Environmental-Loving Female Cosplayer's Journey to Van Lang University

“No matter how hard I try to 'separate' myself, Chemistry always finds a way to 'attract' me back” - Tran Yen Nhi (Dong Nai Province) made this funny confession when she decided to study Environmental Engineering Technology at Van Lang University.

Tran Yen Nhi is an external candidate who previously attended a college in Dong Nai province. During an internship at the wastewater treatment plant in Industrial Zone 6, Nhon Trach, Dong Nai province,  Nhi met a group of seniors working at Industrial Waste Treatment and Environmental Consulting Co., Ltd., who were also alumni of Van Lang University's Faculty of Environment. That meeting left a positive first impression on Yen Nhi about Van Lang University Environment community, igniting her curiosity and desire to become a part of VLU’s Environmental major.

“At first, I wasn't a fan of Chemistry, so I had some concerns when thinking about studying Environmental Engineering since it has a strong connection to Chemistry. Maybe this is fate, I “separate” myself from Chemistry but it “follows” me. Moreover, my Engineering teacher's support and encouragement played a big role in my decision to choose this field at Van Lang University.” - Yen Nhi shared.

Understanding the major, choosing Van Lang University

Unlike the candidates who have recently completed their high school graduation exams in 2023, Yen Nhi's experiences have given her a more realistic perspective when deciding to embark on a new field of study. She stated that male students were at an advantage when studying engineering. Some tasks in the environmental field, in particular, required regular exposure to chemicals and fieldwork. This can be a barrier for women who decide to pursue this field of study.

Yen Nhi had the opportunity to meet and learn from experienced seniors who currently work in the environmental field, letting her understand that the field is full of fascinating aspects, closely related to real-world situations, and offers many different career paths for development. She has the potential to become an environmental consultant, a quality manager for businesses and environmental organizations in the region.

Yen Nhi shared that initially her parents had some concerns and misunderstandings about this field of study. To ease their concerns, she personally gathered information and explained to them about the university environment, curriculum, and career development opportunities: “I have persuaded my family to understand that this major has good practical applications, high annual employment rates and not too much competitive pressure. Perhaps because they saw how determined I was, my parents have finally agreed to go along with me.”

Having looked at images of VLU students conducting experiments in the laboratory and doing internships at factories and businesses, Yen Nhi can imagine herself standing in research and microbiology labs, collecting samples of polluted water, and observing microorganisms. All of this has made her excited and eagerly await her first semester at Van Lang University.

Coming to Van Lang University for hobbies and passions

Besides her daily studies, Yen Nhi is also passionate about music, dancing, and especially cosplaying characters from Japanese comics. She also participated in the SHIN Club's Cosplay Photo Contest, which is a community of Van Lang University students who share a common interest in Japanese culture, manga, and anime.

Yen Nhi feels that VLU's dynamic learning environment, which values personality and creativity, will make her student life more enjoyable. "I believe that, despite the boring subjects, the active extracurricular activities will ensure that our university experience remains vibrant and never dull." - said Yen Nhi.

With high expectations for a new major and a new environment, Yen Nhi is eager to join the VLU’s Environment community. She emphasized: "We Gen Z are not afraid of difficulties; but rather the fear of graduating without a clear direction. I want to experience as much as possible during my studies. Although I may have started a bit later than my peers, at the age of 22, I believe everything I achieve is 10% talent, 80% effort, and 10% luck. I will absolutely do my best not to fall behind my peers."

News:  Hoài Anh
Photo: provided by the owner