mistakes, an opportunity given when I was not really confident. It is these people who have helped me become more steadfast on the path of journalism and made me always cherish growing up under the roof of the Lao Dong Newspaper.
Gradually mature
Someone once asked me, what is the biggest gift after years of being attached to Lao Dong Newspaper. Perhaps, what makes me happier is that one day looking back, I suddenly realize when I grew up, little by little, through each trip, each person I met and each story that has passed.
On that journey, I was fortunate to receive awards. Every time I stand on the podium receiving awards, I think more about my companions. They are the brothers and sisters who spent hours reading articles, contributing ideas to each word; they are colleagues who stay up late to create images and complete products; they are leaders who are willing to give a young reporter the opportunity to try their hand at major topics and programs. Therefore, for me, each award is not only recognition for individuals, but also the achievement of a team that always trusts and accompanies.
The award brings joy, but also reminds me that journalists cannot be satisfied with what they have. Every day going to the scene is a starting day, you must learn to observe more carefully, listen more, write more meticulously and tell decent stories. Journalism teaches me that the most precious thing is not how far you have gone, but always maintaining the desire to continue.
Then one day, I suddenly realized that I was no longer the shy intern girl of the past. Besides the older brothers and sisters who guided me, now I also have the opportunity to accompany young reporters who have just come to the editorial office. I see my old image in the awkwardness of the children when they first held the microphone, first edited a news report or were nervous before the first working session. And just like what I have received, I try to share small experiences, suggest narrative ideas or simply a word of encouragement when they are still not confident.
Perhaps, that is also how journalism is continued. Those who came before support us. When it's our turn, we hold hands with those who came later. Knowledge can be learned from books, skills can be cultivated over time, but professional spirit and love for the newspaper can only be passed from generation to generation through dedication and sharing.
I still think that I am still very young on the path of journalism, there are still many things to learn and many limitations to overcome. But if today I can become a small support for someone who has just entered the profession, just like the way you guys used to be my support, then that is also happiness. Because each person's journey of maturity will only be truly complete when the things they have received will continue to be given.
Every morning when I enter the editorial office, I still often look at the logo of Lao Dong Newspaper. I know that behind the two words "Lao Dong" is a journey of nearly a century with many generations of journalists who have dedicated their youth, intelligence and even silent sacrifices. I am just a very small link in that journey, but contributing a small part is already happiness.
For me, Lao Dong Newspaper is not only a place to start a job, but also the origin of a dawn. This place has nurtured my dream, so that youth can blossom and love for the profession can be sustainable over the years.
