Minh Lac
G’day everyone. I am Minh Lac, but most call me by my English name, Randy. I am one of the SNA’s Class of 2023 alumni and currently pursuing higher studies at the University of Sydney (USYD) in Australia. Known for its natural aesthetics and diverse culture, there are endless sightseeing and experiences that are reasons for me to study in Sydney.
I had been to Australia multiple times before with my family, but this is my first time being here alone. Every responsibility that was used to be at home is now on me, from cooking to laundry to academic responsibility. I was able to manage such chores, whilst keeping my studies and grades afloat.
My first-year experience at USYD was somewhat transformative. Initially, I wasn’t aware of how the “culture” of learning works, so I ended up confused. Eventually, I got through two semesters enough to see how lectures and tutorials operate and how to work on assignments. My personal favorite experience was doing laboratory work as a student partaking Chemistry. I get to collaborate with other students regarding projects, assignments, and be part of a researching community that has global effects, bolstering both my theoretical and practical chemistry knowledge. Another moment was when one of my units of study hosts a field trip to learn more about the agribusiness, as part of the assignment. I will never forget such long, but memorable trips.
Apart from the usual university studies, I partake in a few programs up until now. These programs help students boost their soft skills needed in the workforce. For instance, I was a mentor for groups of high school students dedicated to turning theoretical tinkering into tangible biotechnological products. My motivation comes from my family’s positive trait of helping others when they need guidance. Hence, I plan to join the university’s program to become a mentor for first-year Science students next year, mainly to help students walk through the complexes and confusions of the university’s culture.
Of course, my life isn’t bounded only in university, as there were so much to see around Sydney, from the Blue Mountains to Sydney Harbour National Park. Living close to a train station allowed these faraway trips possible, and I get to see the entire view of Sydney from different perspectives. I already visited known places such as Taronga Zoo, Centennial Park, Sydney Harbour National Park in Manly and Watsons Bay, and so on. My years in Sydney cannot go to waste studying away my time, as there is so much to do as an international student in Australia. I hope to visit Tasmania, Perth, or Newcastle someday.
Even though I travelled to Australia before, it is my first time experiencing and integrating into the Australian culture, both in and out of university. It is here that I begin to make meaningful friendships and explore Australia, whilst receiving the best education one can have. My one advice for anyone who plans to study in Australia is to always seize the day, travel as much as one can (within budget, of course). There is no better time to travel and explore than now, and there may never be next time. None of this is possible without the support from my SNA teachers, especially to Mr. Leslie Tran and Mr. Ben Tran who helped me on the path of my degree. SNA has been my second home, and always will be. I also express gratitude to my parents who truly supported my decision to study in Sydney.
