An Undefined Journey—From the Diplomatic Academy to the Home Screen A Journey Without a Set Path

From the lecture halls of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam to the dazzling lights of television sets, host and editor My Hanh (born in 1997) has proven that the road to pursuing one’s passion is never linear. Graduating in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in English Language, she took a surprising turn, becoming a familiar face on programs such as Rubik Cuộc Sống, VTC Now, and Hành Trình Hy Vọng, amassing over six years of experience in the field. Her story is a living testament to the courage it takes to step out of one’s comfort zone.

A Fortuitous Encounter Called “Diplomacy”

After finishing high school, My Hanh chose to study at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam—a place she describes as “a beautiful coincidence,” where she not only gained academic knowledge but also honed essential soft skills, professionalism, and communication abilities. 

“Honestly, I hadn’t initially planned to choose the Diplomatic Academy. But looking back, I know it was a beautiful twist of fate,” she shares. More importantly, it was where she met devoted mentors and lifelong friends.

Among her most memorable experiences at the Academy was participating in Miss DAV —something she never imagined doing as a shy student. “I didn’t win, but I learned so much. The competition pushed me to try new things, to step out of my comfort zone, and most importantly, I discovered my love for speaking, sharing, and connecting with others. That’s probably when I started listening to myself more, and quietly laid the first stones for the path I’m on now.”

By her third year, when most students begin mapping out their futures, Hanh found herself in a moment of confusion, realizing that her true passion didn’t fully align with her chosen major. “I felt lost. But I chose to keep walking, because I’ve always believed that if you keep going, you’ll find your way.”

Broadcasting—A Path With No Prewritten Map

Graduating with a degree unrelated to communications, My Hanh boldly stepped into journalism and television—without any formal training or a roadmap in hand. No journalism credentials, no courses in television hosting—her only asset was a passionate heart and a firm belief that if she persevered, the light would eventually appear at the end of the tunnel. “I felt like someone walking through fog—with no map, no guide. All I had was love for the craft and a belief that if I tried long enough, I’d eventually find the light to keep going,” she reflects.

This wasn’t a tale of smooth sailing. Every step My Hanh took involved trial and error. She rewrote scripts, recorded her first voiceovers tenfold before gaining the confidence to submit them. She shook with nerves in front of the camera for the first time, and felt defeated when her pitches were rejected. But what kept her going wasn’t glory or fame—it was the simple joys.

“When I get to appear on-screen, when a topic gets approved, when I see viewers listening attentively—those little things are what keep me in love with this job day after day.”

To My Hanh, television is more than just a job—it’s a journey where every mistake is a lesson, and each experience is a rung on the ladder of growth. Even after more than six years in the industry, she still embraces the mindset of a learner—unafraid to be wrong, to revise, or to start again.

“I believe maturity isn’t about how much you know, but whether you maintain a learner’s spirit. If you keep your mind like an empty cup—you won’t be confined by what you already know, but will always be open to listening, to experiencing, and to embracing every new thing as an opportunity to grow.”

In an era where many young people feel lost amidst countless career choices, My Hanh’s journey is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a pre-drawn map—just the courage to keep moving. Because sometimes, the path you carve for yourself becomes the very story that inspires others.

A Message to the Young: Live Fully, and Keep Searching for Your Own Way

Amid academic pressure, family expectations, and the many crossroads after university, countless young people still grapple with the question: “What do I really want?” That was once My Hanh’s inner struggle—before she dared to take a leap into television without any foundational background.

Now that she has a solid footing in the industry, My Hanh doesn’t focus on showcasing her accomplishments. Instead, she quietly shares a hard-earned lesson:
“Study wholeheartedly, experience deeply, and most importantly—take time to understand what you truly want, as early as possible. When you have a clear direction, you won’t be swept away by the endless options—you’ll know where to go, and why.”

This isn’t advice from someone who’s reached the pinnacle of success, but an honest reflection from someone who is still learning and growing every single day. My Hanh doesn’t claim to be a role model—she simply hopes her genuine story can spark a little light of hope for anyone feeling uncertain on their path to adulthood.

Minh Hanh