"I like being a quiet but helpful person..."

This year, the valedictorian of the QH-2005-X graduating class at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a very familiar name: Ngo Thi Thuy Dung - a student majoring in Chinese Studies, Faculty of Oriental Studies. Not only is she an excellent student with a GPA of 9.15, Thuy Dung is also the class president of the K50 Oriental Studies class, the Deputy Secretary of the Faculty of Oriental Studies' Youth Union, a three-time Outstanding Young Person of the Vietnam National University, Hanoi, and the recipient of numerous scholarships both within and outside the university... To describe this young woman, many of Dung's friends use only two words: well-rounded and multi-talented. Let's chat to discover the secrets and share the future dreams of this outstanding valedictorian.

- Hi Thuy Dung, could you tell us a little about yourself?

I was born on November 21, 1986, my hometown is Hanoi, my nickname is Him. My hobbies include sweets; I'm always tempted by ice cream, cakes, and delicious candy.

- How do you feel about becoming the valedictorian of a prestigious university like the University of Social Sciences and Humanities?

Actually, I don't feel anything special. I'm not studying to become the top student, but to improve myself, so I always try my best. The title of "top student" is just an additional reward along the way. I appreciate it, but I don't think it's the deciding factor, so I'm just happy about it.

- Many people think that a valedictorian must wear glasses, read books all day, and be quite reserved. But a valedictorian like Dung is: small, always running around, talks quickly and a lot, and smiles so much that her eyes crinkle (according to many of her classmates)?

I don't think outward appearance defines a person. This kind of demeanor makes me feel comfortable; it's just my personality. Sometimes I even find that being cheerful and outgoing actually makes things easier for me, and I have more friends.

- Is that kind of work very good for the Youth Union activities you're in charge of?

Generally speaking, I'm a very straightforward person, even to the point of being annoying in the past. But after four years of studying and participating in student union activities, what I've learned is to speak frankly and truthfully in a pleasant way. That's why I always choose a humorous approach, a squinting smile accompanying serious content. Perhaps that's the secret to being a good class officer.

- A question many people want to ask Dung is: what's the secret to getting such an amazing GPA?

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/07/05/img_7394.jpg" border="0" alt="Ngo Thi Thuy Dung receives her bachelor's degree at the graduation ceremony on June 25, 2009" title="Ngo Thi Thuy Dung receives her bachelor's degree at the graduation ceremony on June 25, 2009" width="240" height="160" align="right" ]

The secret is serious and focused studying. I don't have much time to study because I participate in many other activities, so whenever I study, I always concentrate intensely to save time. When doing assignments, besides presenting information clearly and concisely, I always value creativity and unique insights and interpretations. My teachers always appreciate this aspect, which encourages me even more. Reading books and researching further also makes me more confident and gives me more ideas. But honestly, I'm not yet truly confident in myself; I still need to try harder and be more daring to be creative.

- Dung studied at Am High School and was fluent in French, but why did she choose to major in Oriental Studies and start learning a new foreign language, Chinese?

Because I wanted to learn another language, because I wanted to learn more about a new country and culture. Simply put, I suddenly wanted to change myself, to be something different after 12 years of focusing on French, even though my passion for French hasn't changed, I've just become passionate about a few other things as well.

- So, what conclusions and feelings have you gained from your four years of studying at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities that you can share with everyone?

I feel I made the right choice; I chose the right major that I love, a good school to nurture my skills, and met many excellent teachers. Looking back, I feel fortunate and have achieved a great deal. Most importantly, I feel I have become more mature and a better person!

Many people have commented that foreign languages ​​are one of Dung's strengths. Do you have any memorable experiences related to learning and using foreign languages?

Perhaps I do have a bit of a knack for learning foreign languages. But my most memorable experiences are the days when I first started learning new languages. When I first learned Chinese, I had to practice speaking until my mouth was dry and my tongue was blistered from constantly biting it. I practiced writing characters like I was in first grade. Later, when I wanted to learn English to keep up with the times, I kept mispronouncing words like French, and I would stand in front of the class, straining to repeat myself over and over again. Learning a foreign language, if you have a knack for it, that's great luck, but the most important thing is hard work.

- I heard you received countless scholarships during your university years. Do you have any experience in "hunting" for scholarships?

No, I think it's better to prepare everything you need so that when the opportunity arises, you're always ready. So don't underestimate anything!

- As a humanities student, what are your observations regarding the strengths and weaknesses of students majoring in social sciences and humanities?

It's really hard to say. I just think it would be better if the students were more assertive. There are so many students with lots of ideas but they never dare to speak up. That's such a waste.

Many people say that it's difficult to find a job and earn a high salary after graduating with a degree in social sciences and humanities. What do you think?

I think there's nothing better than taking care of yourself first. Equip yourself with what society needs, and everything will be fine! I haven't seen anyone unemployed yet, and there are plenty of people earning high salaries.

- So, if she had studied Law, Economics, or International Trade instead of Oriental Studies, as many people mistakenly believe when they first meet her, what would Ngo Thi Thuy Dung be like today?

I didn't choose it, so how would I know! But I feel completely satisfied as a student of Oriental Studies.

- Mr. Pham Huy Cuong - President of the Student Union - once said that his first impression of Dung was that she was "stuck-up and unapproachable," but "continuously impressed" him with her "great knowledge" and "many talents." I imagine your life is very rich with many activities and passions. Could you share more information?

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/07/05/img_0272%20copy%202.jpg" border="0" alt="(Image provided by the character)" title="(Image provided by the character)" width="160" height="240" align="right" ]

[Thinking for a moment]I study, I play, I do student union activities, I participate in competitions and student events whenever I have the chance… Basically, that’s how it is. As for other things… (hesitates) singing is okay, but I quite like dancing and have been learning since high school. I just think I’m quite engaging when I talk! What I like most is making people laugh. Seeing people laugh makes me incredibly happy!

- So what about the nickname "stage-running king" that you guys gave him? Why doesn't he stand on stage but only backstage?

[Laughs] Probably because I... don't really like being in the spotlight. I prefer to be a quiet but helpful person.

- Graduating with honors and about to transfer to a higher education program—it seems like there's nothing more a recent graduate could ask for, right?

No. I'm expecting more. I want to go to China, to travel and experience more. I want to grow and become more independent. This is just the beginning.

- In the more distant future, what kind of career would Dung like to pursue?

I want to become a researcher on China, and I want to be a courageous and creative researcher, a genuine and passionate scientist. And I know I still have a lot to strive for.

One final question: what is most important to you?

Family is the most important thing to me. When I come home, cook meals with my mother, see my father's smile, and chat with my younger brother, all my difficulties and worries disappear. My greatest blessing is having a good family. My parents only have a small restaurant, they never went to university, and their work is hard, but they always value their children's education and respect my individuality and decisions. I am who I am today thanks to my family.

Thank you for the conversation, and I wish you continued success in life.

•Thanh Ha (perform)