Awardee reflection - Alessandra Pergoleto

I would never have imagined that my love of history could flourish into an opportunity to embark on an emotional, life-changing, self-reflective study tour that would ultimately be unforgettable. There are not enough words that begin to describe the experience that I had whilst in Vietnam, and no amount of words would ever be able to express the gratitude I have for having been allowed to attend such an experience and, more importantly, for the people I had the chance to share the journey with.

Prior to the 2025 ANZAC Spirit School Prize Study Tour, I had never been overseas and therefore did not know what to expect of a foreign country, and in conjunction with this, what to expect of the tour itself. At first, the thought of travelling to another continent, with 19 students whom I did not know, and staying two weeks in a country where I did not speak the language seemed extremely overwhelming and unreal. But, after the time away, being fuelled by my passion for history, learning and making new connections, I can confidently say that the study tour was the best and most influential experience of my life. 

When first arriving in Vietnam, as a third world country, it was significantly different to Australia, from the weather, to the population, the traffic, the landscape, but most importantly, the lifestyle. It was a huge shock to see the way that families lived with so little, and instantly my appreciation for what we have here in Australia grew. Something I quickly noticed across Vietnam was its rich culture and history. Vietnam took pride in their culture and traditional beliefs as well as their history and past, and because of this, I felt so fulfilled by our time away.

 When beginning the tour, I already had some knowledge of the Vietnam War. I had read stories and historical articles, whilst also observing images, and movies, but it wasn’t until being in Vietnam that the words and images I had seen were truly brought to life. Walking literally in the footsteps of the ANZACs and other soldiers left me speechless, feeling as though we had been living a dream.

 We visited many locations in Vietnam, each being extremely important, fulfilling, and perspective-changing. Two things I felt were most important to me were the War Remnants Museum and Long Tan. The War Remnants Museum was a great opportunity to view the war through the Vietnamese perspective and explore the warfare both inflicted and endured. A standout at the museum was how the war is depicted in many movies and articles is far from the truth. The way the media presents the Vietnam War is through a façade, limiting the portrayal or true American action, making the war seem far different to how it truly was. Not only did this help me to further understand that not everything is what it seems at the surface, but I quickly grew in appreciation for my life back home. I truly empathised with the Vietnamese people, having learnt the true extent of what they had endured, although at times this was confronting.  Long Tan brought me closer to Australian history. After a beautiful service run by Denis, we had an opportunity to reflect on the rich Australian history present at Long Tan and recognise the sacrifice made by the ANZAC soldiers in the war. Being in Long Tan filled me with chills, walking where the ANZACs once had and knowing that 18 had lost their lives in that particular spot. Being there gave me an overwhelming sense of pride for those who had fought and died in battle, but this also filled me with a sense of disbelief as I began to imagine what life must have been like for the young soldiers in such a position.

 Of all that I learnt and discovered in Vietnam, the one thing that I cherish and value most is the connections I made with people on the trip. Starting our tour in Adelaide Airport that early morning of April 13^th I was extremely nervous and was worried of how hard it would be to connect with others and develop friendships, but from the minute that each one of us stepped off the plane onto Vietnam soil I knew that they would be people I would remember for ever. It was the most fulfilling experience to see how quickly each one of us got to know each other over the following two weeks, and to watch the ANZAC Spirit characteristic of mateship flourish was incredible. The way that each awardee cared for, encouraged, supported, included and valued one another was truly inspiring and I think it was a true testament to what having the ANZAC Spirit means. The friendships that I made whilst in Vietnam, I will forever be grateful for.

Having had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Study Tour, I learnt so much about myself, about others, and the world around me. The three key takeaways from the tour I felt were gratitude, mateship and bravery. Vietnam has made me forever grateful for my life and all that we have in Australia, our security, access to resources, good health, lifestyles and so much more. But not only does the nation give me a deepened sense of gratitude, but its history also. As well as this mateship, I have learnt is so important. Building connections with the other awardees helped me to understand that anything is possible when you surround yourself with people who will support you, encourage you and motivate you to be the best that you can be. This I found connected well with the final ANZAC characteristic I valued most, bravery. Whilst in Vietnam, I reminded myself, if the ANZACs could do what they did, I can do anything, and this mindset has remained with me. It continually motivates me to be the best person I can be, stepping outside of my comfort zone and challenging myself with new things!  To be proud of who I am and of the country I call home.

Although we have returned to our ‘normal lives’, Vietnam is something that has changed us all and provided lots of growth opportunities. It has not only deepened our understanding of history and culture but has also given us a deepened appreciation for life. Our perspective and views on the world around us no longer seem so narrow and straightforward, but instead widened, allowing each of us to consider the endless possibilities of what lies before us if only we hold onto what is most important, and that is the ANZAC Spirit characteristics which define each of us.