Valedictorian Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh: loves History and is passionate about Korean Studies.

Thùy Linh took the social science subject combination exam and applied for admission to the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, in the C block (Literature, History, Geography). Her total score for the three subjects, excluding bonus points, is 28 points (Literature 9; History 9.25; Geography 9.75).

Throughout her three years of high school at Vinh Phuc Specialized High School, Thuy Linh consistently achieved the title of Excellent Student at the provincial level in History. In 10th grade, Linh won first prize, and in 11th and 12th grades, she received honorable mentions. Linh was also an all-around excellent student throughout her 12 years of schooling. Besides her studies, Linh actively participated in school and class activities such as literary magazine writing competitions and extracurricular programs focusing on national culture, expressing love for her homeland, and protecting the environment and ecosystems.

Linh shared that she's a big fan of K-pop, especially BTS, and loves South Korea and its culture. She enjoys sightseeing on her electric bike and reading inspirational books. What a romantic and warm-hearted girl!

Valedictorian Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh is a student from Vinh Phuc Specialized High School.

- When did you first learn about the University of Social Sciences and Humanities?

I first learned about the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in 7th grade, when an acquaintance applied to the school. It wasn't until 9th ​​grade, when my history teacher introduced me to the Faculty of Oriental Studies, that I began researching it more thoroughly online and through older students. The university is very well-known in the field of social sciences and humanities. I recognized many of the university's professors on the "Following the Course of History" program and other talk shows on television. I am happy and proud to have become a part of USSH.

Why did Linh enroll in the Department of Oriental Studies?

Since childhood, I have loved Korean culture and always longed to learn about the people and country of Korea. Korea is also a prime example of an Asian nation that has risen strongly to become a developed country. Furthermore, Korea shares certain cultural similarities with Vietnam.

I know there are many schools that offer Korean language programs, but after researching, I learned that the Korean Studies program in the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the university not only teaches the language but also covers a wide range of knowledge about the economy, society, and politics of Korea, especially contemporary Korea. Since 10th grade, I've set a goal to get into the Faculty of Oriental Studies at the university.

- How do you feel about this new learning environment?

When I found out I'd been accepted into the Faculty of Oriental Studies, I was really looking forward to the enrollment day. I felt very nervous, a little anxious, but also very excited. After my first few days at the university, I found that it lives up to its name – very humane..

The teachers are all highly qualified professionals, sometimes a little strict, but they are all cheerful and caring. The volunteer staff are very enthusiastic and always there to help us. We were guided through all the enrollment procedures and helped find suitable accommodation. In particular, the interaction with the teachers and senior students helped us overcome our shyness and insecurities.

I think it was thanks to the senior students that the difficulties we faced during our first days as students were quickly resolved. We were also introduced to all the clubs at the university. And I feel that USSH is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, dynamic and creative but also very sophisticated.

I would also like to express my gratitude to the teachers and senior students at the school who have always been there to support us from the very beginning.

ButThis year's exam has undergone many changes. How did Linh prepare mentally and plan her revision to achieve good results?

From the beginning of 11th grade, I knew for sure that we would have multiple-choice exams next year, so I prepared accordingly. For the two multiple-choice subjects, I mainly studied keywords in the textbooks and practiced with sample questions from my teachers. For difficult questions, I tried to apply the knowledge I had learned to the requirements of the question to choose the most correct answer.

For Literature, I try not to lose too many points in the reading comprehension and social commentary sections. Specifically for the literary analysis essay, I outline my points and study the main arguments, while also referring to sample essays from some teachers.

I think part of our high score is due to having access to high-quality exam questions compiled by the teachers at Vinh Phuc specialized high schools. And besides that, there was a bit of luck involved in achieving such a high result.

- Can you share more about your experience studying at a prestigious school like Vinh Phuc Specialized High School?

I feel that studying at Vinh Phuc Specialized High School is absolutely wonderful. It would be a lie to say there's no pressure, but I think without it, we wouldn't be able to study with such self-discipline. There were times when I felt very tired and wanted to give up, but the teachers were always there to encourage us, showing us effective study methods and helping us achieve high results. I am truly grateful to the teachers at the school for always striving to create the best conditions for us.

Furthermore, I'm also very happy to be a member of the History-Geography specialized class. I know many people don't think highly of or like these two subjects, but we still love them. Our class is a close-knit group, always supporting each other to achieve high results. Last school year, our class won 3 first prizes nationally in these two subjects!

- When you found out you were the valedictorian, how did you feel, and what does this title mean to you?

I still remember it was the first political science class of the year. At that time, Mr. Trung (from the Student Affairs Department) just said he would take attendance randomly. But when he announced that I was the top student, I was truly overjoyed. I know this title is very valuable, but I didn't let my excitement distract me from my studies.

ButWhat preparations have you made for a completely new learning environment in the near future?

I know the university environment is very different from high school, but I'm really not very prepared. I want to experience what it's like to be a freshman, starting an independent life, away from family, and having to learn almost everything from scratch.

For now, I just want to study hard in the first semester so I can get into Korean Studies. I think I'll have a more concrete plan once things settle down. I'm a little nervous, but I also find it interesting.

- Thank you, Linh, for the conversation!