Hello, AEP students! I am Bea Fabros Bunyi, a Filipino student majoring in Agricultural Economics K52. It is a great honor to receive this special award. I would like to give my sincere thanks and appreciation to everyone. Of course, this journey wasn’t completely a road filled with flowers but also a thorny path. 

I was originally from batch K51 but I couldn't go to Vietnam since it was the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak. It was a time when everything was uncertain and difficult. My flight even got canceled more than 3 times, and travel and virus control requirements gave me more work and doubled the prices, which unmotivated me most of the time. However, I believed for two years that someday my patience and perseverance will eventually be rewarded. Let's choose to be optimistic in every situation.

It wasn’t until my third year that I was able to come here. At first, it was very challenging to adapt to a new environment, new culture, new language, and new beliefs, and to socialize with new people. However, I am proud of myself for choosing to get out of my comfort zone and to face what's ahead of me, nevertheless, I still have a long way to go, and a lot to learn, not only academically but also in life in general. Life never stops teaching, if you never stop your passion to learn after all. In addition, learning doesn't mean it has to be always serious. I discovered that enjoying your interests and experiences with people, who support and encourage you, can give you more motivation to continue striving in life. That is why, I am sincerely thankful for everyone; my family, friends, mentors, teachers, and the Almighty. Despite these challenges, I would like to encourage every student not to lose hope even in times of uncertainty. For those who feel discouraged at the moment, remember that we glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance to character; and character to hope. 

Thank you for spending the time to read my story. I hope this motivated you to believe and continue to study hard. Do your very best. Glory to God.