1. Essay Reflecting on the Quote 'We cannot choose where we are born, but we can choose how we will live' - Number 4
Every person only gets one chance to live, and although we cannot choose where we are born or the circumstances of our birth, how we live is completely up to us, as stated in the quote, 'We cannot choose where we are born, but we can choose how we will live.'
'Where we are born' refers to our living conditions, our family background, and our hometown—things that are beyond our control. 'How we will live' involves our actions, attitudes, and efforts to shape our own lives. We are each given life by our parents, an invaluable gift. This life could be peaceful and happy, or filled with misfortune, but how we live and what our future holds depends on our own willpower, desires, and determination.
The quote 'We cannot choose where we are born, but we can choose how we will live' highlights the nature of life: some things are beyond our control, but how we live is determined by the choices we make. 'We cannot choose where we are born.' Each of us is born into a home, a community, a country. Whether we are born into wealth or hardship is determined for us, and we have no say in it. Some are fortunate to be born into a loving family, while others face tragic circumstances, such as being orphaned at birth. These are external factors beyond our control and cannot be influenced by our desires.
Although we cannot choose where we are born, we can choose how we will live. Life is ours to shape. Even if we are fortunate enough to be born into a happy family, with parents who guide us towards a good life, we must actively embrace the opportunities this life presents. Conversely, if we are born into less fortunate circumstances, instead of feeling sorry for ourselves, we should learn to accept our situation and strive to rise above it, seeking a better future.
The quote teaches us a profound lesson in positive living: be strong and proactive, and we can change our lives instead of being slaves to our circumstances. We cannot choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live. We should not feel inferior or self-conscious because of our background. Instead, we should learn to accept our circumstances and feel grateful for the gift of life. Even if our parents are not perfect, they have given us the chance to live, and that is the most precious gift of all.
In reality, many people feel ashamed of their circumstances, even abandoning their homes and families to avoid hindering their careers. Others blame their circumstances for their failures, becoming slaves to fate and never realizing their full potential. Life and happiness are determined by our attitudes and actions, so let us live positively to create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling!


2. Essay reflecting on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live" number 5
I once read somewhere: "If you can choose, choose the best; if you cannot, then do your best." Agreeing with this idea, the saying: "We do not choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live" brings us many valuable lessons about the choices we make in life.
Each person is born and raised in different circumstances. No one can choose who their parents will be, what their family will look like, or where their hometown will be. Birth is something beyond human control. But we do have the right to choose how we live. We can choose to be useful people, overcoming challenges and adversity. Or we can choose to live with insecurity, blaming our origins, and using it as an excuse to take the wrong path. We can choose who we will become in this society.
Let us recall some famous names worldwide. They are perfect examples of the saying: "We do not choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live." Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, is a shining example of independence, striving to become successful despite being born into poverty, with limited resources. Lincoln’s parents were illiterate farmers, and he was not able to attend school regularly. At 21, he began working independently and later discovered his passion for law. After years of struggle, he passed the bar exam in 1836 and started his legal career. Despite many setbacks, Lincoln never gave up. Every failure taught him more than what was lost. Similarly, Albert Einstein, one of the pioneers of modern physics, is another great example.
Einstein is regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century, with discoveries that changed humanity. Few know that as a child, Einstein was slow to develop and had difficulty learning. He couldn’t speak until he was four, and he didn’t read until he was seven. His parents, teachers, and everyone around him believed he was mentally impaired and couldn’t fit into society. Throughout his school years, he dreaded going to school due to the teasing from peers. However, thanks to the great encouragement from his mother, he overcame his shortcomings and grew more confident. It was then that he realized his worth and chose to live a meaningful life. Clearly, these individuals didn’t have an ideal starting point, but by choosing to live wisely, they became not only successful in their fields but also admired by the world.
On the other hand, there are many who choose to live based on their circumstances. Some people born in wealth only seek pleasure and refuse to improve themselves. Others, raised in poverty, feel inferior and use their background as an excuse for making poor choices. Some young women marry foreign men for a better life, without love or even meeting them. Others, in pursuit of wealth, are willing to disregard human life. There are also young people who fall into social vices. Indeed, we must avoid such a lifestyle.
As a student, part of the future generation of my country, I remind myself to be grateful to my parents for giving me life and striving to provide me with the best conditions. So that, on the road ahead, I can choose to live a meaningful life.
Thus, the quote: "We do not choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live" offers us a valuable lesson. Choosing can be difficult, but we must make choices that make life more meaningful.


3. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 6
Have you ever blamed your parents for not providing you with the same advantages as your friends? Have you ever regretted being born into this life? Don’t despair, because circumstances do not define everything. As the saying goes, “We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live.”
How should we interpret this quote? Where we are born refers to our current circumstances—whether it’s our family, the educational environment, or the country in which we live. The quote asserts that we cannot control our fate regarding where we are born, as many external factors influence this. But what power do we have? We have the power to choose how we will live. This choice is tied to our character, will, passions, and desires that shape the life we lead. This is what truly defines us. We can still influence our destiny, regardless of our initial circumstances. That is the crucial message the quote conveys.
Indeed, we cannot choose where we are born because we are born into a world shaped by numerous factors. Our parents bring us into the world, our country protects us, and our home nurtures us. We grow up without questioning these factors. Humans are bound by circumstances, and sometimes, escaping them feels impossible. We might be born into poverty, and without the right resources, we may struggle to change that. We enter this world according to a cosmic design, making our circumstances hard to alter. However, we only need to look at figures like Nguyen Ngoc Ki, Nick Vujicic, or children with disabilities and orphans. They didn’t choose how they were born, yet they faced the hand they were dealt. It’s clear that no one gets to choose where they’re born.
But that’s not the main point of the quote. What truly matters is that we have the ability to choose how we will live. Once we’re born into this world, life gives us control over our own future. We hold the key to our destiny. Our parents may guide us, but they cannot live our lives for us. It’s up to each of us to take responsibility for our future. Do you want to live an honest life or a deceitful one? Do you want to dream or give up? Do you want to be brave or cowardly? These are decisions only you can make. Only when we take control of our fate can we truly appreciate life and recognize its value.
The essence of life is that we only truly live when we choose how to live. Our choices reflect our character, passions, and ambitions. Without these, life is reduced to mere existence. When people are forced by circumstances, they can’t fully embrace life. They might view it as aimless or meaningless. If life is just about surviving, what’s the point? Look at those we mentioned—Nguyen Ngoc Ki and Nick Vujicic. They didn’t choose where they were born, but look at what they’ve accomplished. They lived meaningfully. That is the life worth living.
Sadly, in today’s world, there are still people who rely too much on circumstances, even blaming them for their shortcomings. When things don’t go as expected, they blame their surroundings instead of accepting responsibility for their own mistakes. Such individuals will never break free from their current state to achieve success or change their circumstances.
As people of the 21st century, each of us must recognize our own responsibilities. We need the courage to face the circumstances we live in, to overcome them using our abilities, and to change them when possible. Only then will life become more beautiful and progressive. For now, the goal should be to study hard and cultivate good character to thrive in society.
Are you ready to choose how you live? Believe that life is full of miracles waiting for you to discover through your efforts.


4. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 7
Each person’s life is like a novel, unique in its own way. This reflects the saying: “We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live.” This statement leaves us with much to contemplate.
Firstly, we need to understand that “where we are born” refers to one’s origins—parents, family, hometown, etc. And when we say “we do not choose,” it means we have no control over this; it is determined by fate. These external factors, however, do not directly dictate our future. On the other hand, “how we live” refers to how we choose to approach life. “Choosing” means we have the ability to actively shape our path. Therefore, the quote emphasizes that while we cannot choose where we start, we can choose how we live and how we make our lives meaningful.
Each person’s entry into life is a miraculous arrangement of fate. No one gets to choose their parents, whether their family is rich or poor, or where they are born. Sometimes, people are born with disabilities or into situations they never wished for—like being physically disabled, suffering from agent orange effects, or having congenital illnesses. No one desires to be anything but normal, yet some endure these challenges from birth. These are all a result of external circumstances that cannot be changed.
However, there are many aspects of life that we can choose. One of these is how we choose to live. A person’s character and ethics can evolve and change over time. When a person is guided to make good choices, their life can become better, happier, and more successful. We all know the name Do Nhat Nam, a prodigy who became famous at a young age. Many believe that his success comes from growing up in a good environment (with university professor parents). While this is certainly a factor, the most important aspect is his personal decision to live a life focused on success. If Do Nhat Nam had not been conscious of the path he wanted to follow and made wise decisions, his parents’ guidance would have been useless. On the contrary, if someone is influenced by others or chooses a misguided path, their life will only lead to failure and sorrow. In today’s society, many young people choose a materialistic lifestyle, pursuing wealth without striving for knowledge or good morals. This way of life will only lead to an unpleasant future.
Thus, the quote encourages us to adopt a positive way of living, one that doesn’t succumb to circumstances. We may differ in our starting points, but on the road to success, there is no place for the lazy or self-pitying who blame their environment. Everyone should consciously choose a life of optimism, contribution, and enjoyment, aiming to become a valuable member of society. As a student, I am proud of my family. Though we do not live in wealth, I see this as motivation to strive for a better future. I have chosen to live a life of contribution: working hard to acquire knowledge, cultivating good morals, and improving my soft skills to become a better version of myself. In doing so, I aim to contribute to the growth of my country.
In conclusion, the message of this quote is completely valid. Whether life is happy or not depends on the choices we make.


5. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 8
In this life, each person is born into different circumstances, with unique conditions for development. Buddha once taught, “Happiness and suffering are within ourselves.” What truly defines a person is not where they come from or how wealthy their family is, but rather who they are and what they contribute to society. This is why it's said that circumstances do not define the individual. Just as the saying goes, “We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live.”
In essence, this is a profoundly accurate statement, reminding us to rise above our circumstances. Where we are born can be understood broadly as our country and hometown, or more specifically as our family and relatives. “How we live” refers to the beliefs, ideals, and values we choose to follow. This saying means that external factors do not determine our character or fate, and what truly matters is the individual’s own choices.
This statement carries great significance, reminding us to overcome our circumstances. Everyone is born into their own set of circumstances, and we have no power to resist them. Some are lucky to be born into wealthy, powerful families, while others may be born into poverty or tragedy, such as losing a parent. However, the most important thing is not where you come from, but how you live. There is a family with two brothers and an alcoholic father. As they grew up, the younger brother became an active social worker with a successful career, while the older brother became a mirror image of their father. When asked why he turned out this way, both brothers gave the same answer: “What do you expect me to become with a father like that?” This shows that circumstances do not control the individual. Just like your hand is always within your palm, you are the one who holds the power to shape your life. You must rise above your circumstances and not let them control you.
Buddha also said, “The greatest enemy in life is oneself.” Every person shares a common habit of being “harsh with others but lenient with oneself.” If you don't take responsibility for yourself, no one else will. The hardest obstacle to overcome is our own ego. Many people have risen above their circumstances and fate. One such example is Nick Vujicic, a man born without limbs, who has become an incredible inspiration to others worldwide. Through his sheer determination, he became a successful businessman and social activist, and has a happy family. Another example is teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ki, who, after losing both hands at the age of 4, defied his fate. His fierce desire to succeed led him to learn to write with his feet, and after 67 years, he still continues to write poetry. There are countless other examples of people who have overcome challenges in society and left us with profound lessons.
Every person is born with a mind and the ability to act. We must live in a way that makes the most of these qualities. Only we have the power to pull ourselves out of difficult situations—no one else can save us. Circumstances may fill the pages of our life story, but they do not have the power to darken or brighten our lives.


6. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 9
Each of us is born into different circumstances, leading to unique paths in life. Some achieve great success and contribute positively to society, while others may turn to crime or face a life of disappointment. Many people justify their unfulfilled lives by blaming the circumstances of their birth, claiming they were born into less-than-ideal conditions. However, we must remember that “We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live.”
No one has the power to choose their birthplace or their parents. Before we even learned to cry or smile, before our hearts began beating, we were already in the arms of our parents, placed in the environment of our birth. We cannot choose these circumstances, nor can we change them. Whether born into a wealthy or poor family, we must accept it—there is nothing we can do about it. But this does not mean that our birthplace and background will define us forever. For example, being born into poverty does not mean one will always remain poor, nor does being born into a troubled family mean one will inevitably become a bad person. While we cannot control the circumstances of our birth, we do control how we grow and create new circumstances for ourselves. If we decide what kind of person we want to be, we must work hard to achieve it, instead of simply conforming to our environment and becoming what it expects.
Let me share a story with you: A man who was a habitual thief had been to prison several times and eventually died during a robbery. His wife raised their two sons, who grew up to become adults. One son became a respected lawyer, always fighting for justice and truth, while the other followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming a thief and landing in jail. When a reporter asked the two brothers why they became what they did, both replied the same way: “Given the circumstances I grew up in, what else could I have become?” This raises an important question: How could two brothers, raised in the same environment, end up leading entirely different lives? The answer lies in the choices they made. Neither brother could choose a better father, but they each had the power to choose how they would live. One chose to rise above his circumstances and live a life of integrity and justice, while the other chose to follow the path of his father. It’s clear that it was not the father who determined their fate, but the choices they made about how to live.
None of us can choose where we are born, but we all have the right to live as we choose. Do not blame your circumstances or fate. While our environment may influence us, it does not control or define us. A person’s life is shaped by their own choices.
Whether we become a leader or a criminal, a valuable social activist or just an ordinary person, it is not determined by where we are born, but by the choices we make in how we live. Happiness is within your reach—seize it and live life to the fullest.


7. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 10
Life is like a movie, where each of us is the main character, creating significant moments. While we may not have control over the movie itself, we do have the power to edit its content. This is why people often say: "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live."
No one can choose a fortunate fate; we can only choose how to live and create opportunities for ourselves. The place we are born does not define the end of our life. Being born into poverty does not mean we must live in poverty forever. Some people are not as fortunate as others. They may lack a nurturing home, or face challenging circumstances growing up. But this does not make them bad or weak. Society judges us not by where we were born, but by how we live, how hard we strive, and how we rise above adversity. The way we live shapes who we are and can change the course of our lives, no matter how humble our beginnings. After all, we cannot choose our parents or the city we are born in. If we could, many children in Africa would change their destiny before they were even born.
While our circumstances may provide a platform for development, it is ultimately up to us how far we go. Those with a good starting point may have an easier journey, while others with fewer advantages must work harder. However, everything is relative. There are those born into poor circumstances who go on to lead fulfilling, successful lives. Take, for instance, children who overcome adversity: they face hardship with resilience, they earn their success through hard work, and they honor their parents' sacrifices with academic achievements. In life, everyone has the right to happiness, comfort, and joy—these are basic human rights. Yet, there are still children who, before they are even born, have their right to life stripped away, or who suffer the brutal consequences of war and disease.
However, these children do not surrender to their suffering. With determination and strength, they rise up and become valuable members of society. Perhaps it is these difficult circumstances that make people stronger, more resilient, and more determined to live meaningfully. People often say, "The river has bends, and people have their moments." No one remains in suffering forever, and no one is perpetually happy. It is how we face difficult times and make the most of the good ones that defines our journey. Remember that we must face the storms of life, but never bow our heads to them. While fate may choose the conditions we are born into, we have the power to change our destiny. Our lives are not governed by circumstances that seem impossible to alter; we must always be the ones in control of our own lives.
We all understand the meaning of the saying: "You do not choose where you are born, but you choose how you will live." Therefore, live for yourself, fight against adversity, and change the challenges of your beginnings into triumphs.


8. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live" number 1
It is said that "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we will live". Let me first share a story: During a field research trip, a journalist encountered two people, one situation, and two different destinies. Both Person A and Person B had fathers who were addicted and abusive, yet when they grew up, Person B became a leader in fighting social evils, while Person A became a replica of his father. The journalist asked both of them the same question: "What made you turn out this way?" Both gave the same answer: "Having a father like that made me like this." We do not have the power to choose where or to whom we are born, but we have the power to choose how we live and the kind of character we build.
Where we are born refers to our homeland, our family, and the circumstances surrounding our upbringing. It could be a poor family in a rural area, or a luxurious mansion in a bustling city, or perhaps even a home devoid of parents. However, how we choose to live—our studies, moral development, intelligence, and the way we interact with others—is entirely in our hands. It is about the way we live and the character we cultivate.
So, why can't we choose where we are born, but we can choose how we live? As I mentioned earlier, we might be born in a dilapidated hut in a poor village, or in a grand mansion with a wealthy and civilized family. We might even be born into a family mired in social issues. These things are beyond our control. It is simply fate. However, the way we live is determined by us. Life itself is a gift from nature, and parents give us life. No matter the circumstances, we must remain optimistic, cherish life, and strive to become good citizens. We should always strive to improve ourselves, set goals, and aim for our dreams. This is how we choose to live, and we have the power to make this choice.
This quote reminds us not to focus too much on where we were born or what circumstances we grew up in. Instead, we should view it as a starting point and look ahead, working to cultivate a noble character, a peaceful soul, and proud accomplishments. This is the key to our survival in life.
Just like Person A and Person B in my story. Both were born into unfortunate circumstances, lacking a father's guidance, but as they grew up, their lives diverged. What made them so different? Was it their father? Not exactly. While the absence of a father was a disadvantage, it was only an external factor. The true cause was within them—their mindset, their personal resolve, and their determination to improve themselves. A famous writer once said, "In life, if you do not progress, you will regress." Person A failed to maintain his resolve, did not strive for improvement, and thus became a replica of his father. On the other hand, Person B struggled against adversity, worked hard, and emerged as someone useful to society—a shining lotus flower, "growing near mud, but never smelling of it." He is a role model for all of us.
Person B is not the only example. There are many people who have overcome difficult circumstances with strong willpower, perseverance, and dedication to contribute their intellect and energy to the world. Across our country, there are artistic groups composed of people with disabilities, blind people working with bamboo, and many examples of individuals excelling in education or life despite hardships, such as Nguyen Ngoc Tuan from Hanoi, who despite a heart condition, was an outstanding student for eleven consecutive years. Or Le Thuy Trang, a student in Ho Chi Minh City who sold cakes to fund her education, or IT expert Nguyen Cong Hung. The list is endless.
Yet, alongside those who strive to rise above their challenges, there are also individuals like Person A, who feel inferior because of their circumstances, blame everything on their situation, and become cynical, indifferent, and alienated from those around them. They drift into the wrong paths, lost. Similarly, there are wealthy individuals who indulge in excessive pleasure, forgetting who they really are, living in a way that leads them astray. Others live dependent on others, not taking charge of their own lives. These people are to be criticized and condemned.
As we can see, being born into a rich family does not guarantee success and happiness. There are many people born into hardship who manage to reach the highest echelons of society. We must remain optimistic, face life confidently, and use our circumstances as fuel to push forward, using them as the foundation to walk the path to happiness and success. We must choose our way of living, set goals that align with our circumstances. Let us always be proud of our family and homeland, regardless of wealth or poverty. Let us be kind, open-hearted, and willing to help others. Through positive living, we will become healthy members of society, achieving success and earning the respect and admiration of others.
American writer Helen Keller once said, "I cried because I had no shoes to wear until I met a man who had no feet to wear shoes." In life, nothing is absolute. Difficulties and hardships exist, but there are always others suffering more than we are. We must overcome our circumstances and rise above them. This is the only way to prove our worth. Remember, your destiny is in your hands. It is you who decides how you live and what you become. Never let anyone else dictate your life.


9. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live" number 2
Each individual has their own unique story, from birth to death. Some are fortunate, others are not, and often our circumstances are shaped by how we perceive them. While we cannot choose where we are born, we have the power to choose how we live. It is our way of life that determines our happiness or misfortune. The place we were born does not define where we will ultimately end up. Therefore, it is important to live with integrity, stay true to ourselves, and live beautifully.
Everyone has a family, and it is within that family that we are born. Some families are filled with joy and laughter, while others are cold and filled with despair. Some are poor, struggling their whole lives, while others are rich and live a life of luxury from the moment they are born. Whether a family is small, lacking love, or abundant in resources, it always impacts us. It can help us grow, but it can also drag us down. However, we always have the right to choose 'how we will live'—that is, how we rise above our circumstances and adapt to life. Our way of life defines who we are and can change the circumstances around us. We may not choose where we were born, but we can choose how we live.
Everyone has their own unique situation, and this is not something we can freely choose, judge, or reject. Whether born in a rural village or a bustling city, our birthplace is only a part of our life journey. We have no control over it, and we must accept it. Of course, being born into wealth brings certain advantages, but we must not let envy cloud our judgment. Take, for instance, someone like the renowned professor Ngô Bảo Châu, who was fortunate enough to be born into a family of educators. His achievements were the result of hard work and dedication, not merely his family background. Similarly, the children of the wealthy might live in luxury, but if they don't work hard, their wealth won't last. A prime example is the infamous 'Bạc Liêu' heir, Huy Bá Hệ Trạch, who squandered his fortune on a lavish lifestyle, only to end up struggling to make ends meet in later life. So, no matter our circumstances, it is how we live that ultimately matters.
If you choose to live with purpose, success will come unexpectedly. If you are born into poverty or a harsh environment, your desire to escape those conditions can drive you toward success. It is often through adversity that people find their path to prosperity. For example, Samsung, before it became a global giant, started as a small fish market. Adversity pushed them to grow and innovate, just as it has for many others. If you were born into luxury, you might never understand the value of hard work and risk the chance of losing everything. Some countries and individuals, even with wealth, can fall into debt and ruin because they didn't understand the importance of responsibility. This is why we must choose to live wisely, using our circumstances as a stepping stone toward progress.
We must rise above our circumstances, whether we are born into wealth or poverty. Our birthright doesn't define us. It is important to start planning for our future and focus on living authentically. Your life will reflect your choices. If you choose wisely, you will create a better future. We must break free from limiting beliefs about our background and realize that it is how we live that shapes our future. Choose to live for yourself, and your chosen path will transform your circumstances.


10. Essay on the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live" number 3
It has been said that: "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live." Indeed, we cannot decide where we are born, but we do have the power to choose the way we live.
"Where we are born" refers to our origins—our parents, family, and homeland. We do not "choose" this, meaning we cannot control or influence it; it is determined by fate. These factors are completely external and do not directly dictate our future. On the other hand, "how we will live" refers to how we choose to navigate life. "To choose" means having the autonomy to decide how we want to live. Therefore, this statement emphasizes that while we cannot choose the starting point of our lives (our roots and background), we do have the ability to choose a way of living that is in harmony with ourselves and allows us to succeed and contribute meaningfully.
I still recall a story. There was a boy, only ten years old, who lost his left arm in an accident. Despite this, he had a passion for Judo and decided to join a class with a Japanese sensei. For the first three months, the teacher only taught him one technique. Curious about this, the boy asked the teacher:
- Master, can I not learn other techniques?
The teacher replied:
- This is the only technique I will teach you, and it is the only one you need to learn.
The boy, not fully understanding the teacher’s reasoning, continued to practice diligently.
Months later, the boy participated in a tournament. He won the first two rounds quite easily, which surprised him. In the third match, his opponent was tougher, but after a while, when the opponent grew impatient, the boy skillfully used the technique he had learned and won the match, advancing to the final. In the final round, his opponent was a large, strong, experienced fighter. The match began, and the opponent launched a series of aggressive attacks. But in the second round, the opponent made a crucial mistake—he underestimated the boy and let his guard down. The boy swiftly used his one technique, defeated his opponent, and won the match.
On the way home, the boy gathered the courage to ask his teacher about something that had puzzled him:
- Master, how could I become a champion with only one technique?
- You won for two reasons. First, you have mastered one of the most effective and dangerous techniques in Judo. Second, the only way your opponent could defeat your technique was by grabbing your left arm.
- But I don’t have a left arm?
Sometimes, what seems like a weakness can become our greatest strength. It all depends on how we face it and turn it into an advantage.
Thus, "We cannot choose where we are born" can be interpreted as meaning that we cannot control the events that occur in our lives. All hardships and challenges are external factors that have already occurred and cannot be changed. However, "we can choose how we live," which means we can choose how to face those challenges and decide the path we take to become who we want to be in this vast world. In the novel *Steel Was Tempered*, the character Paven once said: "The most precious thing a person has is life. We only live once. We must live in a way that avoids regret, so that when we close our eyes for the last time, we can say: I gave all my strength to the noblest cause in life, the cause of liberating humanity..."
This statement affirms Paven’s choice of how to live—he dedicated his life to the revolution. Back in Vietnam, during the war, an entire generation of youth made the same choice: they lived and sacrificed for their country. They chose to follow the motto: "To sacrifice for the country is to ensure its survival" and devoted their youth to the fight for independence. Even today, during the Covid-19 pandemic, many people have chosen a noble way of living. Hundreds of medical students have volunteered for the frontlines, and soldiers stand guard at the borders... These are people who have left their names in history for a life full of meaning.
As a student, I am always conscious of the choice of how to live. I choose a life of contribution: striving to improve my knowledge, refine my character, and enhance my soft skills to become a better version of myself for the future. In doing so, I hope to contribute to the progress of my country.
In conclusion, the quote "We do not choose where we are born, but we choose how we live" leaves each person with a profound lesson. We must choose a way of living that is right and meaningful, so that our lives become full of purpose.

