The results of the '08 VNNTU election was announced just a few hours ago. Congratulations and thank-you statements popped up over the forum in a festive and joyful mood, celebrating a new generation of leaders as they prepare to step into their new jobs.

I did nothing. I just created a folder named 'VNNTU' on my PC and dumped in the approriate files. Thus was how my 2 years of official duty as a publicity officer ended.

It all started 2 years ago when I was still a freshman full of ideals and dreams, unsatisfied with the contemporary state of things and hoping to make a change. Looking all the way back, I'm still surprised at how easily it started - a few lines of informal introduction from my Vice-President friend (feel free to accuse him of cronyism if you like) were all that was needed to get the job. Job description was simple: taking photographs and writing after-action reports (the reality would become much different later). All I felt at that time was plain excitement and eagerness - believe it or not, it was the first time I joined a so-called 'community service organization'. Thus began my 2-year journey.

Those good old two years. I still remember that night in the Function Hall 13 when I was the only one still awake to prepare all the slideshows for the tomorrow 2-9 Celebration. I still remember that early morning when I rushed around with an empty stomach to shoot 2 photoseries for the CnC show. I still remember that moment when I just finished my special promo video for the election (the one with the chesspieces, in case you ask). Most of all, I remember that sigh of relief when an event ended with no major problems on my part - anxiety, confusion, exhaustion, you know, all bursted and faded away in a moment.

Somehow I still wonder what kept me going all through all those times, doing this crap of a job. Really. High demands, low recognition. Perhaps it was self-motivation in doing what I like. Perhaps the fun of seeing people having a good time. Perhaps the belief that I was the only one that could make it properly. Or maybe simply the fear of disappointing my dear colleagues.

Looking back at the photos. There was few ones with my face inside. Not a surprise, considering I was the guy behind the camera most of the time. A bit sad that I don't have much of visual memories to rely on. But it's OK. The best piece of souvenir from all those days is myself. A mind changed, reshaped, stretched, expanded to appreciate a world otherwise unknown.

Who will be my successor ?