“Be curious, take chances.” That was veteran CNN reporter Jan Hopkins’ answer when asked for advice for fellow journalists during a talk about the craft of reporting at the American Cultural Center.

With my limited English, I caught about half of what she shared. Jan appeared in a sharp, masculine black suit, her short-cropped hair adding to her commanding presence. You could instantly sense the decisiveness, strength, and sharp insight of a seasoned journalist. When she spoke, her bold, resolute voice ignited an indescribable spark of inspiration in the audience—90% of whom were women.

A Journey Through Journalism

Jan’s talk was divided into three parts: her path to journalism, the challenges she faced in the field, and her work at CNN. When asked about undercover reporting, she seemed hesitant, admitting it’s tough to define or weigh in on. She’d done it herself, disguising her identity with help from others, which made the grueling tasks manageable.

My Own Crossroads

I attended this talk at a time when I was adrift, unsure of what I wanted to do. Tomorrow, I’d face a test for a job at VnExpress. Just yesterday, I’d wrapped up a fascinating interview for an assistant general director position at Eurowindow, a real estate company—a story I’ll share in my next entry. But for now, my focus was on journalism.

Jan Hopkins came of age in American media when women’s roles in society were undervalued. To become a reporter, she faced countless rejections and even worked grueling 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. shifts at a CBS radio affiliate. Her journey was anything but easy.

Finding Strength to Keep Going

I’m at a crossroads in my own life. My community film project remains unfinished, much like the long list of plans I’ve yet to complete. Filmmaking, journalism, or business? These are the fields I’m drawn to, have explored, and often felt discouraged by. Yet listening to Jan share her story with such authenticity gave me a renewed surge of energy to pursue the path I’m passionate about: writing. As an outsider to the field, I know the challenges will be steep.

Still, Jan’s words linger: “Be curious, take chances.” Luck comes to those who give their all. That’s the advice she offered, the lesson that stuck with me most from her talk. It’s a reminder to keep exploring, seize opportunities, and push forward, no matter how daunting the road ahead.