Dear readers,
Another college entrance exam season has passed. As most universities have announced the results, some students are very happy while others may be lost, wondering what to do with their life when the door to college has closed in front of them.
In Vietnam, university entrance exam is considered an important measure to ‘filter’ good and bad students and grant those ‘eligible’ a ticket to go study further. Teaching in workshops at An Giang University, Susan& Neal Newfield express concern over young people’s pressure to pass the college entrance exams. The two professors wrote to us, expressing a very different view on the most important exam in a student’s life:
“It is important to remember that University exams measure a small percentage of what it takes to be a good person. They measure what is referred to as “traditional” intelligences […] What is also tested, in an indirect manner, is the student’s ability to take the type of test being given. The lesson that we as parents can learn from this is that our child’s failure on one exam does not make them a failure as a human being.”
The professors praise individuals with emotional intelligence who have developed sense of their own self-worth and know how to solve problems since they are more likely to become leaders in the future.
Usually at this time of the year when exam results come out, some teenagers who have experienced the first big failure in their life - failing the entrance exam - become too ashamed to talk to anyone. Some just leave home or even worst kill themselves as their dream to enter a prestigious college has been terminated.
Life is too precious to be wasted. Last week, the Norway massacre killing more than 80 people and the death of 27-year-old Amy Winehouse made us realize more about the meaning of life. Why don’t you, young, ambitious, potential individuals, just live your life more meaningfully and treasure every moment you have? There’s no point in committing suicide at crisis moment because “when a door closes, there is another door open.” It has always been true!
Let’s get brightened a little bit by meeting two expats who are enjoying their life to the fullest in Vietnam. One of them is Taiwanese editor Vinh Huong who has been living for four years in Hanoi. She prefers the tranquil capital of Vietnam rather than a modern Taipei due to one reason:
“Vietnam is a lot like the Taipei I used to know in childhood. In Vietnam, I often go drinking sugar cane with my landlord. As we sit on plastic chairs, waiting for our drinks, I often turn to look at the streets and feel happy in my heart.”
Vinh Huong said she can just talk to anyone sitting next to her in a café or a bus. She also finds life here less stressful and people friendlier than in Taipei. Good to hear that, we hope you enjoy your life in Hanoi!
In another story, Michael from America loves Saigon not only for its delicious food but also for the current development in the city that he is witnessing.
“The constant rush of traffic proves that this is literally a city on the move, while the skyscrapers going up downtown show, equally literally, that this is a city on the rise. I find it absolutely fascinating to be living in a city that is on the verge of becoming a truly international metropolis. The new financial tower, the new airport in the works, the (hopefully) upcoming subway system, and areas like Phu My Hung all highlight the ambitions of the city. This may be harder for locals to understand, but seeing all of this construction and activity is a novelty for many Westerners,” shared Michael.
In the article, the young American also mentioned going out with friends at night and getting back home the following day’s morning even though he is no longer a student.
We noticed this confession has been criticized by some readers. However, we published the story because in our column, we respect people’s different views and ways of living. Remember each story you send, each comment you write is a piece of mosaic that makes up our City Diary.
To end with, we would like to borrow a quote from our frequent reader, Hanoinite, as a message for you, all our readers: “Life is short, live it up! You're only young once!”
Enjoy your weekend to the fullest!
Business & Investment Opportunities
YourVietnamExpert is a division of Saigon Business Corporation Pte Ltd, Incorporated in Singapore since 1994. As Your Business Companion, we propose a range of services in Consulting, Investment and Management, focusing three main economic sectors: International PR; Healthcare & Wellness;and Tourism & Hospitality. We also propose Higher Education, as a bridge between educational structures and industries, by supporting international programs. Sign up with twitter to get news updates with @SaigonBusinessC. Thanks.
No comments:
Post a Comment