From the valedictorian's speech to a promise to myself.
In the solemn atmosphere of the Faculty of Literature's auditorium, the new graduates of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi, donned their graduation gowns, concluding their youthful years at university. In that special moment, Vo Huu Thang stepped onto the podium to deliver a speech, representing the voice of an entire generation of students who had just completed their studies and were preparing to embark on a new life.
Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, Hoang Anh Tuan, presented a certificate of merit to Vo Huu Thang – Valedictorian of the Political Science major with a GPA of 3.9/4.0
As the valedictorian of the Political Science major with a cumulative GPA of 3.9/4.0, receiving academic achievement scholarships for seven consecutive semesters, winning first prize in a school-level scientific research competition, and numerous other prestigious scholarships, Thang has every reason to be proud of his journey. But what he emphasized most in his speech wasn't his achievements, but gratitude and responsibility.
"What I felt most strongly when standing on the podium was a mixture of pride and emotion. I understood that I was not only representing the Political Science students but also many new graduates from various faculties, institutes, and departments of the University," Thang shared.
For him, behind every graduation certificate lies immense effort and love. It represents the dedication of teachers, the silent sacrifices of parents, the support of friends, and the tireless efforts of each student throughout their university years.
"Looking down at the auditorium, I realized that graduation wasn't just my own joy. Behind each diploma are so many people who have always believed in, encouraged, and supported me. That made me tell myself that I must live and work in a way that is worthy of what I have received."
For Thang, graduation is not the end but a milestone that opens up a new journey. A bachelor's degree may open up many opportunities, but the value of young people will be affirmed by how they use their knowledge to make contributions to society.
That is also what the University of Social Sciences and Humanities always strives for: to train students who are not only professionally competent but also socially responsible, possessing strong character and a desire to contribute.
The most valuable thing a university gives is not the degree.
Looking back on his four years of study at the Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, Vo Huu Thang believes that the most valuable thing he received was not his GPA or awards, but the growth in his thinking and character.
Lectures on the state, public policy, human rights, and civic responsibility helped him understand that knowledge is not separate from life. The value of learning lies not in grades or titles, but in the ability to correctly perceive real-world problems and be ready to contribute to solving them.
"My family, teachers, and learning environment have helped me understand that personal achievements never belong to one person alone. I am where I am today thanks to the love of my family, the dedication of my teachers, and the opportunities provided by the school. Therefore, the responsibility of someone who has received a formal education is to transform what they have learned into valuable contributions to the community."
Throughout his university years, Thang actively participated in scientific research. For him, each research topic was not only an academic task but also an opportunity to hone his thinking skills, work methods, and perseverance.
"There were periods when I had to read a lot of material, adjust my research direction many times, and accept starting over. That process helped me understand that a good result always requires seriousness, honesty, and perseverance."
According to Thang, the most important thing that teachers impart is not only professional knowledge but also the approach to learning. Students are encouraged to ask questions, challenge the system, view a problem from multiple perspectives, and defend their viewpoints with scientific evidence.
"I learned that university isn't about memorizing a lot of knowledge, but about developing critical thinking skills. The most valuable thing is having a humble, honest, and open-minded attitude towards knowledge."
The rich and open academic environment of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities helped Vo Huu Thang gradually develop the character of a young person who knows how to listen, how to critically analyze, and is always aware of the responsibility of an intellectual towards society.
For Thang, the achievements he has made today are not the ultimate goal, but merely a stepping stone to continue learning, researching, and contributing on the road ahead.
Knowledge only becomes meaningful when it is translated into action.
Entering the digital age, where artificial intelligence (AI) is dramatically changing how people learn, work, and create, Vo Huu Thang believes that young people are facing many opportunities but also numerous challenges. According to him, what determines a student's competitiveness is not only their professional knowledge but also their mindset, confidence, and adaptability.
In this age of information explosion, what's important isn't knowing a lot, but knowing how to select, verify, and view issues objectively. Students, especially those in social sciences and humanities, need to proactively equip themselves with technological skills and AI knowledge to support their studies, research, and work. However, technology is only a tool. What truly distinguishes a person is critical thinking, professional ethics, and a sense of responsibility," Thang shared.
"AI can assist us in many ways, but it cannot replace human thinking, compassion, and responsibility. Especially in this technological age, human values become even more important."
According to Thang, international integration does not mean losing one's identity. Young people need to constantly learn from the best of the world, while also understanding the history, culture, and issues of their own country in order to step out into the world with confidence.
That's also why he always believed that social sciences and humanities would continue to play a crucial role in the development of modern society. Understanding of people, culture, politics, ethics, and governance will contribute to the development of science and technology in a humanistic direction, serving humanity and sustainable development.
After graduation, Vo Huu Thang plans to continue his studies and research in the fields of Political Science and Public Policy. For him, the desire to contribute doesn't begin with grand gestures, but with seriousness in every task, honesty in research, and a spirit of continuous self-improvement.
"I hope that the knowledge I have gained will contribute, however small, to the process of formulating and implementing policies, and contribute to the development of the country."
Addressing students and young people preparing to enter university, Thang shared that university years are not just about accumulating knowledge or earning a degree, but also a valuable time to cultivate critical thinking, resilience, and personal values.
"Learn proactively, dare to ask questions, dare to step out of your comfort zone. Read more, research more, learn foreign languages, master technology, and actively gain practical experience. That's how each person can prepare a solid foundation for the future."
According to Thang, the desire to contribute doesn't necessarily have to start with grand gestures. Every young person can contribute to society through dedication to their work, honesty, responsibility to the community, and a relentless will to improve.
The joy of faculty and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU Hanoi, at the Bachelor's Degree Award Ceremony in July 2026.
Concluding the conversation, the top student in Political Science once again reiterated a principle he has always held dear after four years of studying at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities – “Knowledge only truly has meaning when it is transformed into competence, action, and practical contributions to society.”
Perhaps, that is also the most valuable asset that Vo Huu Thang carries with him after graduation. It's not just the bachelor's degree or the proud achievements, but also the character of a young person who dares to think, dares to act, dares to contribute, and is always conscious of his responsibility to the community.
From the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, today's new graduates will embark on many different paths. But no matter what field they choose, they will all carry with them the values nurtured under the roof of Vietnam National University, Hanoi: a spirit of openness, independent thinking, compassion, and a desire to serve.
In a world that is changing every day, these values will be the foundation for the younger generation of intellectuals to not only adapt to the times, but also contribute to building a developed, humane, and sustainable society.
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Author:According to VNU Media
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