Safe Space: where UEF students can voice out their inner thoughts under no judgment

The Safe Space series was organized and coordinated by members of the Center of Service - Learning. They aimed to provide a place where UEFers can share their stories and express their opinions about life in the context of safety, empathy, and respect. There is a wide range of topics including in the workshop: friendship, peer pressure, what people think, I regret.

The First Session: Friendship
On 3rd December, the first session of the series was organized. The topic of discussion was friendship, which is the mutual affection between individuals that can shape the worldview of students. Through insightful sharings, a beautiful friendship proves to enrich our lives, help us cope with traumas, and double our happiness.

Students shared their perspective upon friendship
 

Comments of students after the first session

The Second Session: Peer Pressure
Peer pressure seemed to occur in every UEF student. It can be a source of motivation, but it can also become a weight on our shoulders. For the students to share experiences tackling this issue, the committee chose peer pressure as the topic of the second session.
When we compare ourselves to others, we’re often comparing their best features against our average ones, and we end up seeing only the worse side of ourselves. Through divergent perspectives and breakthrough moments in the second session, the students are not only open to sharing but also proudly display remarkable talents.

Topic of the second session: peer pressure

Students gave thanks to the organization committee in the second session

They then recognized: “Life is not a game; why do we need a scorecard? Each of us is a unique combination, and you are on your own timelines, going down your own path, at your own pace. Strive to be better today than you were yesterday; happiness is all about that.”
The Third Session: What People Think
On the one hand, young people often worry about being judged for doing something different. On the other hand, some see judgment as a lesson learned to strive for a better self. Inspired by this dilemma, the third session, What People Think, created opportunities for students to share their stories regarding this matter.

Topic of the third session: What People Think

There are two sides to every coin, and most of the students agreed that “we should be grateful for all the constructive criticism and use it to improve ourselves. What’s more important is to never jump to conclusions in the absence of information.”

Comments of students after the session

The Last Session: I Regret
On 23rd December, the first season of the Safe Space series ended with the last session: I regret. Starting the sentence with “I regret”, students shared the regret carved in their minds: I regret not apologizing for my hurtful words, I regret not trying my best, I regret not confessing my unrequited love….

Students shared their regrets

“Make the most of your regrets; never smother your sorrow, but tend and cherish it till it comes to have a separate and integral interest. To regret deeply is to live afresh.” - Henry David Thoreau.
“The past is in the past; keep moving forward and be the architect of your own youth. Let the past be the motivation and the future be the objectives.” - the Safe Space series.

The first season of the Safe Space series ended with the Happy New Year message to all the students of UEF. Aiming to create a safe space for UEF students, the series has initially achieved its goal and has become a highly-anticipated activity in the coming time.
Translator: Kieu Thi Thu Trang
Center of Service-Learning UEF