In the 2025-2026 National Excellent Student Selection Exam, best friends Nguyen Cong Hieu and Nguyen Huynh – 12th-grade physics students from Thoai Ngoc Hau Specialized High School, Long Xuyen Ward – earned honorable mentions. Cong Hieu won second prize, and Nguyen Huynh won third prize in physics.
Determination in studying
Hieu was born in the former Tri Ton district (now Co To commune) into a family where both parents were teachers. For Hieu, his mother was the most inspiring and influential figure in his studies. Although his mother didn't place much emphasis on academic achievement, her kind actions and encouraging words helped Hieu become more determined in his studies to have a bright future, in return for the love of his parents and teachers. From a young age, Nguyen Cong Hieu was a studious student who achieved many high academic results.
Close friends Nguyen Cong Hieu (left) and Nguyen Huynh. Photo: BICH TUYEN
Hieu confided that he was initially uninterested in physics. But with his teacher's engaging teaching methods, he developed a passion for the subject starting in 8th grade. He diligently studied and successfully passed the entrance exam to the 10th grade Physics class at Thoai Ngoc Hau Specialized High School, achieving the second-highest score in the provincial 10th grade entrance exam.
Entering high school, with more in-depth studies, the diversity of the physical world further piqued Hieu's curiosity, making him eager to explore and explain everyday phenomena. Each time he understood the underlying principles, he became even more fascinated and eager to learn more. Studying diligently and seriously, Hieu achieved many high accomplishments in physics, including a gold medal in the 30-4 Olympic competition in the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years; a gold medal at the Southern Summer Camp in 2024; third prize in the provincial-level excellent student selection exam in the 2023-2024 school year; first prize in the provincial-level excellent student selection exam in the 2024-2025 school year; and second prize in the national-level excellent student selection exam in the 2025-2026 school year…
Like Hieu, Nguyen Huynh's path to physics was also quite accidental. "At the end of junior high school, I chose to take the entrance exam for the 10th grade specialized physics class. The more I studied, the more passionate I became about physics, and the more I wanted to study it in depth," Huynh recounted. To achieve good results in the national physics competition, Huynh built a solid foundation from the basics, then moved on to solving more difficult problems; taking notes and learning from his own mistakes.
Beautiful friendship
Hieu shared: “Initially, I felt pressured seeing many classmates who were better than me. As I gradually got used to the new learning environment and became aware of my weaknesses, I started to stay calm and plan my studies more scientifically . I paid close attention to the teachers' lectures, practiced exercises from basic to advanced levels to solidify my foundational knowledge. I focused on improving my logical thinking and observation skills, relating them to core knowledge and laws to gain a deeper understanding of the models in the problems… For me, having a close friend who shares my goals, understands me, and always encourages and supports me through difficulties and challenges is invaluable.”
Hieu and Huynh were classmates and close friends since joining the national gifted student team in 10th grade. In their studies, they learned from each other to help each other improve; they confided in each other, sharing their joys, sorrows, and difficulties in life and studies. Huynh shared: “The most touching moment was when, in my first year, I failed the national gifted student selection exam for the 2024-2025 school year. Hieu told me that he was very sad and felt sorry for me when he didn't see my registration number. This year, with both of us winning national awards, we are very happy.”
Hieu plans to study physics education at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, while Huynh wants to study electrical and electronic engineering at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology. Each has their own aspirations, but their beautiful friendship will forever remain a sweet memory, a source of strength and support to help them both stand firm on their future paths.
BICH TUYEN
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doi-ban-cung-tien-a476527.html
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