From the moment we are born, each of us embarks on countless journeys. Some are smooth, while others are full of challenges that require our best efforts. There is no predetermined path to choose from; any road can lead to success and happiness because it is shaped by the values we cultivate along the way.
Finding one's path is a meaningful journey. It is about giving, and sowing the seeds of success and happiness for a lifetime. Take Off in August shares such stories. The speakers participating in the program are people who have walked different paths, but they share a common trait of always moving forward with spirit, passion, responsibility, and belief in the road they have chosen, striving to create as much positive value as possible along the way. The program also features guest commentator Professor Dr. Nguyen Huu Duc, former Vice President of Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and Senior Lecturer at VNU.
Dream of conquest
The first story told on the Take Off runway is about a girl born and raised in a rural area of Thanh Hoa. She faced many paths but chose her own unique way. Through perseverance and hard work, she has made remarkable accomplishments on the international sports stage. Thisgirl is athlete Trinh Thu Vinh.
On August 2nd, Trinh Thu Vinh excelled in the 25m women's sport pistol qualification round, scoring 587 points to place fourth and secure a spot in the 2024 Olympic finals. She scored 297 points out of a maximum of 300, with 15 consecutive 10-point shotss in the first round and the first half of the second round, leaving fans in awe.
Trinh Thu Vinh rose to fame in 2022, winning two gold medals at the 9th National Sports Games; one silver and one bronze medal at the 31st SEA Games; and three gold medals at the Southeast Asian Shooting Championship (SEASA) in the 25m women’s sport pistol and 10m women’s air pistol events. She is also one of two shooters to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Shooting was not Vinh’s first choice, but it has become her career and the path through which she has achieved her life’s dreams. In Take Off, Trinh Thu Vinh shared her difficult journey to glory.
Currently, Thu Vinh has resumed training at the national shooting range at the National Sports Training Center in Hanoi. In the upcoming months, she will participate in two major international competitions in November and December, the 6th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games and the 2024 Southeast Asian Shooting Championship.
The new path
Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan, who started aneducation business in 2003, when everything was still in its infancy, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan describes herself as a Gen X entrepreneur who started with a "natural" approach, relying on instinct without market advantages. She began her journey with just a 20-square-meter room, three employees, and a computer, learning by trial and error.
In her educational work, Ngoc Lan gathered like-minded people who want to add value to the community and has initiated many meaningful and practical projects. With the belief that "good teachers create good students," she has always strived to provide young Vietnamese with a wide range of opportunities.
"From the time I started studying abroad 20 years ago until now, I have faced many difficulties, but I think that’s inevitable because I dared to reach for things I had never imagined. And that will be beneficial to the community and society. Today, I clearly understand my mission as a scout. There will be many challenges ahead, but I know I will always be supported by my teammates and wonderful companions," said Nguyen Thi Ngoc Lan.
Dream of million green trees
Every step leaves behind green footprints that preserve precious memories. One young man left and returned to rediscover the green of his childhood, of the land where he was born and raised, with deep gratitude. That young man is Sung A Cai, born and raised in Suoi Bu, Van Chan District, Yen Bai Province. He founded the project "Dream of a Million Green Trees" to promote tree planting, environmental protection, livelihood improvement, and youth education.
Over seven years of operation, the project has contributed to positive changes in many barren and sloping areas, gradually turning them green, while also improving the lives of the local people. Sung A Cai was honored to receive the 2022 Youth Award for Community Dedication from the Vietnam Volunteer Community.
