2014 Nonfiction, Third Place

“1000 Years” by Yen Nguyen, Age 16

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Tran Dai Nghia, Grade 10

I live in Ho Chi Minh City with my family: my mom, dad, and older brother. I like reading, writing and hanging out with my beloved ones. I love being able to escape into a world I create; a magical world where I can be anything I want to be.

It was my former tutor who brought inspiration to my writing. He taught me how to treasure my life, to make me look at people in a different way, and to believe in myself. He was a dear friend to me. Therefore, his sudden passing away when I was only fifteen, was a huge shock to me. Who would have thought that, while one day he was still a strong and healthy man, still talking and smiling to me, he would pass away the day after? It was then I realized what he really meant by telling me to treasure my life. It was then I realized everything that I thought I could have forever, could be so easily slipped from my hands. It was sad. But his death taught me a great deal.

Other than writing and reading, I also help my mom do housework and attempt to cook. I hope I can study abroad and make my parents proud.

2015 Progress Report:

2014 has been a year full of excitement and happiness. To me, the moment that I was silent with incredulity at the sight of my name on the award-winning essays of Writing for Peace Young Competition was one of important milestones in my journey to become an international journalist. Writing For peace brings me a great deal of personal experiences and knowledge that at a certain extent dissolves my cultural preconception and at the same time boosts my self-confidence.

I’ve been quite busy this year with preparations for college but in my free time, I still practice to improve my writing skills. I am now a contributor for Creative Mélange, a special magazine for students across Asia. I hope that in the future, I got a chance to be a part of Writing for Peace, to be able to contribute to the future success of the magazine.

Copyright © 2014 Writing for Peace. All rights reserved.
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