25 years of RMIT, 25 years of me: Memories that last

25 years of RMIT, 25 years of me: Memories that last

To Bui Kieu Trinh, RMIT is her safe haven - a place where her uni life was filled with unforgettable memories, lasting friendships and valuable lessons.

RMIT turns 25 this year, and so do I. Looking back, I realise I’ve collected countless memories at RMIT. While writing this, I flipped through my old photo albums from my university days, and I couldn't stop smiling to myself. So many adorable little moments.

Whenever I think of my student life, I think of deadlines. Deadlines from classes, clubs, extracurricular activities, you name it. I can't forget those late-night and early-morning calls with my teammates (sometimes even my grandma would tease me for falling asleep anywhere and everywhere after finishing assignments). I also remember those meetings with my club and teammates at the library - sketching maps on the whiteboard, sharing ideas, debating passionately, laughing out loud, and still sighing, 'yet another deadline'.

Bui Kieu Trinh photo 1 Trinh and Dr Jackie Ong, Senior lecturer of Tourism & Hospitality Management program, in one field trip to Sai Duan, Lao Cai.

But it was those moments that gave me my first experiences: joining RED Team, becoming a Unimate and supporting university activities (partly because the University’'s merch was just so cool). Then came the field trips, hotel tours, company visits - so many journeys. I even got the chance to be president at 20 in Tourism and Hospitality Management (THM) Club, organising and joining events and workshops that were both fun and full of knowledge. I was lucky to be supported and mentored by Ms Jackie, Mr Justin, the Student Life staff (Ms Linh and Mr Quang Anh), the Marketing team and many others at RMIT. I also stepped out of my comfort zone by joining competitions like the UNWTO Students’ League 2020, STR Market Study 2020 and SV 2020.

Bui Kieu Trinh photo 2 Trinh (centered) as the President of Tourism & Hospitality Management (THM) Club with her lovely club members and dedicated lecturers
Bui Kieu Trinh photo 3 Trinh (centered) and her team achieved an award from a THM competition in 2020.

Maybe the biggest "legacies" I've inherited and carried on from RMIT are:

  1. Experience - the chance to explore and try new things, both for myself and alongside other students
  2. Connection and network - not only building friendships but also collaborating professionally to achieve goals together
  3. Effort and impact - the perseverance of myself and those around me, creating a healthy environment where we encourage and support one another, ultimately bringing value to the University, businesses and the community.
Bui Kieu Trinh story thumbnail image Trinh and her friends at RMIT's Graduation ceremony

Even now at work, I carry these values into my career and personal life. Thanks to RMIT, I have truly become more confident, professional, proactive and polished.

I can't possibly tell all the stories from my time there, but maybe the photos below will capture a glimpse of my student journey. Every now and then, I still catch up with my friends, mentors and colleagues from RMIT because to me, RMIT will always feel like a safe haven.

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