<p>I am a vietnamese-american.
This past summer i went to visit Vietnam, I guess i somewhat had fun, but the most interesting thing was how the people lived. Because it is a third-world country...it was down a couple standards of living compared to america. So my descriptions aren't going to be pretty.
I guess i learned that i'm lucky for everything i can get here: material and education wise but how can I say this without putting Vietnam too much on the spot by basically saying how it's dirty and everything. I don't want to make fun of it, that would be kinda of mean right?</p>
<p>I also have a different topic, still about vietnam because i'm not sure if i could word it right.</p>
<p>I went to vietnam before when i was 11 yrs. old. I don't remember much but my essay topic could be (since i went back as a 17 yr. old) about how my perspective changes. And how i learn and understand different things as i grow older.</p>
<p>bond35:
Whatever you do, make sure the essay tells about YOU not Vietnam. You can do it -- but make sure it is not a trip report or a description of what Vietnam is like today. </p>
<p>Either topic can be good, bond. Follow weenie's advice to make sure the essay reveals who you are (your attitudes and thoughts) by way of writing about Vietnam. Write whichever one comes more naturally to you. Or write both and see which one you like better or ask someone you know, or some of us parents here, to review and comment.</p>
<p>Good luck. I think they could both be excellent, based on the hints you've given here. Don't worry about "putting Vietnam down" if you choose the first topic. If you are focusing on how lucky you feel here and describe what you found in Vietnam without judging it, you will be okay.</p>
<p>My son went to Africa after his Junior year and wrote how it changed him for his essay. He told the truth -how poor the people were and how he took for granted the things he had. He said he had never thought about the people of Africa before and realized that a lot of it was corrupt governments, not the people themselves. But, he said, despite the poverty, the kids he saw were happy because they had a home, even though it was a metal shack, weren't hungry and to them, had all they needed.He realized that he was only seeing a fraction of the country and knew that there were people much worse off. He said the poverty disturbed him, but it made him more appreciative for what we have here.</p>
<p>Tell you your experience -how it made you feel, think and something that it changed in you. Not many people get the chance to go to a Third World country and experience it. Share yours.</p>