First Experiences on the Roads Across Vietnam – A Journey of Valuable Life LessonsSince childhood, I have grown accustomed to the familiar images of returning home for Tet by train, airplane, or bus. However, my first experience traveling more than one thousand kilometers in a four-seater car—a new gift from my father—opened an entirely new chapter in my “first life experiences.” This journey was not merely about traveling from the city to my hometown; it was also a voyage of self-discovery, an examination of my health, and a test of my ability to cope with life’s unexpected challenges.
Sitting in a car for the first time, I vividly experienced the hardships of a long journey as I had to remain seated from morning until night in a cramped, confined space. Although the new car only accommodated five passengers, it was the means by which my entire family—even my cousin—traversed over a thousand kilometers along highways and national roads. Throughout the trip, the cramped conditions became increasingly evident: I could not stretch my legs, which led to overwhelming fatigue, numb thighs, back pain, and even worries about developing a herniated disc.
Additionally, the car’s interior was permeated by a mixture of odors—the scent of gasoline, the air conditioner, and other unusual smells—that amplified my discomfort. I never imagined that such unpleasant odors could gradually wear me down, even causing nausea. Despite my attempts to open the windows slightly to allow fresh air in, the confined space forced me to surrender to sleep as a way to escape both the offensive smells and the onset of motion sickness.
In addition to battling fatigue from prolonged sitting, I also had to manage various issues that arose along the way. The need to frequently stop for breakfast, lunch, and dinner—with meals prepared at home, such as fruit—was economical but did little to alleviate the discomfort of eating on the go in less-than-ideal conditions. At times, a roadside coffee shop became a rare haven where I could pause, take a breather, and address personal needs in a dignified manner.
Interestingly, after several trips, I gradually discovered a “trick” to counteract the unpleasant odors in the car—especially the smells of gasoline and the air conditioner, which were the primary triggers for my motion sickness. Previously, I had experimented with opening a can of fruit-flavored soda or using orange and tangerine peels to mask the offensive odor, but these measures were not very effective. After experiencing near-nausea each time I encountered the car’s smell, I learned a valuable lesson: one must prepare a type of fruit juice with a strong, distinctive fragrance to replace and neutralize the car’s odor. This soda—infused with flavors like passion fruit, coconut, peach, and mango—not only provided a refreshing sensation but also helped me avoid motion sickness. Simply opening the can allowed its aroma to spread, effectively masking any unwanted odors.
My journey across Vietnam was not just about overcoming geographical distances—it was also a voyage of personal health exploration. Whether traveling from the city to the countryside or vice versa, I came to understand the limits of my own body. Sitting continuously, being unable to stretch, and constantly being exposed to the car’s odors taught me to recognize my physical boundaries: whether I possessed the endurance to handle long trips and whether my body was prone to environmental allergies.
Through these challenges, I learned how to better prepare for future journeys. I realized that equipping myself with small “tools”—such as pleasantly scented fruit juice, using a face mask to counteract foul smells, or even choosing between a newly built highway and a slower national road—can greatly enhance the comfort of the journey. I also witnessed firsthand the transformation of Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure, evolving from old national roads to modern highways, such as the Cam Ranh–Nha Trang–Dầu Giây expressway spanning approximately 300 kilometers, which, despite its challenges, significantly reduced travel time.
Reflecting on that long journey, I realized that every challenge, every bout of fatigue, and every creative solution was an invaluable lesson in personal growth. Overcoming the discomfort of sitting all day, managing the car’s persistent odor, and enduring motion sickness taught me the virtues of patience, problem-solving, and the importance of listening to one’s body. These experiences have built a solid foundation for me to face new challenges—including those that come with studying abroad.
Traveling across Vietnam was not merely a homecoming trip; it was a journey of self-discovery, a test of my physical limits, and an exercise in adaptability. It taught me that no matter where I am, thorough preparation and a relentless pursuit of learning are the keys to overcoming any obstacle. Consequently, I am confident that if granted a scholarship for international study, I will eagerly embrace new challenges, continue to learn, and further develop myself in a global academic environment.
My first journey by car was not simply a memory of long, exhausting hours on the road—it was a transformative experience filled with precious life lessons. It enabled me to better understand my own health, to push past my limits, and to devise creative solutions to adapt to challenging circumstances. These experiences have instilled in me a firm belief in my resilience and a passion for continuous learning, qualities that I believe will serve as invaluable assets as I embark on my academic journey abroad.
Through this essay, I hope to convey to the Admissions Committee not only my personal experiences but also my ability to adapt, think creatively in solving problems, and persevere through difficulties—qualities essential for pursuing knowledge and growth in an international academic environment. I am confident that, armed with these valuable lessons, I will have the strength to overcome new challenges and make a positive contribution to the global academic community.