The Mountain Where I Hear My Own Voice
Scroll to read the story ↓Bao Nguyen, 17, lives in Da Nang, a city she has been exploring and documenting since her early teens. At 14, she photographed Da Nang through a young person’s eyes as part of Our Cities, Through Our Eyes. Today, Son Tra Peninsula has become a place where she steps away from the pressures of everyday life, challenges herself and thinks about the person she wants to become.
A place where I can hear myself think
Whenever I feel overwhelmed by schoolwork, deadlines and social media, I go back to Son Tra. As I climb, the noise of the city fades away. There are only steep roads, tired legs and the rhythm of my breathing.
When I am in the city, I can easily get caught up in other people’s expectations. But on that mountain, no one can make the decision for me. Even when I am exhausted, choosing to keep going becomes a conscious choice. It reminds me that I want to build a life I actively shape – not simply move through a routine that has already been programmed for me.
I will never forget standing at Ban Co Peak at sunset, watching Da Nang slowly light up below. Between the forest and the city, I felt grateful for a place that continues to grow through technology and education, while still protecting spaces of nature where young people can breathe, explore and grow.
When I was 14, I photographed the city through a young person’s eyes as part of a project called Our Cities, Through Our Eyes. At 17, I now understand that the city is also shaping me.
“For adults, Son Tra may be a tourist destination or a green lung. For me, it is a place to challenge myself, think, connect with nature, listen to my inner voice and discover who I am.”
A city needs spaces for us, too
Whenever my high-school friends and I need to work on a project or organise a social activity, we struggle to find a place to meet. Schools close after classes. Parks often have facilities designed mainly for young children. Cafés can be too expensive for students.
For adolescents aged 13-18, our city needs more open, free and safe public spaces – with basic tables and seating where we can meet, practise presentations, exchange ideas and work on projects together.
A city that wants young people to thrive should give us these practical spaces – not simply to spend time, but to create, connect and grow.
I wish adults and decision-makers knew that…
“Adolescents are not just the ‘future generation’ waiting to grow up. We are already learning, creating and contributing to our cities today.”
Please trust us, listen to us and give us real opportunities to help shape the places we call home.