What is the one thing you want to do most right now? I want to see my father. My father is an ordinary farmer. He is tall and very strong. When I was a child, I thought my father was stubborn, quiet, and not interested in me at all.

My father was very strict about studying. When I was in elementary school, he often told me, “Finish your homework first. You can’t play if you haven’t finished your homework.” At that time, I thought, “Why do I have to study so much when I’m just a child? I hate my dad.”

But as time went by, I came to appreciate my father more and more as I grew up. When I was young, studying diligently made things easy for me as an adult. If I didn’t work hard at studying, I would struggle in everything I do. I realized that my father was teaching me such things. Since then, I started talking to my father more often. When I’m in trouble, I immediately consult with him. My father is the most important person to me.

The day I came to Japan, I went to the airport in Vietnam alone. No one accompanied me. Many of my friends had their families with them. But I didn’t feel lonely. It was because before leaving home, my father said, “Hien, you’re my daughter, and you always have a strong spirit. You won’t shed tears, even if you’re alone. You’ll be fine.” At that moment, I felt like I had grown up.

And now, seven months have passed since I arrived in Japan. When I call home, my father and mother rush to answer the phone. Now I can say sincerely, “Dad, thank you always. I’m doing well and trying my best every day. Please don’t overwork yourself.” Working part-time while studying in Japan is tough, but when I think of my father, I’m determined to work even harder. Since I’ve chosen this path, I won’t give up and will strive until the end. When I passed the N2 Japanese Language Proficiency Test in July, my father was very happy. I could picture his proud face.

I’m grateful that my father raised me with care. There may still be challenges and worries ahead, but I hope he stays healthy forever. And I want to continue making efforts in various ways in the future.