"Challenges and difficulties forge a strong will."
Phan Sỹ Kế (20 years old, from Nghe An province) is one of the outstanding students of the Signal Officer School who was sent to study at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy (AMAN) in Brazil under the international training program.
Phan Sỹ Kế was one of the outstanding students of the Signal Officer School who was sent to study at the Agulhas Negras Military Academy in Brazil under the international training program. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
Coming from a rural background and setting foot in the "Land of Samba"—a distant country—Kế faced numerous difficulties and challenges on his journey to realize his dream, from adapting to the harsh climate to the language barrier. However, with unwavering determination, Kế always strived his best to fulfill his dream of becoming a virtuous and talented officer, bringing glory to his homeland and country.
"For someone like me who lives far from home, I feel a little sad that such an important national holiday cannot be celebrated in my homeland. However, I am very proud to be participating with my fellow Vietnamese comrades in the activities commemorating National Day on September 2nd in Brazil."
The young man proudly raises the Vietnamese flag at a celebration of Vietnam's National Day on September 2nd with international friends. He is wearing the third blue shirt from the left. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
"We invited many international friends from countries like Cameroon, Bolivia, Namibia, etc., to attend and helped them better understand the significance of our national flag and the history of our country," Kế shared emotionally when asked about his feelings celebrating National Day on September 2nd abroad.
One of the biggest challenges Kế faced was the language barrier in daily life. Kế confided: "Language is key to my ability to communicate and integrate with people. I've only lived and studied in Brazil for two years, so I'm not yet familiar with the language and culture here. However, that's not a major problem. My fellow Vietnamese comrades and I are working hard to improve our vocabulary to overcome this barrier. At the same time, we are all very patient in experiencing and adapting to this new culture."
Besides language barriers, Ke also faced extremely rigorous training exercises. Ke shared: "The school I attended is among the world's top military schools, so the intensity of the training was immense. This required great effort, determination, willpower, and resilience. The obstacles I often encountered included marching through high hills and conducting drills in the jungle. We almost always had to be in a state of concentration and readiness for combat."
With the fighting spirit of a soldier of Uncle Ho's army, Ke was determined and persistent in his training journey in a foreign land. "These difficulties and challenges not only didn't discourage me, but also fueled my fighting spirit and determination to conquer. I understand that pressure creates diamonds. This harsh environment will be a favorable place for me and my comrades to continue learning and training, becoming outstanding soldiers who bring glory to Vietnam," Ke confided.
Motivation fuels the journey of a thousand miles.
Whenever he thinks of his hometown, his family and friends are a great source of motivation that helps the young man keep trying. "There are days when we only get about two hours of sleep, leaving us mentally and physically exhausted. Even so, just a phone call home is like a dose of medicine, giving me the motivation and strength to continue my journey here. Because I know that I am the joy and pride of my family and hometown," Kế shared.
Ke's grueling training sessions with his teammates at school. Photo: Provided by the interviewee.
Filled with pride and gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of his ancestors, Ke deeply felt the significance of National Day on September 2nd. On this sacred day, his patriotism surged intensely, along with a profound sense of national pride.
Kế shared: "I find National Day to be of great significance. It's an opportunity for every Vietnamese citizen to reflect on the achievements and challenges the country has faced and is still facing. As a soldier, I always take pride in the Vietnamese flag and the Party flag. On the occasion of National Day, I proudly introduced the red flag with a yellow star to international friends, showcasing the standing of Vietnamese soldiers abroad."
Despite the harsh training environment, the team spirit here is deeply evident. Ke proudly stated: "I feel fortunate to be with my friends here. Although far from home and without the warmth of family and friends, we don't feel lost because we are always united and love each other."
On the occasion of Vietnam's National Day on September 2nd, I, along with my comrades and fellow soldiers, cooked Vietnamese dishes, enjoyed them together, and shared historical stories, as well as stories about our national leader Ho Chi Minh, with our foreign friends."
Kế further expressed: "Although I won't be in Vietnam on National Day, September 2nd, to celebrate with everyone, I will strive even harder to achieve more. After finishing my studies in Brazil, I will return to my homeland and dedicate all my abilities to my country. I believe that my homeland is not far away; it lies right in my heart."
Source: https://danviet.vn/cam-xuc-dac-biet-ve-ngay-quoc-khanh-2-9-cua-chang-chien-si-tre-viet-nam-du-hoc-o-brazil-20240901215411272.htm
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