Thúy Hiền – a girl from Quảng Nam – became the top student in Journalism at Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities.

When asked about her feelings upon learning she was the valedictorian, Thuy Hien shared with joy and pride: “Even now, I'm still very surprised and overwhelmed with happiness knowing I'm the valedictorian of the journalism major. Because when I came to Hanoi, my only goal was to graduate with a distinction, with some knowledge and experience in journalism. But the distinction and the title of valedictorian are truly a huge reward, a testament to my continuous efforts.”

Leaving her hometown to study in a new environment, Thuy Hien inevitably faced difficulties. Finding accommodation in the heart of Hanoi was a major challenge: “When I first arrived in Hanoi, everything was so new and unfamiliar to me, from the houses and streets to the people. For the first two days, I searched for accommodation, forgetting to eat and sleep, but still couldn't find a place I liked. But luckily, the Me Tri Dormitory Management Board provided assistance, and I had a stable place to live for three years. I feel very grateful to the staff of the Management Board for their care and for creating the best living environment for students.”

Thuy Hien and her father were honored at the graduation ceremony.

Besides that, getting used to a new place, new food, and new people with differences in language, perspectives, and lifestyles was also a challenge. The girl from Quang Nam had to change her taste and communication style to adapt to the living environment in the capital: “I remember in the first week I couldn't finish a meal because everything tasted blander and unfamiliar. Or when I tried to talk to some people, they didn't understand what I was saying. Then I learned to adapt, changing my taste, using appropriate language, starting conversations, and understanding cultural norms and communication…”

But perhaps the biggest challenge was studying in a completely different environment, struggling to adapt to new learning methods. However, thanks to determination and family support, Hien confided: “I had to get used to proactive learning, independently searching for and researching study materials, being flexible in transforming the knowledge from different subjects into my brain, applying it to real life, and being proactive and creative when approaching each mid-term and final exam.”

She frankly admitted that she wasn't exceptionally intelligent, but that didn't discourage her: "I don't have a good memory, I'm not very articulate, and I'm not very tech-savvy. So I adopted the motto 'hard work compensates for lack of intelligence' to achieve my goals."

Thuy Hien had the honor of representing the students and giving a speech at the graduation ceremony.

Beyond just diligence, Thuy Hien also employs scientific study methods: "I always set long-term and short-term goals, create specific plans for each day and week, take notes on what I've learned, and always look for ways to overcome my weaknesses." She also encourages young people to take advantage of group study, where everyone can learn from each other and develop their strengths.

The key point Hien emphasized was proactiveness in learning: "At school, I always attend classes regularly, absorb the knowledge imparted by the lecturers, and independently search for additional materials to gain a deeper understanding." Furthermore, group learning methods also helped her develop: "I share my strengths and learn from my classmates to achieve the best results in my studies."

Beyond just diligence, Thuy Hien also employs scientific study methods: "I always set long-term and short-term goals, create specific plans for each day and week, and am always ready to research additional materials and examples to apply to real-world situations." She also encourages young people to take advantage of group study, where everyone can learn from each other and develop their strengths.

With outstanding achievements, Thuy Hien not only graduated a semester early but was also honored at the Temple of Literature. “I ranked 3rd in the top valedictorians of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi with a GPA of 3.82/4.0 and a training score of 94/100. But I was fortunate enough to be one of only two VNU-USSH students selected to be honored among the 100 outstanding students of the capital, thanks to my excellent overall academic and training scores.”

Thuy Hien smiled confidently as she stood in the middle of the Temple of Literature - where she received the title of Valedictorian of the Journalism major..

Thúy Hiền also said that being honored as valedictorian at the graduation ceremony and at the Temple of Literature was a great honor. This is the motivation for her to continue striving on the long road ahead.”

Inspired by the movie Pinocchio, I developed a passion for journalism.

When asked about her reasons for choosing journalism, Thúy Hiền shared that she had admired female reporters and editors since childhood, but her true passion was ignited by a film. "The film..."The Wooden Girl"Pinocchio inspired me, instilling in me the spirit of journalists who tirelessly dedicate themselves to bringing the truth to the public."

Thúy Hiền couldn't hide her excitement, but also her caution. “Journalism today faces many challenges, from changes in how information is conveyed to the pressures of news speed. I understand that to thrive in this profession, in addition to professional knowledge and practical skills, the ability to adapt to technology is crucial.”

Thuy Hien was honored as the valedictorian with a GPA of 3.82.

With a clear vision, the young woman set her sights on continuing to hone her journalistic writing skills while constantly learning about new digital tools and media. She emphasized, "Embracing technology and grasping digital media trends such as online newspapers and social media is essential in today's era."

In addition, Thuy Hien also shared about the opportunities and challenges that journalism brings. “The opportunity to interact with interesting people, important events, and the ability to contribute to the dissemination of information is something I absolutely love. However, I also understand the challenges of time pressure, high demands for adherence to Party principles, timeliness, accuracy, and professional ethics in each article.”

She received the Outstanding Young Person Award at the grassroots level in 2023.

For Hien, journalism is not just about conveying information, but also about connecting people, exploring, and reflecting life in the most authentic way. It is this passion that has helped her maintain her love for journalism, even during difficult times.

Besides studying, Thuy Hien also works as a contributor for several newspapers such as Vietnam Law, Journalists and Public Opinion, and also takes on additional work as a copywriter. These practical experiences have helped her balance her studies and work, while also developing the necessary skills for journalism.

The torchbearers

Sharing her thoughts about those who have inspired her on her academic and personal journey, Thúy Hiền couldn't hide her emotion: “I feel incredibly fortunate to have received help from those around me from the very first days I arrived in the capital. The staff at the Mễ Trì dormitory created favorable conditions for me to settle into my new life, while the learning environment at the Institute of Journalism and Communication Training, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, has met my expectations.”

A portrait of the top-scoring female student, Nguyen Thi Thuy Hien.

In addition, her dedicated mentor, Professor Phan Van Kien, helped her gain more confidence in scientific research. Especially, her friends and colleagues in Hanoi, with their dynamism, talent, and enthusiasm, contributed to shaping Thuy Hien into a stronger and more mature person.

In her most difficult moments, when homesickness and life's pressures weighed heavily, Thuy Hien always thought of her family – the source of immense encouragement to keep striving. Her family was not only a source of emotional support but also a driving force that helped her understand that pursuing her dreams was not just for herself, but also for her loved ones. In particular, she never forgot to thank herself – the resilient version of Thuy Hien, constantly striving and always reaching towards the light like a sunflower.

She confided that, for her, family has always been the most important support system. “Even though I'm far from home, I always feel the care and concern of my parents and relatives, from simple daily inquiries to strong words of encouragement whenever I face difficulties. My family isn't well-off, but my parents have never hesitated to invest in their children's education. That has become the biggest motivation for me to keep striving.”

She also didn't hesitate to advise young people not to let circumstances dictate their lives. Whether you come from the countryside or a big city, the most important thing is your own willpower and effort. "I believe that everyone will face challenges, but it is from those failures that we grow stronger. The important thing is to set goals, look up to strive for them, and be content with what you have," Thuy Hien said.

Efforts in learning and reaching further, from Quang Nam to Hanoi.

Thúy Hiền's future plans after graduation extend beyond simply working as a contributor; she aims to pursue a career in journalism. Despite numerous career opportunities in Hanoi, Thúy Hiền holds a special affection for her hometown of Quảng Nam. This top-performing student hopes to contribute to Quảng Nam Newspaper – the place that nurtured her dreams and provided her with invaluable practical experience during her years as a contributor.

"No matter where I am, I always want to contribute to my hometown and to the provincial press. Quang Nam is not only where I was born and raised, but also a place that has strongly inspired me on my career path," Hien shared with a look of pride in her eyes.

She received the Phan Chu Trinh Award in Phu Ninh district, Quang Nam province in 2024.

Meanwhile, Thuy Hien also plans to expand her collaborative relationships with other news organizations when she has the opportunity to go to Hanoi, and aims to pursue a master's degree in journalism to enhance her professional knowledge. Furthermore, she focuses on developing her foreign language skills, especially English and Chinese, along with improving her communication abilities to meet future career demands.

She believes that continuous learning and accumulating experience are essential for sustainable development in journalism. "Knowledge is constantly changing, and technology is developing rapidly. I don't want to stand still; I'm always looking for opportunities to improve myself and deliver the highest quality articles," Thúy Hiền affirmed.

Currently, Thuy Hien devotes much of her energy to writing articles that connect the community. She believes that journalism is not only a tool for conveying information, but also a bridge to build unity and mutual understanding in society. "I always believe that through each article, journalists can profoundly impact the community. What I want most is to write true stories, things that are beneficial to society and the community," Hien shared with enthusiasm.

Looking back on her entire journey, Thuy Hien has no regrets. She is satisfied with what she has achieved, believes in the law of cause and effect, and lives according to moral principles. She not only strives to be a model party member but, first and foremost, a good citizen, always abiding by the law and contributing to society.

Thúy Hiền's story is a testament to unwavering determination and relentless effort. From a petite girl in Quảng Nam, she overcame every challenge and shone brightly as the valedictorian of the journalism major. Through this, she not only achieved her personal goals but also strongly inspired young people pursuing their passions.

Vietnam Student Newspaper: Thúy Hiền – The girl from Quảng Nam becomes the top student in Journalism in Hanoi.