Mai Hoai Phuong — A Loss of Direction to Finding her Diplomatic Path

From a first-year student who once “sat in the schoolyard because she didn’t dare go to class” to a young diplomat working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hoai-Phuong Mai (a graduate of cohort 46, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam) has proven that growing up isn’t a race, but a process of listening to oneself and bravely taking small steps. She shares her story as a message of encouragement to young people still struggling to find their way.

Overcoming Oneself

Not everyone entering the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam carries a glamorous dream of diplomacy. For Phuong, her decision came naturally and simply—like a seed quietly germinating until it’s ready to reach for sunlight. That “slowness” in choosing wasn’t indecisiveness—it was a silent way of maturing. When one isn’t swept up by external expectations, there’s space to truly listen to oneself. And Phương made the right choice—not because she immediately found her passion, but because she was willing to pursue it with perseverance.

At the beginning of her first year, Phuong felt like she couldn’t keep up. “There were many confident and outstanding students in class, especially in English speaking,” she recalls. That sense of inferiority quickly made her feel lost. There were days when she went to school but just sat in the courtyard, unable to face going into class. It was a real challenge—one she thought she couldn’t overcome at the time. But in those quiet moments, Phương began to reflect on herself and her decision. She told herself: “Before doing something great, I need to be responsible for the choices I’ve made.” And from that thought, she began focusing on improving her studies—bit by bit, day by day.

There was no overnight miracle. But with persistence and a serious attitude, Phương gradually overcame that silent crisis. What she’s most proud of from her student days isn’t the achievements, but her ability to overcome her own self-doubt and achieve academic results beyond her original expectations.

Then came unforgettable memories—not from accolades or awards, but from everyday moments: “The nights grilling meat with friends after club events, or those exhausting preparations for the Model United Nations conference taught me the value of perseverance and teamwork—things no book can teach.” Sleepless nights in front of her laptop, heated debates to finalize content, frantic group orders for dinner after forgetting to eat—these seemingly small things are what helped her grow the most. In those moments, Phương no longer felt “lost,” but began to feel the power of connection, of sharing, and overcoming challenges together.

Diplomacy is not just a profession — it’s a way of life

Her journey didn’t begin with a dream clearly defined. Phuong’s story is evidence that real passion often emerges after trial and error. Her years at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam planted the seeds of a global mindset in her—a citizen able to analyze from multiple perspectives, empathize with different cultures, and act with nuance.

Her first job was tutoring English. But through these humble connections, Phương found herself entering larger spaces—where her voice and thoughts were truly heard. After internships at the Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she realized what she truly wanted to pursue wasn’t a stage or a podium—it was the dialogue between cultures, the building of bridges between people and the world.

To her, the “essence of diplomacy” isn’t about theory or titles—it’s an attitude: calm, thoughtful, and guided by an inner compass—knowing who you are and respecting differences. “The Academy instilled in me a spirit of integration, while always preserving and honoring national identity.” Now a staff member at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she still carries the aspirations she had as a student: to understand her country deeply, and the world broadly. “Not just the surface—I want to touch the depths of culture, history, and how each nation operates within the global tapestry.”

If she could leave a message to those still unsure of their path, Phuong would gently but firmly underscore: “Don’t worry if you don’t know what you want yet. What matters is being responsible for your current choices and moving forward with curiosity and a willingness to learn. Sometimes, the journey itself—not the destination—is the most important part.”

And perhaps, that is the most beautiful thing the Diplomatic Academy offers its students: you don’t need to know everything—you just need to be willing to begin. Just like how Hoai-Phuong Mai began—with uncertainty, with all the questions that come with being 18—and today stands strong in the vast world, with a tender heart and a quiet, steady confidence: “Diplomacy is not just a profession—it’s a way of life.”

Minh Hanh