The bookworm from Nghe An province becomes the top student of both VNU and USSH.

“People often assume that boys don’t choose literature as a major, or they have negative opinions when they see male students studying literature. But from my observations, former teachers, professors, and even my male classmates are all talented, highly qualified professionals, and role models that I always want to emulate,” said Tran Manh Cuong, 22, beginning his conversation with the Specialized Section reporter.Vietnamese Students,newspaperTien Phong, by making a statement.

Manh Cuong, valedictorian of the Literature major (2020-2024 cohort) at VNU-USSH.

Cuong and his family took a commemorative photo when he received his Valedictorian certificate alongside Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (far right) - Vice Rector of VNU-USSH, in July 2024.

From a geography-specialized student at Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted in Nghe An, Cuong achieved the top entrance exam score for the Literature major in 2020. Throughout his four years of study, he received numerous awards and scholarships, and even received the Professor Le Dinh Ky Award, specifically for outstanding students in the field of literary theory.

Cuong (center, top row) with his teachers, classmates, and fellow students from the Department of Literary Theory, Faculty of Literature (VNU-USSH) at the awards ceremony.

Due to the curriculum, one of the tasks that literature students like Cuong had to complete was reading books, even a lot of books, to directly access the texts. Having loved books since childhood, he didn't think of this as a task but rather as a form of entertainment, a way to expand his reading vocabulary.

Cường's classmates in the Literature department often say, "Wherever you go, you always see Cường carrying books," because for him, nothing brings more peace of mind than having one (or more) books with him. He also likes being called a "bookworm" in a loving and positive way. The environment of the Literature department makes him more confident and happy as he meets many other "bookworms" like himself.

Besides reading, Cuong is also passionate about music and especially loves Taylor Swift. Whenever he feels tired, defeated, or experiences misfortune in life, he remembers the lyrics: "Everything you lose is a step you take," from the song.You're On Your Own, Kidby the American female singer.

Cuong doesn't have a specific study method; he's sometimes quite spontaneous and only acts when the situation becomes critical. For him, not only in his studies, but in any aspect of life, finding joy in the work he does is the decisive factor in achieving the final result.

For him, the opportunity to learn and broaden his worldview has always been a privilege, something to be grateful for, and something that makes him appreciate every choice and opportunity that comes his way. Throughout his studies and research, Cuong always reminded himself that pursuing Literature was a decision made based on his strengths and interests, so he needed to strive to excel.

"I also tried to 'romanticize' studying by being flexible with time and place. I often met up with friends to study in new and interesting locations, like cute little cafes in the city," he recalled.

Beautifully designed cafes are ideal study locations for Cuong.

Throughout his student years, Cuong's favorite course was "Literary Works and Genres" taught by Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang, and several courses related to art theory and criticism taught by Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich. These two lecturers had excellent and engaging teaching styles, making him reluctant to miss a single class.

In his fourth year, Cuong chose the Literature and Art Theory major because the scope of knowledge in this major is relatively broad, providing students with a solid theoretical foundation to apply to many research fields.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang is currently the Head of the Department of Literary Theory. Professor Nhu Trang is a role model of an educator whom he has always admired, a teacher who has imparted to him much valuable knowledge and a passion for theory.

Cuong's thesis topic is "Black Identity in Brit Bennett's Novel *The Other Half*". The thesis uses the theories of race and identity of Hobbs, Bhabha, and Morrison to explore the intersection and decipher the complex relationship between racial, gender, and class issues within the historical, political, and social context of the United States. From this, it shows that race and gender are both social constructs and therefore entirely capable of being dismantled.

Cuong (center, top row) at his graduation thesis defense in the Department of Literary Theory.

After graduation, Cuong plans to enroll in a master's program in Literary Theory, Faculty of Literature, and pursue research on race and gender. "I still want to continue acquiring knowledge, to pursue research and academia to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a university lecturer," Cuong explained.

The bookworm shared that he had recently finished reading a book.Everything I know about loveBy Dolly Alderton. This is a collection of essays, a semi-memoir, recording the very real and moving experiences of Dolly Alderton, a British journalist, about all the major and minor events she experienced from her childhood to adulthood.

“There, Alderton writes about the fear of being left behind, the doubt about one's own values, and the loss of loved ones. Above all, Alderton celebrates family bonds and, in particular, the healthy aspects of female friendship.”

I think this is a book that any young person, especially those in their twenties, should read at least once. To our readers of this special feature.Vietnamese Students"Try to find and read this interesting book," Cuong advised.

Related articles:
Professor Le Dinh Ky Award: Guiding generations of students to continue the path of literary theory research.