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

Thuy Linh took the exam for a combination of social science subjects, registered for admission to block C (Literature, History, Geography) at the Faculty of Oriental Studies, University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Her total score for the 3 subjects, excluding bonus points, was 28 points (Literature 9; History 9.25; Geography 9.75).

During her 3 years at Vinh Phuc High School for the Gifted, Thuy Linh was awarded the title of Excellent Student at the provincial level in History. In grade 10, Linh won First Prize, and in grades 11 and 12, she won Encouragement Prizes. Linh was also an excellent student throughout her 12 years of study. In addition to studying, Linh also actively participated in school and class activities such as literary magazine writing contests, extracurricular programs with the content of learning about national culture, expressing love for her homeland, protecting the environment, ecology, etc.

Linh shared that she is a person who really likes Kpop music, especially BTS, loves the country and culture of Korea. She likes to travel around on an electric bike and read inspirational books. What a romantic and warm girl!

Valedictorian Nguyen Thi Thuy Linh is a student at Vinh Phuc specialized school.

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

The first time I knew about the University of Social Sciences and Humanities was in grade 7, when an acquaintance registered for the entrance exam to the school. It was not until grade 9, when my history teacher introduced me to the School’s Faculty of Oriental Studies, that I began to learn more about it online and through my seniors. The school is very famous in the field of social sciences and humanities. I recognized many of the school’s teachers on the program Following the course of history and other talk shows on television. I am happy and proud to have become a part of USSH.

- Why did Linh enroll in the Faculty of Oriental Studies?

Since I was a child, I have loved Korean culture and always wanted to learn about the Korean people and country. Korea is also a typical example of an Asian country that has risen strongly to become a developed country. Korea also has certain cultural similarities with Vietnam.

I know that there are many schools that teach Korean language, but through research, I know that the Korean Studies major of the Oriental Studies Department of the University not only teaches language but also teaches a lot of knowledge about the economy, society, and politics of Korea, especially knowledge about contemporary Korea. Since grade 10, I have set a goal to take the exam to enter the Oriental Studies Department of the University.

- How do you feel about this new learning environment?

When I knew I had passed the Oriental Studies Department, I really just wanted to hurry up and get to the day of admission. I felt very nervous, a little worried but very eager. After the first days at the School, I found the School to be exactly like its name, very humane..

The teachers are all highly qualified, sometimes a bit strict but they are all cheerful and caring. The volunteers are very enthusiastic and always there to help us. We are guided through all the procedures when enrolling, finding suitable accommodation for ourselves. Especially the exchange with the teachers and seniors helped us overcome our self-consciousness and shyness.

I think it was thanks to the seniors that our difficulties when we first became students were quickly resolved. We were also introduced to all the school's clubs. And I feel that USSH is a harmonious combination of tradition and modernity, dynamic and creative but also full of sophistication.

I also want to thank the teachers and seniors in the school who have always been there to help us from the very first days.

-This year's exam has many changes. How has Linh prepared her mind and review plan to get good results?

Right from the beginning of grade 11, I knew for sure that next year we would have to take multiple-choice tests, so I prepared. For the two multiple-choice tests, I mainly studied the keywords in the textbooks and did the questions given by the teachers. For difficult questions, I tried to apply the knowledge I had learned with the requirements of the questions to choose the most correct answer.

For Literature, I try not to lose too many points in the reading comprehension and social discussion sections. As for the requirement of discussing literature, I outline the ideas and study the thesis while also referring to sample essays from some teachers.

I think part of the reason we got high scores was because we had quality questions compiled by Vinh Phuc specialized teachers. And besides that, there was a bit of luck to get high results.

- Can you share more about studying at a school with many achievements like Vinh Phuc specialized school?

I feel that studying at Vinh Phuc Specialized School is a wonderful thing. If I say there is no pressure, it would be a lie, but I think that if there was no pressure, we would not be able to be self-motivated in our studies. There were times when we were very tired and wanted to give up, but the teachers were always there to encourage us, show us effective learning methods and achieve high results. With this result, I am truly grateful to the teachers in the school for always trying to create the best conditions for us.

In addition, I also feel very happy to be a member of the History - Geography class. I know that many people do not appreciate or do not like these two subjects, but we still love these two subjects. My class is a united group, always helping each other to achieve good results. Last school year, my class won 3 national first prizes for these two subjects!

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

I still remember that it was the first political class of the year, at that time Mr. Trung (Office of Student Affairs) just said that it was a random roll call. But when he announced that I was the valedictorian, I was really happy. I know this title is very precious but I also do not let myself be too happy and neglect my future studies.

-What have you prepared for a completely new learning environment in the near future?

I know the university environment is very different from high school, but I really haven't prepared much. I want to try the feeling of being a freshman in the first days, having to start an independent life, away from family, having to learn almost everything from scratch.

For now, I just want to study well in the first semester to be able to major in Korean Studies. I think that when I am stable, I will have a more specific plan. I am a bit worried but I find it interesting.

- Thanks Linh for the chat!