Valedictorian Le Thi Nguyet: Social work helped me realize my dreams.

Not only are they excellent students?

Recognizing that university is a time for self-improvement and development, Nguyet always strives to balance her studies, research, and social activities. With the support and assistance of her teachers and classmates, Nguyet has achieved remarkable accomplishments: a GPA of 3.91; a perfect 10 for her graduation thesis; excellent academic and training results in all 7 semesters; the title of "Outstanding Student" at the national level in 2020; the title of "Outstanding Student" at the Hanoi National University level in 2019 and 2020; three commendations from the Rector for outstanding academic performance; and the title of Outstanding Young Person at the grassroots level in 2020 and 2021.

Thanks to her excellent academic performance, Nguyet has consistently won numerous scholarships. In addition to the university's academic achievement scholarships (receiving the Excellent scholarship in all 7 semesters), Nguyet also had the honor of receiving the BIDV scholarship, the Dao Minh Quang scholarship for top-scoring entrance exam students; three times receiving the Dao Minh Quang scholarship for outstanding academic results, and the Honda Award for high achievements in scientific research.

Moreover, Nguyet also participated in scientific research with faculty members in the Department, including several projects that won third prize in the "Student Scientific Research" award at the Ministry level; third prize in the "Euréka Student Scientific Research Award 2019" organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Union Executive Committee; and first prize in the "Student Scientific Research" award at the University level in 2020 and 2021. This activity also helped her broaden her knowledge, improve her skills and professional expertise, access many pressing issues that need to be addressed in society and the field, and more importantly, gain a more practical perspective on the role and mission of the Social Work profession.

In addition, Nguyet actively participates in supporting social work centers to improve her knowledge and skills; and at the same time, has the opportunity to better understand her clients, thereby finding the best and most effective solutions and support methods for them. She also enthusiastically participates in activities of the Youth Union and Student Association of the University such as: blood donation, supporting students to pass exams, etc.

Nguyệt stated that the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is an excellent learning and training environment, providing a solid foundation for self-improvement. The Social Work major combines theoretical research with practical activities, applying theory to practice. “The Social Work major perfectly aligns with my goals and aspirations: to challenge myself in a field that encompasses a wealth of knowledge and professional skills, including psychological counseling, individual intervention, resource mobilization, community development, and importantly, an opportunity to support and assist vulnerable groups in society.” Nguyệt further shared that, as a high school student, she participated in many activities supporting children at the SOS Children's Village and truly hopes to be able to help the children there in a more professional, systematic, and effective way.

I hope to contribute more to the field of social work.

Even now, Nguyệt vividly remembers her early days of practical training and her first interactions with vulnerable children at centers for autistic children, those with motor disabilities, or intellectual disabilities. “My only feeling at that time was helplessness because I really wanted to help these children but lacked the skills and knowledge to approach and work with them. However, thanks to the encouragement and support of the teachers, I gradually overcame those difficulties,” Nguyệt shared.

After more than 9 months of working with autistic children, Nguyet's research project was completed – initially identifying suitable activities to support people with autism. Nguyet's project was also recognized and won third prize in the Ministry-level scientific research competition. “This is probably the most meaningful and unforgettable time because it helped me overcome my own limitations and psychological obstacles to achieve my goal. The research also helped me understand more deeply the true meaning of social work, and realize the knowledge and skills needed for a social worker. And this is also the starting point for my future research projects,” Nguyet said.

After 3.5 years of schooling and some practical work experience, Nguyet observed that in many countries around the world, social work has developed into a professional occupation. However, in Vietnam, social work is still in its initial stages of development. In many institutions, social work activities are still largely part-time, failing to fully realize the role and mission of the profession in supporting individuals, groups, and communities in addressing social problems; working for human happiness and improving social welfare. Nevertheless, it is encouraging that the social work profession is receiving increasing attention from the State, society, and especially young people. On March 25, 2010, the Prime Minister issued Decision 32/2010/QD-TTg approving the Project for the Development of Social Work in Vietnam for the period 2010-2020. Over the past few years, the number of students applying to study Social Work has increased rapidly.

Nguyệt stated that she continues to strive to learn and improve her professional knowledge so that she can effectively apply what she has learned in practice to help disadvantaged people in society; and to inspire and spread the noble humanitarian mission of the Social Work field to future students.

Sharing her vision for the future, Nguyệt hopes to have the opportunity to pursue higher education, access advanced models from abroad, and work with social workers nationwide to find better and more effective solutions and support for disadvantaged people in society. Currently, as a youth union official in Hà Tĩnh province, Nguyệt hopes to provide more assistance to her target group, namely disadvantaged youth union members, those facing difficult circumstances, or other social problems.