A Word of Welcome...

On September 1, 2011 fifteen young people from a range of high schools around the U.S. arrived at Noi Ba International Airport in Ha Noi. Jet-lagged and overwhelmed, they spent the weekend getting oriented to their new home amid Independence Day revelry and celebration. Now one month later, they are members of host families, interns at various community organizations, students on a university campus and participant-observers in a foreign culture and society. Thus begins their year with School Year Abroad – Viet Nam.

This monthly blog will chronicle the students’ lives in Viet Nam outside the SYA classroom. A process of sharing and peer-editing in their English class will precede all posts thereby creating an individual and collective narrative. Travel-journalist Tom Miller said “The finest travel writing describes what's going on when nobody's looking.” May these young writers seek out and find their moments to see, with new eyes, what no one else sees. May they write their stories with sensitivity and passion. And may you, our readers, enjoy imagining their Viet Nam.

Becky Gordon
SYA English Teacher

Monday, December 12, 2011

Through the Door

Hy-Long Nguyen

Where am I now?

I’m at the end of the road. A closed door stands in my way, close enough to see its untouched, flawless design but too far to turn the handle. The shine of its cold, silver keyhole competes with the sparkle of the glossy, brass knob. It is locked; it is ready to be opened.

The past few months in Vietnam have made me realize that everything I’ve done so far in my life -- hobbies, accomplishments, talents, interests -- has been for one simple goal: to open up that door, go to college, find a job, and grow into an adult. I look back with disappointment and pride, tears and laughter. But most important, I look back knowing that I still have time to change who I am, to take the negative things about me, leave them behind, and shut the door after I walk through

So where am I now?

I am at the door, slowly reaching for the knob. I am deciding what to bring with me to the other side. I am evaluating who I really am.
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