From art stage to "theory lecture hall"

Before studying at the Academy of Politics , Major Doan Nga was the Head of Training Department, Campus 2, Military University of Culture and Arts, the school is considered the "cradle" of cultural and artistic talents of the Vietnam People's Army as well as the whole country. Having been professionally trained in vocal music from intermediate to master's level, Major Doan Nga has many years of experience in the arts, associated with performance programs, competitions, festivals, and art programs serving important political events of the Party and State; serving officers and soldiers of military units across the country.

Major, Master Doan Nga, student of Class 1B, System 4, Academy of Politics. Photo: TRUNG THANH

Ms. Nga confided: “Art brings me passion and emotion, but the new learning and working environment at the Political Academy helps me to be more mature, brave, and strengthens the sense of responsibility of an Army officer. From that, I see that I need to make more efforts in studying and training to gradually mature and improve myself.”

The journey was not easy

From the professional art field, which is rich in emotions and inclined towards talent, now switching to studying and researching political theory is a big challenge. Major, Master Doan Nga admitted: "Although I have studied and researched political theory subjects from university to master's level, but in fact, in the first days of studying at the Political Academy, I was still overwhelmed when I had to study and research more deeply the subjects: Marxist-Leninist Philosophy, Political Economy, Party History, Party Work, Political Work, Military Psychology... All were dry, difficult to understand with many abstract concepts. Many days when I returned to my room, I sat flipping through each page of my notebook as if looking at... the wall".

Major Doan Nga (far right) during a class in the lecture hall. Photo: TRUNG THANH

Although she encountered many difficulties in approaching and studying theoretical subjects, the petite and determined artist did not give up easily. Right from the beginning, she set herself a strict study discipline. After studying in the lecture hall, in the evenings, she spent at least 3 hours rereading lessons, looking up documents, underlining the content she did not understand so that she could ask her teacher or friends the next day. On weekends, when the students took a break, she went to the library to read books and ponder over each problem.

Not stopping there, Doan Nga also proactively "re-enacted" the lesson using her own strength: Music. "I often read the definitions aloud, or pause like singing to make it easier to remember. Many times, seemingly dry concepts become closer and easier to remember when I know how to "popularize" them with a little rhythm," Ms. Nga shared.

Thanks to that creative and serious way of learning, after a short time, Doan Nga gradually "caught up" with the program. Her test scores, discussion papers, and exam results gradually improved. Many times, she was praised by lecturers and class officers for her eagerness to learn, her diligence, and her scientific learning methods.

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Thuy, Nga's classmate, confided: "Nga is a student with a very serious attitude towards studying, always taking careful and meticulous notes of every lecture, sometimes even making her own mind maps for each subject. Studying with her, we seem to be inspired with the spirit of studying and training."

Simple but exciting in the group

Not only does she strive in her studies, Major Doan Nga is also an active "nucleus" in all activities of the class as well as the Political Academy. In any art program, exchange or competition, Doan Nga is always present, sometimes as a performing artist, sometimes as a choreographer, practicing for her teammates. Her voice not only warms the classroom atmosphere but also transmits positive energy, arousing the spirit of solidarity and cohesion in the group.

Artist Doan Nga sang a duet with students from the Lao People's Army at the meeting to celebrate the 49th anniversary of the Traditional Day of System 4, Academy of Politics.

Colonel Nguyen Van Cuong, Head of System 4, Political Academy commented: “Major Doan Nga is a student with a good sense of organization and discipline, always cheerful, sociable, and helpful to friends. She has a harmonious combination of the softness of an artist and the discipline and perseverance of a soldier.”

During the first days away from the office and the familiar working environment, Ms. Nga sometimes felt sad and missed her job, missed the music, missed the stage. But instead of letting her emotions control her, she turned her nostalgia into motivation to study. Every time the Academy organized an art exchange or political activity, she enthusiastically practiced and performed, pouring all her feelings and beliefs into each song. For her, it was not just singing but also a way to express gratitude, a way to spread love for the job, love for people, love for the Army.

Major, Master Doan Nga participated in giving a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025-2026 school year of the Academy of Politics. Photo: TRUNG THANH

“What I learned the most during my time at the Academy of Politics was not only theoretical knowledge, but also how to perceive problems, skills in ideological work, organization, and mass mobilization... Those lessons helped me understand more deeply the role of a political cadre, the person who “keeps the fire” for the collective, the person who holds the Party's ideological flag at the grassroots unit,” she confided.

In an environment that requires seriousness, discipline and courage like the Academy of Politics, the image of Major Doan Nga always stands out: Simple, persistent and full of positive energy. She still wakes up early to review her lessons, still spends time every day to exercise, maintains her singing voice, and still smiles brightly when meeting and interacting with teammates. "The path of learning and training has never been easy, but if you have faith and aspiration, nothing is impossible to overcome. I believe that as long as you try, no matter what field you are in, a soldier can shine," she said, her eyes sparkling with confidence.

Artist Doan Nga. Photo provided by the character

Amidst the pages of political theory textbooks filled with concepts, formulas and principles, the musical note named Doan Nga still resounds steadily, full of emotion. It is not only the melody of a devoted student, but also a beautiful piece of music about the spirit of dedication, the will to study and the determination to overcome difficulties of a female soldier in peacetime, quiet but resilient, gentle but strong, like the noble qualities of Vietnamese women that Uncle Ho praised: "Heroic, indomitable, loyal, and courageous".

NGUYEN HONG SANG

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/ky-su/not-nhac-ben-bi-giua-giang-duong-hoc-vien-chinh-tri-850219