A bright smile and a cheerful, sociable face were the first impressions we had when we met and talked with Minh Ngoc (a student at Truong Dinh High School, Hanoi). As the youngest child in the family, she was always given every opportunity by her mother and older sister to study well. Understanding her mother's and sister's devotion, Minh Ngoc always strived to achieve the highest possible results. Speaking about the joy of becoming the top scorer, Ngoc shared: “As soon as the University of Social Sciences and Humanities announced the exam results, I saw them and knew my score, but I didn't know I was the top scorer in Block C until my friends called to tell me. I was very surprised, and when my sister checked my score for me, my hands were shaking so much I couldn't even type anymore…” We could see the joy on the faces of every member of Minh Ngoc's family. This joy, coupled with the great surprise, was amplified by the congratulations from teachers, friends, and neighbors. The love, care, support, and encouragement from her mother and older sister have been a great source of motivation for Minh Ngoc to achieve the results she has today.
Ms. Le Thi Hien (Minh Ngoc's mother) couldn't hide her emotions, choking back tears as she said, "I'm so happy and moved, I never expected Ngoc to be the valedictorian. Our family circumstances are quite difficult; Ngoc's father passed away when she was young. Therefore, all I can do is encourage Ngoc to try even harder in her studies in the coming years."
In this year's university entrance exam, due to her love and passion for social sciences, Minh Ngoc chose to take the C-block exam. She said: "I really like history, I love history, and I also feel I have the ability to study literature, so I decided to take the C-block exam." Her passion for social sciences began in elementary school, further encouraged when she won an honorable mention in the provincial history competition in 9th grade. Throughout her 12 years of schooling, Minh Ngoc has always been a good student. At school, she actively participates in the activities of the school's Youth Union and her class, holding the position of Deputy Secretary of the class. Ngoc is always enthusiastic, sociable, and diligent in her studies, so she is always loved by her teachers and friends. At home, Minh Ngoc is a good and obedient daughter. Besides her studies, she helps her mother sell goods to earn extra income for the family.
Commenting on Minh Ngoc, Ms. Nguyen Hoang Oanh - a neighbor of Ngoc's family - said: "Ngoc is very well-behaved, polite, and studies hard; she is loved by everyone. Hearing that Ngoc topped the entrance exam, I was very happy for her. I always advise my children to follow the example of Ngoc and her sister."
Sharing her study secrets for social science subjects, Ngoc said that for History, she clearly divides it into two parts: world history and Vietnamese history. Besides the knowledge in the textbook, she needs to research and expand her knowledge, especially about world history. For Vietnamese history, she tries to memorize important historical milestones to make it easier to develop her ideas when writing essays. For Literature, she emphasizes paying close attention in class and understanding the main points of each lesson, reading additional reference materials to gain more knowledge, and studying writing styles and vocabulary, paying particular attention to "key" words to remember and apply to her essays.
Despite graduating at the top of her class in Anthropology, Minh Ngoc shared her desire to become a journalist or a television presenter. This dream has existed since she was in third or fourth grade. During her time at Truong Dinh High School, Minh Ngoc actively contributed articles to the school newspaper.
Sharing her reasons for choosing Anthropology, Ngoc said: “I did quite a bit of research on the Department of Anthropology on the university's website and through my older sister, who is in her third year studying Anthropology. I found that studying Anthropology will give me a good foundation in natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts, and a deeper understanding of the cultures of countries around the world. This knowledge will help me get closer to my dreams and interests.”
Sharing her plans for the future as a university student, Ngoc said she will try her best to study well so as not to disappoint her mother and older sister. In addition, she will dedicate more time to learning English, actively participating in school and faculty activities, and volunteering to become more dynamic.Ms. Hien (Ngoc's mother) shared: "The family will try to create favorable conditions for her during her four years of university. I also advise her to study hard so that she will have a better future after graduation. Even though we are poor, we are very happy and content when our children succeed after graduation."
We bid farewell to Minh Ngoc and her family, and hope to see her again soon at university. We all wish this lovely valedictorian continued academic success and the fulfillment of her dreams.
