The path to becoming valedictorian of the Faculty of Humanities: A female student

Pham Thi Thu Huong will receive her Bachelor's degree with distinction at the Graduation Ceremony in July 2024, as the valedictorian of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, with a GPA of 3.85/4.
"The result was unexpected and very significant because it proves my determination to go to school," the female student said.

New valedictorian Pham Thi Thu Huong - University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi (Photo: Provided by the subject)

Thu Huong is a former student of the specialized Geography class at Vinh Phuc High School for Gifted Students, Vinh Phuc province. From grade 10, Huong participated in many provincial and regional competitions for gifted students in the Northern Delta region, as well as the Hung Vuong Summer Camp, consistently winning first prize or gold medals. A year after taking an advanced-level competition and winning third prize, in grade 12, Huong won second prize in the national gifted student competition, earning direct admission to university.
She said she wanted to learn more languages, so she chose Chinese. I saw...Oriental StudiesBecause it was a "hot" major and offered Chinese Studies, Huong applied.
Amidst this, a family tragedy threatened to put all of the student's plans on hold. Her father passed away, and the financial burden fell entirely on her mother's shoulders. Ms. Nguyen Thi Loi, the student's mother, explained that Huong was the second child in the family; her eldest daughter had just graduated, and her youngest sibling was still in school. While happy that her children were doing well in school, she worried she wouldn't be able to make ends meet with her meager income from farming and odd jobs.
"I told Huong to stay home and work as a factory worker, but she persuaded me to let her go to school," Ms. Loi recalled. "Seeing how eager she was to learn, I agreed."
She said that every time Huong won an award, she saved the money. She also received a "Supporting Students to School" scholarship when she entered university, so she was able to cover her expenses during her initial time in Hanoi.
At home, to earn extra income, Ms. Loi works at 2-3 places, from morning till night. Each month, she sends Huong about 1-2 million VND for living expenses.
Out of love for her mother, Huong didn't complain but instead focused on her studies. In her first year, Huong was the top student in the Oriental Studies major and won a scholarship from the university. From then on, she had more motivation to maintain her academic performance throughout her four years.
Huong said she doesn't have a special strategy, just setting goals and trying her best. She doesn't differentiate between subjects, but strives to do her best to meet the teachers' requirements. She usually completes assignments and essays 1-2 days before the deadline to have time to review them.
Choosing to major in Chinese Studies, Huong had to learn Chinese from scratch. In class, she paid attention to the lectures, and at home, she continued studying. Every summer, Huong looked for related jobs to both learn the language and earn extra money to help her mother.
Before graduating, Huong focused on preparing for the HSK (High School for the Gifted) Chinese proficiency test to facilitate her future career. She plastered sticky notes all over her rented room, set her phone screen to a reminder to "study," and followed the HSK exam schedule.
In the mornings, she practiced listening, reading, and writing, striving to complete one practice test each day. Evenings were dedicated to reviewing her mistakes and learning vocabulary. After more than two months of preparation, Huong achieved HSK 6 (the highest level) and an HSKK score of 65/100.
"I'm not the best student in the class, but I'm diligent and disciplined," Huong said. "Given my family circumstances, I constantly remind myself to try my best."
Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Hoa, Head of the Chinese Studies Department, Faculty of Oriental Studies, taught Huong several specialized subjects in her third year. She said that her student had effective study methods, a serious attitude towards learning, and a willingness to learn.
"I believe that after graduation, Huong will continue to excel and become a role model for younger generations," Ms. Hoa shared.
Huong is currently considering applying for a Chinese government scholarship to pursue higher education or to find work. She says that whatever her decision, her mother and older sister will always support her.
Ms. Loi has been overjoyed these past few days after her daughter announced she graduated as valedictorian. She also wants to go to Hanoi and is taking time off work to go and encourage her daughter.
Vietnam Student Newspaper: The path to becoming valedictorian for a poor female student.
Information about the field of Oriental Studies