Enrollment day for a new student is also a special milestone for the supporters standing behind them. At the Academy of Public Administration and Governance on August 25–26, alongside eager young faces, loving glances from watching parents were ubiquitous. There was joy, pride, anticipation, and very ordinary worries as their children officially embarked on a new path.
From early morning, the campus of the Academy of Public Administration and Governance was livelier than usual. New students carried the demeanor of university students for the first time, while behind them, fathers and mothers quietly held their own joy.
Some parents snapped a few photos of their children before the school gate. Others carefully re-checked application files one last time. Some sat waiting while offering seemingly minor reminders: remember to eat breakfast, stay healthy, call home if anything comes up...
Enrollment day for the child thus became a memorable day for the parents as well.
"Overjoyed, but starting to worry"
Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lan, from Hung Yen province, brought her son to the Academy early in the morning to complete enrollment procedures for the State Management major. Waiting for her son to finalize documents, Mrs. Lan kept looking toward the processing area with eyes filled with both joy and anticipation.
"Of course I'm happy; him passing university entrance is a tremendous joy for our family. Ever since we got his scores and then the admission notification, the whole family has been looking forward to today. But bringing him to school today, I start to feel anxious. At home, his parents were always by his side for everything. From now on, he starts a new life and has to take care of himself much more."
For Mrs. Lan, what brought this mother a measure of peace was the thorough reception work at the Academy.
"The professors and student volunteers were extremely enthusiastic in guiding us. Bringing my son here, I didn't know the exact procedures, but being guided step-by-step put my mind at ease."
She smiled, then spoke as if leaving a word of advice for her son:
"I only hope he studies well, lives independently, takes care of his health, and remains accountable for his choices. His parents ask for nothing more."
"I realize my child has truly grown up"
Sharing similar emotions on the first enrollment day, Mr. Tran Van Hung, from Quang Ninh province, accompanied his daughter—a new Law major—to the Academy.
"Years ago when taking her to first grade, I felt nervous just like this. But today feels completely different. Back then she was small, but today she has grown up, chosen her own major, selected her institution, and embarked on a journey where her parents cannot always be by her side."
Mr. Hung shared that his family always respected their daughter's choices. When she decided to pursue Law, her parents felt both glad and slightly concerned, knowing it is a field demanding seriousness, perseverance, and self-study skills.
"We only encourage her to try her best. Four years of university is not too long, but it will certainly bring many changes. I hope she learns not only a profession, but also how to live, conduct herself, and take responsibility for herself."
Watching his daughter complete procedures alongside her peers, Mr. Hung remarked warmly:
"Looking at her now, she seems very confident. It's only us parents who are still feeling nervous."
"My biggest worry Is my child living away from home"
For families whose children study far from home, enrollment day carries a very distinct worry. Mrs. Pham Thi Huong, from Nghe An province, accompanied her daughter to Hanoi to enroll in Culture and Media.
"We live far away, so my daughter and I prepared days in advance. She was thrilled, while I felt both happy and anxious. Happy that she got into her favorite major, but anxious because it's her first time living away from home where she has to be completely independent."
Mrs. Huong mentioned that before enrollment, mother and daughter talked extensively about studying and living in Hanoi.
"I reminded her of many things, from meals and commuting to health care. But then I realized, children must grow up to mature. Parents cannot accompany them forever."
Reflecting on her feelings today, Mrs. Huong simply smiled:
"Seeing her happy makes me happy too. Starting today, I'll probably have to get used to an empty house without her."
"Seeing my child excited relieves my mind"
Not every parent was taking a child to university in Hanoi for the first time. Yet even for those who had experienced enrollment days with older children, the emotions of another child stepping into college lecture halls remained fresh and full of suspense.
Mrs. Vu Thi Mai, from Bac Ninh province, accompanied her son—a new Human Resource Management student—to the Academy.
"At home, he had thoroughly researched the major and the Academy, so the family felt quite reassured. But today, seeing him complete procedures independently, meet friends, and chat with student volunteers, I see how excited he is. Seeing him happy puts my mind at ease."
According to Mrs. Mai, the most important aspect of university years extends beyond academic results alone.
"I hope he learns a profession and gains knowledge, but more importantly, learns to live independently, love others, and act responsibly. Whatever career he pursues later is fine, as long as it suits him and feels meaningful."
Behind every new student stands immense pride
Amidst the vibrant enrollment day atmosphere, parents' stories varied: some rejoiced as their child attained a goal, others worried about a child living away from home for the first time, some felt nervous before a new chapter, while others quietly watched their child grow.
Yet underlying all these feelings was a shared bond: pride in witnessing their child step through a new door in life.
Today, parents brought their children to the Academy, assisting them through initial procedures. But starting tomorrow, new students will begin a more independent journey: self-directed learning, personal experiences, making choices, and taking responsibility for their decisions.
Perhaps for this reason, enrollment day is not merely the day new students begin a new journey. It is also the day parents start learning to stand behind them, watching over them with a love that is close yet distant enough for them to grow.
And in those watchful eyes, there is joy, pride, anticipation, and unspoken worries. But above all, there is trust.
Trust that the children entering lecture halls today will grow day by day, become sturdier, and continue writing their own stories.