Everyone nearby appeared to have a clear sense of their passions. My classmates had distinct interests: football, painting, and music. However, I was unsure about what I enjoyed or what I wanted to pursue. I felt directionless and hollow.
Currently, I am residing and pursuing my studies in the United States. Reflecting on the past, my path to uncovering my enthusiasm for science has not been brief or simple, yet it has been profoundly significant. I wish to share this experience with young individuals who may feel as I once did: uncertain about where to start, unaware of what they genuinely cherish.
In fifth grade, I was a child without aspirations. My friends pursued their interests with enthusiasm, whereas I had no idea what truly interested me. This feeling of not knowing where I was headed made me feel isolated inside my own thoughts.
One day in my Physics class, my teacher shared a method for transforming human bones into artificial diamonds by crushing them into powder and subjecting them to extremely high temperatures. It was an unusual tale, yet it ignited a curiosity in me that I had never experienced before. I began exploring further and learned about crystallography. This became my initial connection to Chemistry, a field I had never previously engaged with.
I started learning on my own. I purchased used books, viewed YouTube tutorials, and created crystals at home. I gained knowledge on producing intricate solutions through global science websites. Learning by myself was challenging, yet it enhanced my hands-on abilities and self-reliance.
Later, I encountered students studying Chemical Engineering at Phenikaa University. We collaborated to establish a small shop that sold crystals and established the biggest crystallography community in Vietnam.
However, enthusiasm comes with its dangers. At one point, sulfuric acid splashed into my eye while I was conducting an experiment. I was scared but remained quiet, worried that my family would stop me from taking Chemistry. I spent thirty minutes washing my eye in the bathroom, with tears blending with pain and anxiety. Fortunately, I only suffered a slight burn on my eyelid. That day, I understood that my passion could be risky, yet it deepened my appreciation for my chosen path.
I started participating in crystallography competitions at the University of Science in Hanoi and earned some minor awards. These initial successes boosted my confidence that I was heading in the correct direction.
In 2022, my family relocated to the United States. The initial period was the most challenging. I wasn’t able to speak English and felt confined in silence. Feelings of loneliness and uncertainty overwhelmed me. However, I refused to surrender. I reached out to university laboratories via email seeking internship opportunities. Most of them turned me down because I was considered too young.
Then, a professor from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) responded. He mentioned that he had never encountered someone so young with such a strong passion for Chemistry. He offered me an internship in his lab every Friday. Now, I am a member of a research group focusing on antibiotic-resistant bacteria at UCI.
My high school years were lengthy. I attended school from 8:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., followed by university classes from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. I completed my first- and second-year university Chemistry courses while still in 10th grade.
I recall falling asleep on the bus following an evening class and waking up an hour past my intended stop. I had no idea where I was and needed to find my way home by myself. I didn’t inform my family, not wanting to cause them concern. However, deep inside, I felt joyful, as every challenge brought me nearer to my dream of becoming a scientist.
This year, I released my first book with the support of my UCI professor: “The Evolution and Consequences of Antibiotic Resistance.” I authored it to share my expertise with young science lovers, aiming to simplify this complex subject.
If you’re reading this and feel confused, remember that it’s fine to not have dreams just yet. However, don’t cease your journey. Keep acquiring knowledge, keep experimenting, keep making mistakes. One day, curiosity will spark your enthusiasm, and that enthusiasm will transform into your goal.
