34-year-old Nguyen Xuan Thuong, originally from Bac Giang, received news of her acceptance into the Chevening master's scholarship program in mid-June. This prestigious UK government scholarship, established in 1983, is highly valued by international students. Approximately 20-25 scholarships are awarded to Vietnamese applicants annually.

Thuong will study clinical mental health sciences at University College London, ranked 9th globally by the 2026 QS World University Rankings. The scholarship, valued at approximately GBP 62,100 (over VND 2.1 billion), covers tuition, monthly living expenses, and other allowances for the one-year master's program.

"I was overwhelmed with joy and happiness," Thuong recalled upon receiving the notification. "This scholarship is an acknowledgment of my efforts, affirming my identity and place in the world. I've waited 15 years for this day."

Nguyen Xuan Thuong. Photo courtesy of the subject

Nguyen Xuan Thuong. Photo courtesy of the subject

In 2009, Thuong was accepted into the foreign trade program at the Foreign Trade University, but had little understanding of the curriculum. Upon discovering the program's focus on logistics and import-export, she requested a transfer to the high-quality finance-banking program.

"I heard many people say that graduates from this program easily find well-paying jobs," Thuong explained.

Observing her peers preparing applications for studying abroad, Thuong began studying for the IELTS exam, achieving a score of 6.0 after six months. She secured letters of recommendation, met the academic and certification requirements, but ultimately faltered on the essay. She struggled to answer questions like: Who are you? What are your goals? Why this program and university? Consequently, she missed the application deadline, unable to complete the essay.

"At that time, I didn't realize the problem stemmed from studying a subject I wasn't passionate about. I simply thought my English wasn't good enough," Thuong recalled.

Discouraged and lacking motivation, Thuong and a friend ventured into business. With VND 15 million, they opened a small shop selling fixed-price items near their dorm, eventually expanding to five stores. However, after initial success, the business declined due to their lack of experience in financial and human resource management. By graduation, Thuong was VND 70 million in debt.

She realized she couldn't pursue a career in finance and banking due to her lack of academic focus. Left with few options, Thuong returned to business, transitioning from brick-and-mortar stores to online sales.

She took on various roles, from mediating orders from China to importing goods and advertising on forums and online communities. Her business acumen and ability to source quality products led to success. She paid off her debts, began saving, and enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle.

Thuong considered continuing this path until her health declined after years of working long hours, from 6 a.m. to 1-2 a.m.

"My life revolved around money, often competing with others," Thuong reflected. "This wasn't the person I wanted to be."

Around this time, Thuong attended psychology counseling and sharing sessions, which broadened her thinking and worldview. She participated in numerous seminars, met professionals in the field, and gradually developed an interest in psychology.

"For the first time, I found a subject I enjoyed and wanted to study formally," she said.

However, leaving behind a nearly 10-year career wasn't easy. Thuong faced a dilemma: pursue her passion with an uncertain future or continue a lucrative but unsatisfying career. After 2-3 years of deliberation, in early 2020, at the age of 29, Thuong chose to pursue her passion.

Thuong during a counseling session. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thuong during a counseling session. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thuong stopped her business and enrolled in a second bachelor's degree program in psychology at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. She supported herself with her savings, allowing her to fully focus on her studies.

As a student for the second time, Thuong felt more energized and proactive. Her studies were driven by genuine interest, not just grades. Beyond her coursework, she attended seminars, workshops, and specialized short courses, while also engaging in social projects.

Thuong is passionate about PsyMe, a community learning project introducing psychology and mental health issues to the public. PsyMe originated from study groups she organized with classmates in 2021, eventually expanding to 350 participants. The classes continue to operate, typically once a week.

In mid-2022, Thuong started offering free support services. She recognized the increasing need for mental health support, especially after Covid-19, but also the prevalence of scams and expensive services. Simultaneously, many psychology students and trainees sought practical experience. Thuong connected these two groups, organizing counseling sessions supervised by experienced professionals.

"This initiative supports those needing mental health assistance while providing valuable practical experience for young practitioners under expert supervision," Thuong explained.

In 2024, after graduating, Thuong applied for scholarships abroad, reigniting the dream she had abandoned at 20. She chose government scholarships because her social work aligned with their criteria. She selected the UK due to the one-year master's program duration, suitable for someone with a family.

The Chevening scholarship required four essays: leadership, networking, reasons for studying in the UK, and career plans. This time, she had no shortage of ideas, instead needing to condense her nearly 15-year journey into 2,000 words across four essays. Thuong aims to apply what she learns from the UK's mental health system in Vietnam by establishing a counseling and training center.

Thuong felt confident in her application, having actively built her profile since starting her second bachelor's degree. Despite this, she experienced self-doubt, questioning her chances. She worried about her age and the rarity of psychology graduates receiving Chevening scholarships.

"Then I reminded myself, 'How will I know if I don't try?' Trying offers at least 1% hope, while not trying offers none," she said.

After over three months, Thuong was invited for an interview, with a month to prepare. The three interviewers focused on her essays. Thuong found the questions manageable. In mid-June, she received the good news of her acceptance.

Thuong (right) at her psychology graduation. Photo courtesy of the subject

Thuong (right) at her psychology graduation. Photo courtesy of the subject

Dr. Nguyen Ba Dat, a lecturer in the psychology department at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, taught Thuong several courses, guided her research, and served as an advisor for some of her projects. Dr. Dat described Thuong as a leader, initiating most activities and demonstrating passion for the field, especially counseling.

"When Thuong transitioned to psychology, she was determined and focused on her studies," he commented. "I'm delighted and proud to have a student who successfully changed careers like Thuong."

This September, Thuong will begin her master's program in the UK. She plans to immerse herself in the international environment, access valuable resources and lectures, and pursue internship opportunities within the UK's mental healthcare system to contribute further to community projects upon returning to Vietnam.

For Thuong, her journey from a 20-year-old giving up on a study abroad application to a 34-year-old embarking on a master's program in the UK demonstrates that it's never too late to pursue your dreams with dedication and genuine effort.

Thanh Hang