Swimmer Anh Vien: 'Nurturing talent is like raising a piggy bank'

Former swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien believes that the root of nurturing talent is perseverance - Photo: TRONG NHAN

Those are some interesting shares of talented former swimmer Nguyen Thi Anh Vien at Education Expo 2025 - an event organized by the international school system CIS - SSV - CVK - MLC on the morning of April 19 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Talent doesn't always "shine" right from the start.

Anh Vien affirmed that and according to her, students may not know what they are good at, but don't be afraid. Just try. If you never try, you will never know anything.

She believes that real-life experience is the most important factor in helping students realize their strengths, instead of just speculating or forcing themselves into a stereotype.

She recounted the time when she first started swimming in Can Tho . Anh Vien admitted that her achievements at that time were very normal, almost not outstanding. But Anh Vien's father always reminded her to try hard.

"Just practice regularly, day after day. Then one day, everything will be different," said Anh Vien.

According to her, that is not only her motto during practice and competition, but also in her role as a swimming coach for students today. Teacher Anh Vien always reminds her students about the two words "perseverance".

"It's not a big deal. I was just tired today, but I still finished my homework. Tomorrow too. It becomes a habit, a strength."

"Nurturing talent is like putting money in a piggy bank. Put a little in every day. You may not see it right away, but one day you will look back and see that you have accumulated a huge fortune."

On the contrary, if you miss a day, you can skip the second and third days. When you skip many days, you will form a lazy habit, and eventually the "success piggy bank" will never be full.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Thanh Nam talks with parents in the program - Photo: TRONG NHAN

From the perspective of aneducational psychology researcher, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Thanh Nam - Vice Principal of the University of Education (Hanoi National University) - believes that talent is not the privilege of a small group born with "special gifts".

He shared that every child can develop outstanding abilities in a certain field, if placed in the right environment and receiving proper support from family, teachers and society.

He also expressed that one of the problems in education today is the "homogenization" mindset - when the curriculum and educational goals are often aimed at the majority, taking the average as the standard. That can prevent outstanding students from having the opportunity to develop their full potential, and even being asked to "wait" for others.

According to him, if a program tries to fit all students, it may not fit anyone. Education should design learning experiences so that each student has the opportunity to reach excellence in his or her own way.

He also emphasized the role of early experience. Instead of just looking at scores or tests, parents and teachers should create conditions for children to participate in many activities, from sports , arts, technology to social projects so that children have the opportunity to express their curiosity, perseverance, creativity...

Without the right skills and awareness, students can easily become dependent on AI.

Expert Luong Dung Nhan talks about AI and changes in education - Photo: TRONG NHAN

From a technological perspective, PhD student Luong Dung Nhan - an expert in AI research in education - believes that AI is gradually changing the way we learn, the way we teach, and especially the way each individual positions themselves in the world of knowledge.

Through AI, students can know how they learn effectively, their strengths and weaknesses, and what they need to do to improve. AI tools can even help students suggest careers that match their skills, personality, and interests, making future orientation more specific.

However, he also warned: without the right skills and awareness, students can easily become dependent on AI. Then, instead of helping develop thinking, AI becomes a tool to replace thinking.

“It's important to learn how to use AI as a companion, an intelligent assistant,” he said.

He suggests that both teachers and parents should accompany students in the process of using AI, from asking smart questions, verifying information, to analyzing and criticizing the results suggested by the tool. He calls this "AI literacy", or digital competency, a new competency needed in modern education.

Taking place on the morning of April 19 in Ho Chi Minh City, the annual event Education Expo 2025 with the theme "Shaping the Future" brings a series of practical topics: from AI applications in education, talent nurturing thinking, to international scholarship strategies.

In addition to the workshops, the event also features experiential booths, career counseling and personalized learning orientation, helping students and parents access new educational trends in the global and technological era.

Read more Back to Topics

Back to topic

WEIGHT

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/kinh-ngu-anh-vien-nuoi-duong-tai-nang-giong-nhu-nuoi-ong-heo-20250419161725408.htm