The clip of Minh Nhat performing the song "If one day I fly to the sky" at the graduation ceremony has touched the hearts of millions of people.
Lao Dong Newspaper reporter had a conversation with the new bachelor about the journey to overcome adversity of the past.
The performance of singing "If one day I fly to the sky" in your graduation ceremony not long ago received a lot of attention on social networks. Why did you choose to sing this song on the day of receiving your bachelor's degree?
- When I was preparing for my graduation presentation, the seniors at school suggested that I should perform a song to create my own mark. I immediately thought of the composition by musician Hua Kim Tuyen and was extremely grateful that he allowed me to perform this meaningful song.
This time, standing on the university graduation podium, that melody echoed as a reminder and self-motivation: I have tried my best throughout the journey and continue to be confident in myself in the journey ahead. Having stood on many music stages, this is the first time I have spoken to a large number of teachers, parents and friends. Although very nervous and excited, I told myself this is a precious opportunity to express my deep gratitude to those who have protected and supported my family throughout the difficult years.
The most sacred moment in the ceremony was probably when your mother sat in the auditorium watching her son. What were your feelings at that time?
- That day, the regulation was that only one relative of each new graduate was allowed to enter the hall to attend the ceremony. Both my father and I agreed to let my mother be the one to enter. My mother patiently waited for 22 years just to witness firsthand the moment her son received his diploma.
Actually, I used to hesitate a lot, worried that my mother would have to sit and wait for a long time and move a lot, which would affect her health, which was already very weak due to chronic kidney disease. But luckily, my mother was fully present, being able to see me perform the ceremony and speak. The feeling of looking down and seeing my mother emotional and proud is priceless. A dream that my mother thought she could not reach after many medical upheavals, finally came true: My mother saw me mature and resiliently step into life.
Looking back at the past, after "The Voice Kids Vietnam 2018", many people thought that the aura of the stage would be a "launch pad" to help you change your life. In fact, how did the years after your competition go?
- When I finished the competition, it was true that many audiences knew and loved me, but I never thought I was a celebrity. I just saw it as a precious opportunity to get closer to my passion for music. In fact, making a living for my family in Ho Chi Minh City is still extremely hard.
The cost of living and hospital fees for surgery and dialysis for my mother mainly depended on my father driving a technology car, and collecting food from my hometown of Binh Dinh to sell. My singing or participating in programs was just a little extra help. My family also had to move houses many times near the hospital for convenient treatment for my mother. Difficulties from childhood have trained me in adaptability and calmness in the face of all fluctuations.
Having struggled to help your family from an early age, have you ever felt sad?
- One of my biggest fears before was pity. I once faced and spent a long time pondering about it. But then I realized, people's initial feelings originated from sincere sympathy for my family situation.
I tell myself, the only way to transform that empathy into respect and admiration is to live well, be kind, try my best and bring positive values. The sincerity and self-effort of each family member is the most complete answer to self-respect.
Minh Nhat himself is also carrying kidney disease like his mother. How do you face pressure and study to complete your university journey?
- In 2021, after I was infected with COVID-19 and then I discovered I also had kidney failure. My disease is like my mother's, currently there is no cure to completely cure it, but I have to use medicine as prescribed by the doctor and maintain a scientific lifestyle. There are times of fatigue, life pressure rushes in, I do not avoid negative emotions. I allow myself to face and feel it most clearly, and then calmly stand up and move on.
I always try to arrange reasonable time between studying in class, participating in talk shows, workshops to improve graphics expertise, singing and resting moderately. I am strong not only for myself, but because I know I am the trust and happiness of my parents. My parents cannot accompany me throughout the journey ahead, so I cherish every moment now being with my family.
Once known for your emotional voice, why did you decide to pursue Graphic Design instead of completely turning to the path of professional singing?
- I clearly understand that I need a solid professional career to support myself, shoulder the family economy and nurture my passion. Graphic Design at Van Lang University gives me a foundation of creative thinking and stable career opportunities.
However, I have never given up music. I still practice vocals myself, cultivate them every day. For me, design is a professional job that supports my current life, and music is a passion that is nurtured persistently. When there is a suitable artistic opportunity, I am ready to seize it at the right time.
If you send a message to your parents and yourself of the future, what would you say?
- With my parents, I just want to say words of gratitude from the bottom of my heart. The boundless love of my parents has helped me overcome the most difficult times. I promise to always live strongly, keep a warm heart, kindness and dedicate myself to what I do. What I desire most is for the whole family to always be safe and healthy.
And send to myself of the future that, I know the journey ahead is still full of challenges and thorns. There will be times when I feel exhausted, but if I am tired, let me stop for a moment and then continue to walk. I of the present have been and am trying my best, so I of the future must also be strong, live fully and wholeheartedly with my own choices.
