22-year-old Nguyen The Phuong, from Yen Bai, was a student in the advanced program for biology education at the Hanoi University of Education. With a final GPA of 3.99/4, Phuong ranked first among the university's graduating education students. Representing nearly 3,000 new graduates at the commencement ceremony on 20/6, Phuong's recounting of his first classroom experience was deeply moving.

"My parents sent me to a small school in a remote area of Phong Du Ha commune, Van Yen district, Yen Bai province. It was a small room with a temporary roof and an uneven dirt floor that became slippery when it rained. The smell of mildew, earth, and the children's sweat mingled together... Later, I was fortunate enough to attend better schools, even becoming a student at the province's specialized high school. But the image of that first classroom never faded; instead, it grew larger along with the questions in my mind," Phuong said.

Concerned about educational equity, Phuong dreamed of becoming a teacher, a dream his mother had once abandoned due to financial hardship.

"My parents are both very capable, but they had to leave school and work various jobs, from collecting scrap metal to sewing, cleaning, and kitchen work, to give me the best possible education," Phuong shared. "That's my biggest motivation to study hard."

After winning second prize in the national biology competition for 12th graders, Phuong was accepted directly into all medical schools. When he chose education, his parents, many teachers, and almost everyone he knew tried to dissuade him, citing low salaries and limited career opportunities. However, Phuong was determined to overcome these biases and pursue his dream.

Associate Professor Tran Thi Thanh Huyen, vice dean of the biology faculty at the Hanoi University of Education, noted that few students who win first or second prize in the national biology competition choose education like Phuong. Most go into medicine.

Nguyen The Phuong. Photo provided by the subject

Nguyen The Phuong. Photo provided by the subject

Phuong's unwavering commitment to his chosen field made his university experience relatively smooth. His most challenging period was his first year when classes were online due to Covid-19. Stronger in natural sciences, he initially struggled with online education courses like pedagogy and teaching methodology.

He persevered by actively participating in discussions and taking on the role of class president to increase his academic responsibility. The enthusiasm of his teachers also motivated him.

When in-person classes resumed at the end of his first year, Phuong thrived. After visiting the laboratories, he immediately applied to participate in scientific research. He quickly won first prize in the National Student Biology Olympiad and third prize in the Ministry of Education and Training's Student Scientific Research competition.

As a result, the biology faculty selected Phuong for an exchange program at Nara Women's University in Japan. This experience in an international academic research environment fueled his desire to travel more. He independently applied for and won a 3-month internship during his final year at the Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan.

"My research skills and language abilities improved significantly, despite the short time in Taiwan," Phuong said. "In particular, it solidified my desire to become a lecturer, allowing me to both teach and conduct research."

To achieve this goal, Phuong decided to apply for postgraduate scholarships abroad. He sees this as a way to broaden his knowledge, explore new things, and build relationships with professors and universities in other countries, ultimately benefiting his future students.

A month ago, Phuong received an acceptance letter and a full scholarship for two programs, molecular medicine and life sciences, at National Cheng Kung University, where he previously interned. On the day of his graduation, he received another congratulatory letter from Paris Saclay University in France, offering a scholarship worth 10,000 Euros (over 300 million VND) per year for a master's program in either life sciences or microbiology.

"I was overjoyed. Everything is going according to plan," Phuong said.

Phuong speaking at his graduation ceremony on 20/6. Photo provided by the subject

Phuong speaking at his graduation ceremony on 20/6. Photo provided by the subject

Having worked with Phuong since his first year, Ms. Tran Thi Thanh Huyen describes him as active in both academics and extracurricular activities. As the class president of the advanced program, Phuong was exemplary, sociable, and multi-talented, with skills in emceeing and singing. He also earned the title of "5-Good Student" at the Hanoi city level and twice received the Odon Vallet scholarship for his excellent academic performance.

"Phuong is an all-around excellent student," Ms. Huyen stated. During his final internship at Bac Ninh Specialized High School, he received high praise for his work ethic and ability to connect with students, earning him an award.

With 4 master's program options in France and Taiwan, Phuong is carefully considering his decision. Regardless of his chosen field, he remains committed to his goal of becoming a university lecturer in Vietnam.

Duong Tam