I want to share a story from the very first moment I set foot in Korea, a moment that marked the beginning of a chapter I will never forget. It was early this year. I was just 18, a petite girl standing 158cm tall and weighing 48kg, carrying with me not just three heavy suitcases but a heart full of dreams about studying in Korea. After saying goodbye to my family and wiping away tears at the airport, I stepped through the departure gate alone, knowing that from this point on, everything would be up to me. Whether this journey turned out right or wrong, I had chosen it, and I would have to face it on my own. As the plane took off, my mind was filled with rosy images of student life abroad: freedom, new experiences, personal growth. But reality hit sooner than expected, right after landing. I arrived at baggage claim, where my three 30kg suitcases were waiting. Unfortunately, they were stuck deep inside the conveyor belt, blocked by many other bags that hadn’t yet been picked up. I tried to pull them out, but they were too heavy and the belt moved too fast. I couldn’t do it alone. Nearby stood an airport staff member. Though he wasn’t in charge of the baggage area, I politely asked in Korean if he could help me lift one of the suitcases. He clearly heard me but said nothing, turned away, and walked off. I froze for a moment. Back home in Vietnam, people help one another naturally, strangers treat each other like family. I was shocked that a staff member here could be so indifferent, especially to someone obviously struggling.

Just as I was beginning to feel truly helpless, a kind Korean man, probably around my father’s age, approached me and asked if I needed help. When I looked up, I realized it was the same man who had sat beside me on the flight, we had chatted for a while during the trip. I felt so incredibly lucky. At a time when I felt lost and vulnerable, he stepped in to help without hesitation. Together, we lifted the bags. I was deeply grateful, not just for the physical help, but for the warmth and kindness he showed. I never saw him again after that day. But that simple act of kindness taught me something important: not all Koreans are distant or cold. And more importantly, life in a foreign country is full of unpredictable moments: some hard, some beautiful. I’ve learned that I can’t expect the world to always understand or support me, but if I keep moving forward with courage and hope, the universe will send help when I need it most.

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