Bookworm from Nghe An becomes double valedictorian of VNU-USSH

“People often assume that boys do not choose Literature, or make negative comments when they see boys studying Literature. But from my observations, former teachers, teachers, seniors, and male classmates are all talented, have very good professional qualifications, and are role models that I always want to follow” - Tran Manh Cuong, 22 years old, started the conversation with Chuyen Trang reporterVietnamese Students,newspaperVanguard, with an affirmation.

Manh Cuong, double valedictorian of Literature major, class 2020-2024, VNU-USSH.

Cuong and his family took a commemorative photo when receiving the certificate of Valedictorian with Associate Professor, Dr. Dang Thi Thu Huong (right cover) - Vice Principal of VNU-USSH, in July 2024.

From a Geography major student at Phan Boi Chau High School for the Gifted, Nghe An, Cuong was the valedictorian of the Literature major in 2020. During his four years of study, he received many awards, scholarships of all kinds and received the Professor, People's Teacher Le Dinh Ky award reserved for outstanding students in the subject of Literary Theory.

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

Due to the training program, one of the tasks that Literature students like Cuong have to complete is to read books, even a lot of books, to directly access the text. Having loved books since childhood, he did not think of this as a task but as a form of entertainment, a way to expand his reading vocabulary.

Cuong’s peers in the Faculty of Literature often say, “Wherever he goes, he brings books with him,” because for him, nothing brings him a sense of security like carrying a book (or many) with him. He also likes to be called “bookworm” with a loving, positive connotation. The environment of the Faculty of Literature makes him more confident and happy when meeting many “bookworms” like himself.

Besides reading, Cuong also loves music and especially loves Taylor Swift. Whenever he is tired, fails or encounters misfortune in life, he remembers the lyrics: "Everything you lose is a step you take", taken from the songYou're On Your Own, Kidof the American singer.

Cuong does not have a specific learning method, sometimes he is quite spontaneous and "only waits until the last minute". For him, not only in studying, but in any aspect of life, finding joy in the work he does is the deciding factor for the final result.

For him, being able to study and broaden his worldview is always a privilege, something to be grateful for, and from there, to appreciate every choice and opportunity that comes his way. Throughout his studies and research, Cuong always told himself that pursuing Literature was a decision made based on his strengths and interests, so he needed to make an effort to complete it excellently.

“I also tried to ‘romanticize’ studying by being flexible with time and space. I often met friends to review my lessons in new places like cute coffee shops in the city,” he recalled.

Beautifully designed coffee shops are Cuong's ideal study places.

During his time as a student, Cuong loved the subject “Literary Works and Genres” taught by Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang and several subjects related to art theory and criticism taught by Dr. Nguyen Thi Bich. These were two lecturers with excellent and engaging teaching methods that made him unable to “skip” a single class.

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

Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang is currently the Head of the Department of Literary Theory. Ms. Nhu Trang is the model of a teacher that he always admires, a teacher who has imparted to him a lot of valuable knowledge and a passion for theory.

Cuong’s thesis topic is “Black Identity in Brit Bennett’s The Other Half”. The thesis uses the race and identity theories of Hobbs, Bhabha and Morrison to explore the intersection and decode the complex relationship between issues of race, gender and class in the historical, political and social context of the United States. From there, it shows that race and gender are both social constructs and therefore can be completely eliminated.

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

After graduation, Cuong plans to enroll in graduate school at the Department of Literary Theory, Faculty of Literature, and pursue research on race and gender. “I still want to continue to acquire knowledge, to pursue a research and academic path to fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a university lecturer,” Cuong explained.

The "bookworm" boy shared that he recently finished reading the bookEverything I Know About Loveby Dolly Alderton. This is a collection of essays, semi-memoirs, recording the very real and emotional experiences of Dolly Alderton, a British journalist, about all the big and small events that she experienced from her childhood until she became a grown woman.

“There, Alderton writes about the fear of being left behind, the doubt about one’s own values, the loss of having to face the departure of those you love. Above all, Alderton praises family affection and especially 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. Dear readers of Chuyen TrangVietnamese Students"Try reading this interesting book," Cuong advised.

Related news:
Professor Le Dinh Ky Award: Supporting generations of students to continue their path of literary theory research