Chapter 4
Life in Motion
To me, life in motion is more than pastimes - they are windows into growth and self-discovery. Each pursuit, whether creative or athletic, teaches me balance: between discipline and joy, persistence and adaptability, effort and imagination. My hobbies have shaped how I think, act, and connect with others, reminding me that learning happens not only in classrooms but also in moments of play, teamwork, and quiet practice. Through them, I’ve learned that growth begins where curiosity meets purpose
INTERESTS & SKILLS
Basketball
Basketball has always been a burning interest for me. Every time I step onto the court, I feel like I'm entering a whole new world where everything comes alive with energy. The sensation of gripping the ball, hearing the sound of my shoes squeaking on the floor, and feeling my heart race as I prepare for a critical shot brings an indescribable thrill.
I love the practice sessions, constantly honing my individual skills such as dribbling, shooting, and defense. Basketball teaches me the value of perseverance; there are days when shots don't fall, but I understand that effort will lead to success. Each time I score is a tremendous joy, not just for myself but for the entire team.
What I cherish most about playing basketball is the bond I share with my teammates. We fight together, laugh together, and experience both failures and victories as a unit. It's not just a sport; it's a journey that I continually love, providing me with priceless memories and meaningful lessons in life.
INTERESTS & SKILLS
WRITING
From Playground to Architecture
Writing began for me as a playground. In the world of tabletop and text-based games, I was the architect of backstories, using sheer imagination to breathe life into fictional mechanics. It was an instinctive joy. But when I started writing a book, that playground transformed into an architectural project.
For the first time, I understood the profound difference between writing as a hobbyist and writing as a professional. Feedback and edits from others became not just helpful, but absolutely necessary. They taught me humility, discipline, and that a great idea only truly shines when intentionally polished.
INTERESTS & SKILLS
Drumming
The Pulse of Energy
If there is one instrument I was meant to play, it is the drums. I started in the 10th grade and was immediately captivated. That feeling when the beats fit perfectly with the rhythm, when each hit of sound harmonizes with the melody, is unlike anything else I've experienced. Playing music makes me feel a sense of satisfaction, and the drums fit me perfectly. Loud and fantastically energetic, the drums let me express loudness, connecting the physical with the artistic.
INTERESTS & SKILLS
Football
The Lingua Franca of Boyhood
For any growing Vietnamese boy, football is almost always the default sport. It's a common language that doesn't need any translation, the easiest way to blend into a community. All it takes are two teams on the ground and a perfect ball, not too bouncy yet not too stubborn, not too soft yet not too hard, for a game to begin. Football taught me about coordination, the rhythm of a team, and the simple joy of chasing a common goal together. It was the first sport I picked up, and I imagine I'll continue playing it until my legs can no longer move, or until balls no longer exist.
INTERESTS & SKILLS
Badminton
The Art of the Tool and Preparation
Badminton is unlike any other sport I play. It is the only one that requires a man-made tool, and that taught me an invaluable lesson: before you can master the game, you must master the tool. Success in badminton comes from preparation from finding the "just right" racket for yourself to learning the requisite techniques to master it. The sport is both a physical exercise, training the forearms and grip strength, and an intellectual exercise in precision and strategy.
Early Footsteps
Boxing
Theatre performance
Horseback riding