Reading culture is not merely a personal habit but an essential factor in intellectual development, critical thinking, and personal growth. For students—young minds in the process of acquiring knowledge, broadening perspectives, and shaping their thinking—reading holds even greater significance. Understanding this, Ton Duc Thang University launched the Developing Reading Habit for Students Program with the theme "A Journey Through the Pages" to encourage students to engage with books and cultivate a love for reading. As part of this initiative, a competition was held, not only to inspire students to read but also to provide them with an opportunity to share their reflections, explore the value of literature, and spread their passion for books within the university community.
After a period of enthusiastic participation, the competition received nearly 50 submissions from students. Each entry was more than just a book review—it reflected the personal perspectives of each participant, offering profound insights into the value that books bring. The submissions covered a diverse range of genres, all with practical significance for learning and personal development. This demonstrated that even in the digital age, where countless entertainment and information sources are readily available, books continue to hold a vital role. They remain trusted companions that help students sharpen their critical thinking, expand their worldviews, and enrich their intellect.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this competition was the seriousness and dedication of the participants. Rather than simply summarizing the content of the books, many submissions delved into in-depth analysis, drawing connections to real-life issues, extracting meaningful lessons, and even raising thought-provoking contemporary concerns related to the works. The diversity in content and presentation made the judging process a challenge. To select the most outstanding entries, the judging panel considered not only clarity of expression and logical argumentation but also creativity, depth of analysis, and the ability to convey emotions and inspiration to readers.
After careful deliberation, the organizing committee identified the students with the most exceptional essays:
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First Prize: Ngô Trần Diểm Ái (Student ID: 02300001)
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Second Prize: Nghiêm Văn Tiến (Student ID: 32300098)
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Third Prize: Phạm Thị Hải Yến (Student ID: 72100549)
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Fourth Prize: Nguyễn Thị Hồng Huế (Student ID: E2400012)
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Encouragement Prize: Phạm Thị Bích Thêu (Student ID: 32200075)
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Online Voting Prize: Nguyễn Thị Hồng Huế (Student ID: E2400012)
These winning entries not only reflected a deep appreciation for books but also demonstrated a strong passion for learning, analytical thinking, and literary interpretation.
The success of "A Journey Through the Pages" extends beyond the number of submissions or the awards given. More importantly, the competition has helped ignite and strengthen students’ love for reading. Reading is not just a way to acquire knowledge; it is also a means of refining thought, enhancing creativity, enriching one’s inner world, and preparing for the future. The essays submitted to this competition have proven that reading is not merely a solitary activity—it has a ripple effect, inspiring others when each page is not only read but also shared and discussed.
The journey with books does not end here. In the coming time, INSPiRE Library will continue to organize activities that promote reading culture among students. In particular, the "Reading Culture Ambassador 2025" competition will serve as the next platform for book lovers to challenge themselves and further spread their passion for reading. We hope that students who participated in this competition will continue to maintain their reading habits, seek new knowledge, and develop themselves, contributing to a vibrant academic environment where reading is not just an individual pursuit but a cherished cultural value in student life.
Here are some highlights from the program:
