Awardee reflection - Caitlinn Wroniak

When I found out that I had been selected to travel to Vietnam as part of the 2025 ANZAC School Spirit Award, my Mum told me that this would be a life changing opportunity. Was I excited? Yes, absolutely, but I never really thought it would be life changing and that I would make some amazing new friends. I replied to her that it was only a 2-week trip, how much could change? Yet I was about to find out. 

While I have travelled a lot, I had never travelled overseas and upon setting foot in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, I realised quickly that I was a long way from home. I found Vietnam to be a vibrant country, crowded, hot and so diverse. We were exposed to new cultures, languages, traditions, food and a lifestyle I could never imagine. But if anything, Vietnam displayed resilience at its finest, which became a valuable skill that I was to learn on my trip. Especially after I discovered at Singapore airport that I had left my wallet and money back home in Adelaide. Although this was alarming at the time, I was able to overcome this issue as well as other obstacles that challenged me during the trip.

A key focus of our study tour to Vietnam included an understanding of the Vietnam War, the impact it had on the Vietnamese community and the involvement of our Australian troops. Visiting the War Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels and Long Tan provided an insight to the Vietnam War, the battles our ANZACs fought in and the devastating effect it had on the Vietnamese people. Being able to stand and pay our respects at the Memorial Cross at Long Tan, just a stone throw from the 1^st Australian Task Force was confronting. It explained just how important success at the battle of Long Tan was.

We were given the opportunity to visit an orphanage where we delivered gifts we brought from home and were able to donate money that my friend Alessandra (Award recipient) and I had raised at school selling ice blocks. The smiles on the children’s faces when we gave them toys and our undivided attention were unforgettable. It taught me that we must be grateful for the little things in life. Other favourite experiences included the colourful landscapes of Hanoi, a cruise through Ha Long Bay and the dawn service led by Dennis on ANZAC Day. But a real standout for me were the people we met along the way. We started out as strangers and returned home as family and friends that will have a place in my heart for a long time to come.

The trip to Vietnam taught me how to be resilient. When things got tough, I learned that I had what was needed to keep going and how to live in the moment. I learned that it was okay to miss home and family and how to be there for my mates when they also felt lonely or needed support. I learned about the bravery shown by our ANZACs and the determination shown by the Vietnamese people. All traits that describe our ANZACs perfectly and we got to experience it all.

Now I have the travel bug, and I am so grateful to learn about the world beyond our shores that offers growth, challenges and so many rewards.