How traveling to an almost untapped land mirrors a startup university?

It's summertime! This year, my family vacation trip transcends a retreat in luxurious hotels with convenient eateries and facilities nearby. It is a culture-dense mixture of local experience and small joys along the journey.

Let’s dive into aspects that my first-year experience at VinUniversity resonate with this trip.

Founding Cohort Camaraderie

Traveling to a less-developed location offers a unique intimacy. We were entitled to the "privilege" of interacting closely with locals and picking up their environmental wisdom regarding agriculture and marine life. Indeed, this is the best part throughout the trip - immersing ourselves in local experience.

Let me go into detail. In the first place, we intended to go on a boat to get to a cave but unfortunately, the weather conditions were not accommodating. We did ask for alternative ways to get there and hit the jackpot when a kind and keen sailor offered to guide us to a hidden land path leading to that cave (this kind of tour was unprecedented and the sailor did not even ask for the guiding fee). He is such a dedicated person that went to great lengths when it comes to telling local stories whether it is how farmers harvest oysters (we were lucky enough to observe this scene in action) or the religion a nearby village advocates for.

This resembles the close-knit community I find in a startup university. As one of the founding cohorts, we are instrumental in building the school's culture and traditions. We get to connect with professors on a personal level, similar to my family’s frequent one-on-one interactions with the local people in Quynh beach.

Trading Comfort for Discovery

During our stay at Quynh beach, there was a lack of means of transportation, and the road to the dining restaurants was far away from where we temporarily resided. However, when we eventually arrived at a restaurant and asked for any transportation services to get back upon finishing dinner, the restaurant staff offered to drive us free of charge. What a privilege when a tourist place is still not that commercialized and crowded!

*Seafood feast, so fresh and scrumptious*

We also visited the salt meadow in the afternoon when they harvested after filtering and drying sea water from early in the morning. It is an arduous endeavor when working in the extreme heat.

*We had great fun joining the locals in a harvest session!*

Similarly, a startup university might lack the resources of a well-established institution. Nevertheless, this is compensated by the sense of discovery and the chance to be part of something new and exciting. Though the curriculum is still quite uncertain and the system needs advancing, we receive tons of support and are empowered to initiate cool projects. Since the system is not fixed, there exists a plethora of opportunities for founding students to conduct initiatives.

Unveiling the Raw Beauty

Traveling to an untouched destination allows us to appreciate the pure, unfiltered beauty of the landscape. The whole area seems to be untouched by excessive commercialization. This mirrors the pioneering spirit of a startup university. We get to experience the raw potential of the institution, unburdened by established structures. We get to witness the work in progress and day-by-day growth of our university.

Listening to the ripple of the waves and witnessing the changing color of the sky (from clear blue to cotton candy blended with dusk orange)

A Journey of Growth

Both venturing to an untapped land and attending a startup university offer a unique opportunity for personal growth. We navigate uncharted territory, learn to adapt, and gain valuable insights beyond the textbook. We become part of a pioneering community, leaving our mark on a place that is still being shaped.

I have also unlocked my new hobby - watching the cloud drifting peacefully on the road trip to our destination. It eases my mind and tells the story of going with the flow and how different cloud shapes harmonize into a serene space.

*Chilling out at the porch in the homestay with dreamy sun, soothing breeze and watch Before Triology. That's the vibe*

So, the next time you are looking for an educational adventure, consider stepping off the beaten path. The unexpected lessons learned on a trip to a hidden gem might surprise you, mirroring the invaluable growth experience offered by a startup university.

Sincerely,

VinUnians