Lumen Autumn 2024 - Flipbook - Page 15
Your stories
Hieu Van Le
Decades have passed, yet the vivid recollections of the
perilous journey that brought me to this country in a small,
overcrowded wooden boat still linger in my mind. Our harrowing
voyage, marked by monsoonal storms, navigation challenges in the
South China Seas, a volcanic eruption off the coast of Lombok in
Indonesia, and unrelenting hunger and thirst, tested the limits of
our survival. It was against all odds that, in November 1977, fate
smiled upon us as our battered boat arrived in Darwin Harbour
with 42 Vietnamese boat people on board.
Following a quarantine period, we were flown to Adelaide a group of weary, ragged-looking individuals, but with hearts
brimming with excitement at the prospect of forging a new life.
The early days of our settlement were a whirlwind of activities
from familiarising with new customs and traditions to finding
accommodation, navigating transportation, and understanding
the new public system and many important social services.
for many community activities. I remember back then I was always
looking forward to holiday breaks to catch up with all the lecture
notes and tutorial papers.
The University of Adelaide became not just an academic
institution but a transformative experience. The campus, with
its heritage buildings and vibrant student life, captivated me.
I engaged, with great interest and curiosity, in the rich tapestry of
Australian history, arts, politics and social dynamics, and delved
into the intricacies of cricket and Aussie rules footy. I also had the
opportunity to forge many lifelong friendships.
Completing my degree was more than an academic milestone;
it was an immersion into Australian life, fostering a deep
appreciation for a new culture and a new society.
Mastering English and adapting to Australian pronunciation and
colloquialism was also a challenge. I remember one day I came to
see a course counsellor at the University to discuss the subjects
for my first year enrolment. The counsellor greeted me and asked,
“You are who?” to which I quickly replied “Yes I am”. He was
puzzled and repeated the question. I said to him “Yes that is
me, Hieu”. I remember one day in my tutorial class, a fellow
student asked me, “How ya goin?” and he was very confused
when I replied, “I am going by bus”.
Hailing from a culture that reveres education with profound
respect for knowledge and academic achievements, I realised early
on that acquiring knowledge was key to starting a new life in a
new land.
Not long after arriving in South Australia, I visited the
University of Adelaide to find out if I could get recognition for my
study of economics in Vietnam. I vividly remember walking into the
grounds for the first time and just being in awe of the charming,
beautiful buildings filled with an overwhelming sense of history
and tradition and the buzzing atmosphere of students. I met with
the Registrar and was told that my previous study was not
recognised, so I would have to apply to start my degree all
over again.
Throughout my time at the University of Adelaide, I was
profoundly influenced by exceptional educators — Scott
Henderson, Fred McDougal, John Hatch, Brian Bentick,
Sue Richardson, Tom Sheridan, Geoff Harcourt and Fred Bloch,
just to name a few. Their kindness, dedication and intellectual
generosity shaped my journey, providing the skills and confidence
to pursue my dreams – dreams that continue to inspire me every
single day.
My university experience not only instilled in me a commitment
to succeed but also cultivated humility, gratitude and a dedication
to giving back to society. The profound impact of my time at the
University of Adelaide has played a pivotal role in shaping a
rewarding and fulfilling life where I strive to make a difference
every day.
I am proud to be an alumnus of an institution in the great
company of so many Nobel Laureates, Rhodes Scholars and
outstanding leaders in politics, science, medical and health
research, sport, the arts and culture across the nation and
the world.
As I reflect on my transformative journey, I extend heartfelt
congratulations to the University of Adelaide on 150 years of
exceptional service to education. The University’s role in guiding
and inspiring future leaders is immeasurable, and, for that, I am
forever grateful.
The Hon. Hieu Van Le AC graduated with a Bachelor of Economics in
1989 and an MBA in 2001. He became a Doctor of the University
(honoris causa) in 2008. Hieu was the 35th Governor of South
Australia from 2014 to 2021.
Despite the setback, I embraced the challenge and secured an
enrolment in an economics degree majoring in accountancy after
successfully passing a lengthy English competency exam.
As a migrant, the early years of settlement were quite hectic.
I studied, worked in several jobs and at the same time volunteered
Image supplied: Graduation 1989
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