With a cumulative GPA of 8.57/10, Le Minh Giao (24 years old) has just excelled as the valedictorian of the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Cadres in 2023. Four years ago, upon learning that he was the valedictorian of the entrance exam, due to family circumstances , this young man had considered deferring his studies to work as a factory worker.
As the fourth of six siblings in a family from Long Hung commune, Long Phu district ( Soc Trang province), Le Minh Giao He is admired by many for his perseverance in overcoming difficulties in his studies.
I want to work to earn money before continuing my university studies.
For various reasons, Giao started school two years later than her peers. Her family is poor, her parents are elderly and often ill, and her older brother and youngest sister suffer from mental illness. Despite these difficulties, Giao has consistently been an excellent student for all 12 years of her schooling.
"In sixth grade, my handwriting was so bad that others couldn't read it. My literature teacher appreciated my writing skills but advised me to improve. So during the summer break, I devoted myself to practicing my handwriting by repeatedly copying texts from textbooks. As a result, I improved and won an honorable mention in the 'Good Writing and Handwriting' competition at the district level in seventh grade," Giao recounted about one of the major turning points in her life.
Le Minh Giao, top student in both years at the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Cadres.
SNOW BROCCOLI
Understanding her family's circumstances, after finishing junior high school, Giao enrolled in the Provincial Ethnic Boarding High School to avoid tuition fees and minimize the financial burden on her parents. During summer breaks in high school, Giao worked part-time in companies and factories in Binh Duong province.
Giao has a particular passion for history . In 11th grade, he won first prize in the provincial history competition for gifted students. Giao proudly recounted: "My father inspired my love for this subject. He often told stories about his days on the battlefield, and I felt great admiration and curiosity, so I decided to learn more about it. In 12th grade, I had the honor of joining the Party, and since then I have always dreamed of studying Party building and state administration."
In 2019, while working as a laborer, Giao received the news that he had been accepted and was the top-scoring student in the entrance exam for the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Cadres. He was overjoyed. However, worries and concerns quickly overwhelmed him. "I immediately called my parents back home to tell them I had been accepted into the academy with top honors. But I wanted to defer my studies and work as a factory worker to earn money before continuing my education. My parents were very happy to hear the results, and realizing my worries, they encouraged me to focus on my studies, saying they would take care of the expenses," Giao recounted.
Like a dream…
Understanding Giao's circumstances, benefactors, teachers, friends, and others came together to support his studies, and luck smiled upon this valedictorian who overcame difficulties. "It feels like a dream because without everyone's help, there wouldn't be the Minh Giao of today. I tell myself I must always strive forward so as not to disappoint the expectations and love of everyone," Giao said emotionally.
Family has always been the warm haven that Giao thinks of whenever she feels weak.
NVCC
After adapting to the new environment, starting from the second semester of her first year, Giao began working part-time jobs such as: working at a convenience store; serving at restaurants and wedding receptions; tutoring… to cover her living expenses.
"During the day I went to school, and in the evenings I worked part-time. On weekends I had to wake up early and juggle three jobs in different places. At that time, I didn't have a motorbike, so I mainly traveled by bus or on foot. Sometimes I felt very tired and stressed, but then I thought of my family and the people who had helped me, so I pulled myself together and got through it," Giao recounted.
During her four years at the academy, Giao excelled, earning scholarships for all eight semesters, and for many consecutive years received the title of "Outstanding Youth Following Uncle Ho's Teachings" at the academy level. She actively participated in volunteer programs and campaigns such as: Green Summer, Spring Volunteer, and Supporting Students During Exams…
Giao revealed: "I balance my studies, part-time work, and extracurricular activities by creating the most detailed plan possible. This helps me reduce stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of tasks. I make full use of my class time to study and schedule time to go to the library to read and research materials."
For Giao, the double valedictorian title is the "sweet reward" of her continuous efforts and hard work.
NVCC
Happiness, surprise, emotion… these were the feelings Giao experienced upon becoming the top student in both categories at the academy. "This sweet achievement is not just mine alone, but also belongs to everyone who has loved and helped me. I take this as motivation to continue striving and working hard, and I won't allow myself to rest on my laurels," Giao expressed.
As Giao's academic advisor, Master Nguyen Van Thong, a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Cadres, commented: "Giao comes from a very difficult background but doesn't shy away from hardship and always strives to excel. Throughout her studies, Giao demonstrated her abilities with a strong sense of discipline. She proactively studied, helped her friends, was well-behaved, and respected her teachers… I am truly proud that Giao became the double valedictorian of the academy. Hopefully, in the coming years, not only Giao but all the new graduates of the academy will continue to study, train, and improve their skills to become even more mature."
Thanhnien.vn
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