20 Year Old question
Every year, welcoming students to visit has become a familiar rhythm in Lao Dong Newspaper. From early summer to late winter, the news agency is still regularly open to welcome young people who are struggling to enter the world of journalism.
Most recently, the newsroom welcomed students of K43 Press Photo from the Academy of Journalism and Communication, young, excited faces, eyes shining with curiosity and desire to explore. Not long before, there were student groups of journalism and communication students from Hoa Binh University, then young people from Dai Nam University, Academy of Posts and Telecommunications, ... Each group had a different color, a different story, but all had the same desire, to see with their own eyes, touch the space of journalism, and hear the most real stories about the profession, something that never existed in books or lectures on school seats.
That day, the K43 Press Photo delegation directly met Editor-in-Chief Nguyen Ngoc Hien - who spent many hours talking not with numbers, plans or strategies, but with career stories and life stories. Observing each young eye, I feel excited and eager to hear the veteran journalist say simple but summarized words from my entire career as a journalist: "If you want to go far in this profession, you must first be honest with your pen". I believe that moment will remain in the minds of young people who have just taken their first steps on the path of journalism.
And then after that open sharing, my arms were gradually raised. What I look forward to most at each meeting are the questions. Because the questions of the twenties are always straightforward, not colorful, not roundabout, and sometimes wring deep into the hearts of journalists.
I asked him very directly: "In the era of the explosion of social networks, will the press still maintain its position?" Another friend wondered: "How is the production process of a work at Lao Dong news agency today? , "Can print newspapers survive in the digital age?". Responding to them with all your sincerity, we are not petty in journalism, but we are not optimistic. I share that journalism always retains its value, if journalists maintain their courage, honesty and are not carried away by the virtual glory of views and shares. Technology can change the way we write, build, and publish, but the core of journalism is accuracy, verification, and responsibility to the public.
There are questions that make me stop for a moment, because it touches the depths of the profession: "Have you ever faced danger when working as a journalist? Why are you still attached to this profession?" We told them about the investigation routes that have been conducted. These are challenging journeys, where we have to follow in the footsteps of weakness, accepting to step into potentially risky appointments. Sometimes, there are invisible threats or pressure weighing on each word. But it was during those days that we became more aware of the true value of journalism, when the truth was exposed, when an article could move public opinion, contributing to promoting justice and changing society.
They were also excited to hear about the nearly century-old tradition of Lao Dong Newspaper - a newspaper associated with the flow of Vietnamese revolutionary journalism. From the arduous days of resistance, to the period of innovation and integration, the newspaper has always been at the forefront of protecting the legitimate rights and interests of workers. I want students to understand that journalism is not only a job, but also a mission, a flame of responsibility passed down through many generations.
Strange experience
After a discussion full of questions and reflections, the students embarked on a journey to explore the club. Coming to each office, they could see reporters briskly playing on the keyboard, editors meticulously reviewing each word, or exploring video creation and graphic design skills from Media reporters.
The stop that makes young people most excited is the studio, the heart of multimedia activities. I remember the bright faces when I saw the cameras, lighting equipment, and modern LED screens. The questions not only revolve around techniques, but also expand the production process of a news report, talk show, programming skills, and behavior when hosting hot events. And when suggested to experience being a host, they were initially hesitant, but then each of them boldly sat in the "hot seat", trying to read short quotes. Some friends laugh when seeing their own image on screen, some are silent, their eyes seem to have painted a dream of the future.
With the student delegation of Hoa Binh University, I still remember the moment they witnessed a live talk show - the program "Sports Perspective" with the MC of Lao Dong Newspaper led by Commentator Quang Huy. The vibrant atmosphere, smooth coordination between the studio team, the calmness but full of charisma of the host... all made many of you exclaim: "We didn't think this job required so much harmony and concentration".
The students of the Academy of Posts and Telecommunications were more Bold, they immediately organized a lightning-fast interview at the studio. I instruct them on how to choose camera angles, frame layouts, and lighting so that they are natural but still professional. In their eyes, what I see is not only curiosity, but also a desire to deeply understand to prepare for the road ahead.
Maintaining the passion for journalism
The tours always end with warm moments. Many students hesitated to ask for phone numbers and work together. Some friends have returned to the real world, sent their first collaborative articles, and gradually become familiar collaborators of the newspaper. Young people who love their profession and are eager to contribute are always welcomed, because they are the green shoots of journalism, a new breath for the passion of the profession to not fade before the harsh cycle of the digital age.
Each tour, each question, each glimpse of my twenties is a time when I can review myself. These conversations not only help students better understand their profession, but also remind us of why they started. Amidst countless deadlines, amidst the news whirlwind, the fierce competition of social networks, there are still young hearts eager to commit, to be honest with the pen.
We understand that the mission of the previous generation is not only to continue making newspapers, but also to keep the fire burning and spreading the fire. So that when we stop, there will still be new feet that continue to walk, new pens that continue to write and there are lights shining on the truth that will never go out.
