[Grades 9-12] Trekking Ham Lon mountain: A journey beyond limits for SenTians

Temporarily stepping away from our usual study routine and the hustle and bustle of the city, we embarked on a 2-day, 1-night field trip—an event that many SenTians had been eagerly looking forward to. Unlike previous trips, students from Grades 9 to 12 were challenged with a more demanding destination: Ham Lon Mountain (Soc Son).

Although we had to set off quite early, after just over an hour of travel, everyone was filled with excitement upon arrival. Before starting, we were guided through important safety rules, such as staying observant and following the red markers along the trail to avoid getting lost.

The journey began with Stage 1—a gentle trail winding through a pine forest, allowing everyone to warm up and get into the rhythm. By Stage 2, the terrain became more varied. For the first time, I experienced using ropes to climb a steep slope, which was both thrilling and exciting. The following paths were more uneven, requiring focus and perseverance.

During the climb up a 200-meter slope, what impressed me most was not just the challenge itself, but the way SenTians constantly encouraged and supported one another—a beautiful reflection of teamwork and unity. In the later stages, although there were moments when we needed to pause and regain our energy, the breathtaking views from above always motivated us to keep moving forward.

The final stretch—a long slope before reaching the “Roof of the Capital”—was the most memorable challenge for me. Those last steps demanded determination, but they also made the sense of accomplishment even more fulfilling. In the end, all SenTians reached the finish, achieving a milestone to be proud of.

In the evening, back at our accommodation, we enjoyed wonderful moments together: celebrating birthdays for friends born in March, playing board games, table tennis, billiards, or simply sitting down and sharing stories.

This was truly an unforgettable experience for me. Not only did it help me build endurance and perseverance, but it also brought me closer to my friends and teachers through every step of conquering Ham Lon Mountain. I look forward to many more meaningful journeys like this in the future.

(Nguyen Hai Anh – 9A1)