The journey of 'overcoming oneself' of a student from a coastal region.

With an impressive score of 16.5, Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi, a 12th-grade Geography student from Ha Tinh Specialized High School, not only successfully defended her first-place title but also excelled as a co-valedictorian in Geography at the 2025-2026 National Excellent Student Examination. Her achievement of winning the top prize for two consecutive years is a testament to the perseverance and determination of this student from the coastal region of Loc Ha on her journey to conquer knowledge.

Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi, a 12th-grade Geography student from Ha Tinh Specialized High School, is a co-valedictorian nationwide in the 2025-2026 National Excellent Student Competition in Geography.

The journey of "overcoming oneself"

For Nguyen Thi Khanh Chi, the moment she learned she had scored 16.5 points – a score that placed her as a joint top scorer nationwide – was an unforgettable one. However, few know that to achieve the radiant smile she has today, Khanh Chi once faced incredibly difficult choices. Winning first prize nationally in 11th grade – an achievement any student would dream of – cast a huge shadow over the 12th-grade student. The pressure to maintain her performance and the fear of not surpassing her previous achievement sometimes made Chi hesitate.

Khánh Chi shared: “Before this year's exam, I felt quite pressured, but the encouragement and unwavering trust of my teachers, friends, and especially the silent support from my parents back home in Lộc Hà helped me stay strong. I understand that taking the exam isn't just about winning a prize, but about challenging my own limits once again.”

The 2025-2026 National Excellent Student Examination is considered to have a more difficult structure, requiring candidates not only to have a firm grasp of theory but also to possess critical thinking skills and the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations with extreme flexibility. Faced with the exam, even a seasoned "warrior" like Khanh Chi couldn't avoid feeling overwhelmed at first.

“This year’s exam required keen observation of real-world situations. After a few minutes of panic, I told myself I had to read every word carefully. I worked on the exam meticulously, carefully considering each point. Although I believed I would win, the top score was still a big surprise for me,” Khánh Chi shared.

Sharing her method for achieving a convincing score of 16.5, Khanh Chi emphasized the principle of studying thoroughly, mastering the material, and avoiding letting old knowledge overwhelm her when absorbing new information. The student focused on reading and understanding the essence of the problem, absolutely avoiding rote memorization.

Chi's study schedule is well -organized : during the day she studies with the team under the guidance of teachers, and in the evening she dedicates 3-4 hours to self-study. Chi focuses on practicing with sample questions and systematizing her knowledge.

Khanh Chi said: "To hone my skills, I do a lot of practice problems. After each problem, I combine it with the help of my teacher to improve my shortcomings, then rewrite it many times to correct my mistakes. At the same time, I refer to many external materials to deeply understand the subject I am studying. Besides knowledge, I also pay special attention to the presentation of my work - an important factor in convincing the examiners in Geography."

Special qualities

Khánh Chi and her classmates discuss their homework in class.

To overcome the enormous amount of knowledge and intense studying, Khanh Chi trained herself to balance her emotions. Instead of cramming, she chose to organize her study schedule effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in the days leading up to the exam. The support of her teachers in the team not only imparted knowledge but also provided emotional support, helping her relieve invisible pressures.

Ms. Truong Thi Mai Lien, Head of the Geography team and Chi's mentor for the past two years, shared: "Khanh Chi is a student with exceptional talent, excellent logical thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge flexibly. What I appreciate most about her is her serious attitude towards learning and her high level of self-study. Chi never stops at what her teachers teach, but always proactively explores and delves deeper into new materials. The 'double' first prize is a well-deserved reward for her persistent efforts."

Khánh Chi's achievement has significantly contributed to the outstanding performance of the Ha Tinh Geography team this year. With 100% of participating students winning awards (including 2 first prizes, 3 second prizes, 4 third prizes, and 1 consolation prize), Ha Tinh continues to affirm its leading position in nurturing national-level gifted students.

With her "golden ticket" from two national first prizes, the door to the future is wide open for this female student from the coastal region. However, Khanh Chi remains steadfast in her love for Geography. She says her biggest goal right now is to become a student in the Geography Department at Hanoi Pedagogical University, so that she can pass on her passion for this subject to future generations of students.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/giao-duc/hanh-trinh-vuot-len-chinh-minhcua-co-hoc-tro-vung-bien-20260122141502455.htm