[UEH Through the Lenses of Time #01] UEH 50 Years: From the Classroom Window to the Aspiration to Contribute

01 Aug, 2026

Looking toward the milestone of 50 years of establishment and development of UEH (1976–2026), "UEH 50 Years: Through the Lenses of Time" is a content series originating from the competition "UEH 50 Years - Frames of Knowledge - People - Future" and continuing to spread stories, images, memories, and memorable milestones about UEH. Each "frame" is a slice of time, preserving emotions, the journey of growth, and values cultivated across generations of UEHers, together contributing to portraying the 50-year picture of the University's establishment, development, and continuous innovation.

Opening the “Through the Lenses of Time” series, the story of Ms. Bùi Cao Yến Diễm takes readers back to the window of a classroom years ago - where a young student once nurtured the dream of returning to contribute to UEH. From that simple wish, the journey became reality when she officially joined the University’s staff, continuing to accompany and contribute to UEH’s development.

UEH AT 50: FROM A CLASSROOM WINDOW TO AN ASPIRATION TO CONTRIBUTE

Author: Ms. Bùi Cao Yến Diễm - UEH staff member

Category: Stories and recollections of UEH

A featured entry from the contest:

UEH 50 Years - Frames of Knowledge - People - Future

Each of us has our own "frame" of UEH. For me, the most beautiful frame is not found in certificates of merit, but in the windows of those classrooms back then - where a young student once gazed into the distance and dreamed of a future contributing to this place.

A dream seen from a window

During my student years, I was fortunate to wear the blue shirt of a Youth Union - Student Association officer. In those years, I learned not only knowledge from books but also the value of contributing. The more involved I became in student activities, the more deeply I absorbed UEH’s guiding principle of “putting learners at the centre”. It is not merely a slogan, but a deeply humane philosophy in which all the resources and dedication of our teachers are directed towards students’ development.

To be honest, back then I admired the University’s lecturers and staff to the point of feeling inadequate. In my eyes they were the “VIP pro” crowd - intellectuals with outstanding professional expertise and an exceptionally professional bearing.

There were afternoons sitting in a classroom at Campus N, looking out at the busy campus grounds, when I would muse to my friends: “Later on, even just being a cleaner for the University would be lovely, wouldn’t it?” Because for me, simply being part of this place and contributing a little effort to the university I loved was already something to be proud of.

Experiences during her student years nurtured her love for UEH and her aspiration to return and contribute to the University

From a wish held during her student years, the journey to becoming a UEH staff member is the result of continuous learning, self-development and perseverance in pursuing a goal.

The journey of turning a dream into reality

The dream of “working at UEH” was like a lighthouse showing the way. I understood that to stand alongside the remarkable people here, I could not stop at dreaming.

The self-doubt I felt back then did not hold me back; it became the motivation to work twice, three times as hard. I built up my expertise, honed my skills and kept alive the enthusiasm of the Youth Union officer I once was.

And then the magic of perseverance appeared. On the day I received the official notice that I had become a member of the University’s staff, I was left speechless. I realised that UEH is not only a place that honours exceptional talent, but also fertile ground that always opens its arms to those who dare to dream, dare to commit themselves and never stop striving for the good of the whole.

Proud to be one piece of the future

In UEH’s 50-year journey, my story is only a very small frame. But for me, it is a frame of gratitude, of growth and of pride.

I am proud to work at the very university that nurtured my dream. Proud that every day I can contribute a small part to the place that inspired me when I was a student.

And sometimes, walking past those familiar lecture-hall windows, I smile as I remember that dream of years ago.

Because I have come to realise:

“Some dreams begin at a window...
and then one day, you realise you have truly stepped into that frame...”

Now, coming to the University each day is no longer about going to study, but about going to contribute. I no longer look out of the window to dream, because I am truly standing here, inside the very “frame” I once longed for.

*The content of this entry has been kept as in the original in order to respect the author’s perspective, feelings and message.

UEH 50 Years: Through the Lenses of Time

Preserving the memories of generations of UEHers, creating a 50-year legacy

Looking ahead to the 50-year milestone (27 October 1976 - 27 October 2026), "UEH 50 Years - Frames of Knowledge - People - Future" is where half a century is retold through the memories of the UEHer community itself - through the stories, photographs, keepsakes and shared reflections that have accompanied so many generations, becoming pieces in the shared picture of UEH’s heritage.

Running alongside the series of 22 key activities aimed at repositioning and giving a new role to the 08 heritage values of UEH’s 50-year journey - "Solidarity - Compassion - Dedication - Community - Pioneering - Creation - Sustainability - Internationalisation" - “Through the Lenses of Time” helps to spread those values, connecting past, present and future through the experiences of the UEHer community across UEH’s 50 years of development.

Look forward to a special milestone:
UEH Grand Anniversary – "Embracing Future Together"
27 October 2026 | Hall A.116 & multi-platform livestream

Find out more: https://ueh50.ueh.edu.vn/ or the UEH 50 Years Booklet at this LINK.

News, photos: UEH Trade Union, Department of Communications and Partnership Development