Off-track but on-growth: how my ‘random’ campus life started to make sense

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Off-track but on-growth: how my ‘random’ campus life started to make sense

When starting university, I thought I had it figured out: study Professional Communication, follow the creative path, and graduate with a plan already in motion. But the truth? None of my biggest learning moments came from lectures or a perfect roadmap. They came from saying yes to things I didn’t plan.

If you’ve ever felt off-track or unsure about your direction at RMIT, here’s a little reminder from my unexpected campus journey, and why that “randomness” might be exactly what helps you grow.

The first ‘Yes’ that changed everything

It all started when my friend asked, “Hey, wanna apply to the Student Council with me?” Honestly, I just wanted to try something new without paying a fee. I wasn’t aiming to become a student leader or gain any strategic skills.

And yet, I landed on the International Office’s R&D team.

At first, it felt like one of those quiet, behind-the-scenes roles. But then I found myself listening to international students talk about homesickness, culture shock, and adjusting to life in Vietnam. That’s when I realised student-led activities could genuinely make a difference.

That inspired our team to create Tet for Tots — a cultural fair with traditional and childhood Vietnamese games, designed to welcome and connect international students. We raised 30 million VND for Blue Dragon and brought together students from all backgrounds.

Planning the event — from ideas to budgeting, logistics, and decoration — taught me more about leadership and teamwork than any assignment had. But more importantly, it helped me feel like I belonged.

So, if someone invites you to something new, even if it seems random or small, say yes. You never know where it could lead.

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Finding growth where you least expect it

That first “yes” gave me the confidence to keep exploring. I joined the Human Development Club (HDC) — all because a friend once said it felt like a family: “Just great people with great vibes.” And that was exactly what I needed.

It took me a while to realise that HDC focuses on Human Resource Management — from talent development to employee wellbeing — which felt a little “off” for someone majoring in Professional Communication like me. It wasn’t the path I ever expected to take, but the more I got involved, the more I appreciated how much it taught me — about people, leadership, and even myself.

HDC became the first space on campus where I felt truly connected

In my first semester at HDC, I took the leap to become a Project Leader. It wasn’t easy. My co-leader and I had very different working styles — she was task-focused; I was people-focused. Working through that helped me see something important:

“You don’t have to change who you are to lead.

You just have to stay open, willing to listen, and brave enough to learn.”

I also had to learn (in the hard way) how to manage my time and energy. But those challenges taught me how to move forward with more awareness and be kinder to myself in the process.

So if you're scared of not being “ready,” take the leap anyway. Growth comes from action, not perfection.

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Your major doesn’t define your path

Here’s something I wish more students heard: Your major doesn’t lock you into a box.

Later on, when I applied for HDC’s Management Trainee Program, I just wanted to deepen my experience. I thought I might take on a creative or project-related role. Instead, I was offered the position of Chief Finance Officer.

Me? A finance role? We didn’t belong together. My finance knowledge was basically zero. I didn’t grow up managing money or thinking I was good with numbers. I panicked. But something in me said yes.

And honestly? I still struggled. I made mistakes. I stayed up late reviewing financial files and asking too many questions. But with support, I figured it out. I learned to work with advisors, lead internal processes, and support the club in ways I never thought I could.

It wasn’t about becoming a finance expert. It was about showing up and proving to myself that I could grow into roles I didn’t feel qualified for — yet.

So, if you’re ever offered a role that seems out of line with your major, don’t say no just because it doesn’t “fit”. You might be surprised by how much you can do when you try.

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You’re not the only one

One of the best things about joining clubs and trying new roles is meeting people who are also figuring things out in their own way.

Nhat Hao, a friend in Global Business, told me he joined HDC not because it aligned with his major, but because he wanted to challenge himself and grow personally and professionally.

“When I entered an open-minded environment like RMIT, I started questioning my own values and seriously reflecting on my personal development. That’s why I chose HDC.”

Another clubmate, Truc Quynh, who started in Professional Communication, didn’t expect to enjoy something like HR. But during her internship, she discovered that HR wasn’t just about recruitment — it was about understanding people, fostering communication, and building healthy teams.

“I used to think HR was boring. But then I realised it’s really about people, and that’s what excites me.”, she shared, reflecting on why she chose to join the club.

We all came from different majors and perspectives, but what connected us was this shared experience of uncertainty and growing through it anyway.

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If you’re feeling off-track

You might be looking at your peers and thinking everyone else has figured it out. But the truth? Most of us are just trying things out, seeing what fits, and learning as we go.

You don’t have to have a perfect path. You don’t need to get it all right from the start. It’s okay to try something that feels unrelated to your major or take a role you’re not sure you’re ready for.

Say yes to things that feel meaningful. Say yes to people who invite you in. Say yes to growth, even when it looks like chaos at first.

Because one day, you’ll look back and realise all those seemingly random steps weren’t random at all. They make you adaptable, thoughtful, capable — and most of all, they make you, you.

So, if your campus life feels a little off track right now, keep going. You might be growing in ways the map hasn’t shown yet.

Story: Ngo Tu Ngoc, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

08 July 2025

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