Male student likes volunteering, loves literature

Lu Gia Kiet (second from left) received second prize in the poetry writing contest organized by the Can Tho City Writers Association. Photo: DUY KHOI

Lu Gia Kiet is currently a student of Business Administration at Nam Can Tho University, living in Dong Phuoc commune, Can Tho city. Meeting Kiet after class in the afternoon, our conversation was full but urgent, because Kiet still had to go home to take care of family matters. The distance from home to school is more than 15 kilometers, whether studying during the day or in the evening, Kiet always takes advantage of the time after school to go home to help his parents with work, and take care of his 6 younger siblings. "With such a busy schedule, how can Kiet do so many volunteer works, study well, and be passionate about writing literature?", I asked, and Kiet smiled: "The important thing is that I know how to organize!".

Gia Kiet said that after the high school graduation exam, Kiet was quite stressed and lived a closed life, so he set himself the goal of overcoming his limits when entering university. Kiet started participating in activities such as picking up trash and cleaning the environment on campus; then gradually joined volunteer teams and groups outside. Gia Kiet participated in many activities such as cleaning the environment; volunteer cooking to serve lonely elderly people, homeless children, relatives and patients at hospitals; visiting and giving gifts to social protection centers... The image of a male student devoted to volunteer work is impressive. Although not a "leader", Kiet is always an enthusiastic, dedicated member, quietly contributing.

I asked: "What is it about volunteering that makes Kiet determined to stick with it?" Kiet said that, for example, when he gets to play and encourage orphaned children with no place to rely on at the social protection center, watching them play and smile, Kiet feels like he is being given more energy for a beautiful life. Or when he participates in cleaning and taking care of the Martyrs' Cemetery in Can Tho City, Kiet feels more grateful and proud of his country's traditions. Through volunteering trips, Gia Kiet has more life experiences and life lessons that, according to him, "broadens his horizons". Through each person he meets, each friend he gets to know, Kiet has more friends and is given more positive energy. "From then on, Kiet overcame himself, became more open in his thinking and lifestyle," Kiet confided.

As the older brother of the younger siblings in the family, when it comes to children in difficult circumstances, without a place to rely on, Kiet thinks of himself as an older brother and the children need protection. Therefore, Kiet always tries to participate in volunteer activities and feels more and more responsible for his family. Therefore, when he finishes school, Kiet's first priority is to help his family, take care of his younger siblings, and then do volunteer work. Taking advantage and sacrificing himself is the secret of this male student. For example, if there is a volunteer activity at 7am, Kiet is willing to wake up early and travel far to be able to participate.

At the poetry writing contest organized by the Can Tho City Writers Association, concluded last May, young writer Lu Gia Kiet won second prize with the poem “Can Tho River’s Words”. The poem borrows the words of the river to depict the proud beauty of his homeland:

“Fifty years, a stream flows quietly
The river still tells old stories with golden rice
From wound to small flower
Blooming gently on the endless chest of the earth"

Poet Phan Hoang, a judge of the contest, said that the poem won second prize convincingly: "From the first pages of writing, it showed the carefulness of knowledge, emotions, ideas, poetic images, poetic imagery and the way of speaking of a new writer who can go far."

Talking about his memories of participating in the contest, Gia Kiet said that it was the first page of his journey to literature. After many activities, Kiet chose literature to relax and stimulate his mind. Gia Kiet likes to write about social issues, with the mindset, thoughts and responsibilities of young people. Poet Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Chairman of the Writers' Association of Can Tho City, said that Gia Kiet has great potential and promises to go far in his literary career. Gia Kiet's being a new member of the Writers' Association also enriches the city's young creative force.

***

Not only actively participating in volunteer activities, Lu Gia Kiet also has impressive academic achievements when he achieved the title of Excellent Student and Excellent Training for 3 consecutive years. Gia Kiet was awarded the title of "5 Good Students" at the city level for the 2023-2024 school year.

DANG HUYNH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nam-sinh-thich-thien-nguyen-me-van-chuong-a189804.html