Gen Z and the race for self-development

No longer waiting until graduation to start thinking about training and developing themselves, many young people of Generation Z are proactively taking a step forward. Since they were students, they have set out plans to study, work, expand their skills and explore themselves. Although the path is not clearly defined, the spirit of progress, eagerness to learn and daring to experience are positive signs of a generation that is maturing earlier and more deeply.

Although she has only studied half of her major, Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Duong has been able to design many products that have been highly appreciated by her teachers.

Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Duong, Van Phuc commune (born in 2008), is currently studying at FPT Polytechnic Thai Nguyen High School, majoring in Graphic Design. To prepare herself for a solid future, Thuy Duong quickly made a specific plan for herself. In addition to studying at school, she proactively registered to learn Chinese, a language that is considered to have high potential for application in the fields of design, communication and business in the future.

Thuy Duong shared: I feel that the time spent in school is not long, and if I only study one major, it is not enough to create a competitive advantage in the future. I study Chinese with the hope that in the future I can access more opportunities, not only domestically but also internationally.

Not only stopping at academics, Duong also participates in extracurricular activities, connecting with a community of young people who share the same passion for creativity. His first designs have been recognized by friends and teachers and encouraged to develop into personal products. When asked if he feels pressured by "having to study a lot", Duong just smiles: I don't feel pressured, I just feel happy because I am doing something useful for myself and certainly useful for my future.

Duong's story is not an isolated one. In another journey, Do Huong Quynh, Linh Son ward, is also showing the admirable initiative of young people in reshaping their path of personal development. After completing her first year of studying Marketing at Hanoi University of Commerce, Huong Quynh felt that her major was not really suitable for her, so she made a bold decision to register for the exam and choose a new school, to the surprise of her family and many friends.

The results of the 2024 high school graduation exam not only exceeded expectations, but also brought Quynh to her desired dream: the Faculty of English Pedagogy, School of Foreign Languages ( Thai Nguyen University). With her existing English skills, in parallel with studying the regular program, Quynh registered to be a teaching assistant at 2 foreign language centers, directly teaching, supporting students and practicing more pedagogical skills. Not stopping there, Huong Quynh also proactively registered to study French, a step to prepare for the future direction of bilingual teaching.

Quynh shared: At first, I was also worried, afraid that I would make a mistake by leaving my old major. But the more I study, the more I realize that my choice was right. When I can study what I love, and do work related to the career I pursue, I feel much more confident and motivated.

From stories like Thuy Duong and Huong Quynh’s, one thing is clear: Many young people of Gen Z today do not sit around waiting for opportunities to come, but are proactively creating opportunities for themselves. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone, try and accept that they may be wrong, learn and work in parallel. Even though they have to learn two foreign languages at the same time, work many jobs before graduating, they still maintain an optimistic spirit and long-term goals. Many young people today choose to start early, not to be better than others, but to understand themselves better, to prepare better for the future.

The “race” for self-development of Gen Z is not a race with society, but a process of improving one’s own capacity, from knowledge, skills to attitude towards life. They are not afraid to study more, work more, and are not afraid to change direction when they find it unsuitable. That demonstrates a very commendable spirit of progress, which is knowing how to listen to oneself, knowing how to adapt and constantly striving.

In today's young generation, it is easy to recognize an unmistakable common point: they are not willing to stand still in a stereotype, not satisfied with the limits that have been set. The initiative, the spirit of learning and the will to rise up are creating a generation of young people who are confident, progressive, know how to choose their own path and dare to go all the way. A generation that knows how to dream big and act responsibly. They not only find their own path, but also contribute to shaping the face of tomorrow's society.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/tieu-diem/202508/gen-z-va-cuoc-chay-dua-phat-trien-ban-than-8e50cd1/