A Precious Gift from a “Special Night”.

Over the past period, teaching and learning have taken place amid the extremely complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many families faced difficulties; some students were disadvantaged and did not have computers to participate in online learning, activities, and programs. In many places, internet connections were unstable or unavailable. This greatly affected students’ opportunities for hands-on practice and direct interaction. Some students who were doing internships or participating in scientific research projects were unable to continue their work. When the pandemic situation stabilized, this disruption altered their study plans and future orientations.

COVID-19 has also impacted the career opportunities of every student. The pandemic forced many organizations and businesses to shut down or reduce staff, resulting in fewer and less diverse recruitment needs than before. This led to concerns about job opportunities and unemployment. The pandemic also affected part-time jobs for many students, especially those living away from home. Moreover, due to the need to earn money to cover living expenses, some students became victims of labor and financial scams.

Students have had to endure more disadvantages compared to previous cohorts. As lecturers, and especially in his role as Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration – International Economics, Lac Hong University, Dr. Nguyen Van Tan has always been concerned and has sought solutions to provide students with more opportunities for experience and learning through real-life stories and valuable lessons. Everything that lecturers have gained, they wholeheartedly pass on to their students. Like parents wishing the best for their children, they hope their students will grow strong and confident on every path. Their greatest joy is seeing their students succeed and smile.

At 7:30 PM on November 30, 2021, a special program was held for students who had successfully defended their scientific research projects, helping them prepare for the next stage of their journey before leaving their beloved Lac Hong University. Dr. Nguyen Van Tan, together with other lecturers, organized a special night to present a meaningful gift to the students, under the theme “Special Pre-Graduation Gift.”

This was a unique program designed to help students create attractive websites, build distinctive profiles, and understand 360-degree management and leadership approaches in working, selling, promoting products, brands, projects, or events through Google Sites.

In addition to equipping students with essential skills, the special night, with the presence of Dr. Nguyen Van Tan, brought an atmosphere that was both solemn and joyful, filled with unexpected moments. He shared personal experiences from his own student days and early career, recalling the various positions he undertook after graduation. He was deeply moved to now have the opportunity to confide in and share his experiences with students, helping them better understand the road ahead and the challenges and barriers they may face.

The theme “Special Pre-Graduation Gift” reminded students about collaboration and teamwork. Cooperation is essential to achieving success both for teams and individuals. Students must also make the right decisions that lead to success. More than ever, life presents many situations beyond one’s control, and students must learn how to adapt and respond effectively, gaining valuable lessons along the way. Surely, they will encounter many failures in life, but these failures will become priceless lessons. They must learn to acknowledge mistakes, correct them, and make the most of every opportunity. Opportunities come to all of us; the difference lies in how we seize them. From academic and research values to life values, every lesson matters. With his warm and heartfelt voice, Dr. Nguyen Van Tan expressed his sincere care and aspirations for his students, hoping they would become more successful, more capable, and continuously improve, stepping into life with confidence and courage.

The greatest happiness for a lecturer is being remembered by former students. It is not only joy and happiness but also pride before others. There is no need for expensive gifts or envelopes with large sums of money. A simple message of inquiry, a congratulatory note, a greeting card, or a bouquet of flowers can brighten a lecturer’s entire day. These gestures are proof of the educational impact and the values that have been shared, especially the treasured teacher-student relationship. Even after many years, when students are no longer in school but still remember their teachers, it is a noble and sacred gesture.

The program concluded at 9:30 PM on the same day, closing a chapter of youthful student days filled with books and innocence, and ending the programs and events that are unique to university life. At the same time, it opened a new chapter filled with new experiences. The values given today are not given with the expectation of return. Wishing all students steadfastness, confidence, and success.