Ninh Binh male student creates mind map, self-study and wins national valedictorian title

Valedictorian Tran Xuan Dam shares his study secrets: always draw mind maps, memorize images, combine reading extensive documents and practicing logic - the formula that helped him achieve 39/40 points on the high school graduation exam.

In the 2025 High School Graduation Exam, Tran Xuan Dam, a 12A1 student at My Loc High School, Ninh Binh province, achieved a total score of 39/40, one of the two valedictorians nationwide in this year's exam.

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In the 2025 High School Graduation Exam, Tran Xuan Dam achieved impressive scores with 10 points in Math and Physics; 9.75 points in Chemistry and 9.25 points in Literature. Knowing that he was the valedictorian of the country, Dam was quite surprised because although he was confident in his work, he did not dare to think that he would lead the country in exam scores.

For Dam, this achievement is not only his own, but also the effort of his parents and the dedication of each teacher towards him.

Dam confided that his biggest motivation was his parents. His father had the opportunity to study security, but because his family was poor, he gave up his studies to work for a living. His mother was born into a large, poor family and did not have the opportunity to go to school. Although he tried to teach his mother to read and write, because of her age, her hands were used to heavy work and it was difficult for her to hold a pen properly.

However, my parents always encourage, support and give me the best. Therefore, I always keep in mind that I have to study well to make my parents proud, which is also the best way to repay their kindness.

Due to family circumstances, Dam did not attend any extra classes. He arranged his study plan scientifically based on self-study.

In class, I listen to lectures and synthesize knowledge for myself. Once I understand and grasp the nature of the problem, I look for more information through books, newspapers, and the Internet to expand and enrich my knowledge and remember the lesson theory longer.

Dam said that his strengths are in Physics and Chemistry. Math is the subject he finds the most difficult to grasp. Knowing his limitations, he spends a lot of time finding more exercises online. Through that, he can both memorize knowledge and learn more quick, scientific ways to solve them.

Tran Xuan Dam and his classmates discuss and find optimal solutions for the recent graduation exam. (Photo: Cong Luat/VNA)

Although not a C block student, Dam always gets high scores in Literature tests and exams. Dam shared that he often reviews in the form of texts. Once he grasps the core content, he reads books and articles on the Internet to improve his language skills and learn how to argue. Along with that, he regularly follows current news and updates on social situations to have material to include in his writing.

With the belief that success is not a destination but a journey, Dam always sets specific goals for himself and pursues them with great determination. Therefore, during his high school years, he was always an excellent student.

In grade 11, Dam won first prize in Informatics in the provincial Math and Science Contest in English. In grade 12, he won second prize in Chemistry and third prize in Informatics in the provincial Excellent Student Contest.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Don, homeroom teacher of class 12A1, said that Dam is a student with good logical thinking and reasoning ability. He has passion and determination to conquer the goals he sets. Therefore, it is understandable that he achieved the highest score in the national graduation exam, because during his studies, he has promoted his abilities very well and his scores have proven that.

The inspirational student

Not only is Dam a good student, but he is also talkative and confident, which is what his friends say about him. Besides studying, Dam is active and enthusiastically participates in all school activities, especially STEM creativity.

Dam said that his students are the first to study and take exams according to the 2018 GeneralEducation Program. With the new curriculum, he sees that students are exposed to subjects in an open way, helping them practice their thinking and knowledge synthesis skills.

In addition to his own study time, Tran Xuan Dam also spends time tutoring his two younger siblings to help them study better. (Photo: Cong Luat/VNA)

During my studies, my teachers suggested that I integrate interdisciplinary subjects (STEM). Realizing that this is a scientific and attractive learning method, Dam researched and continuously applied knowledge in subjects, coming up with and implementing ideas based on his understanding.

Dam shared that he realized that STEM education not only creates opportunities for students to demonstrate their abilities, but is also a place to practice scientific thinking and form basic research skills such as presentations, group activities, etc. Therefore, he boldly puts forward creative scientific ideas.

Under the guidance of teachers and the help of friends, I carried out my ideas with the goal of creating useful products for life such as: designing coconut fiber and vermicompost substrates to improve efficiency in agricultural production; synthesizing chitosan from crab shells and applying it to preserve tomatoes...

From his creative ideas, in grades 10 and 11, Dam won the Excellent Prize at the Provincial Science and Technology Competition and STEM Festival. In addition, at the annual Provincial Startup Festival and “High School Students with Startup Ideas” Competition, he always had ideas that won high prizes…

Along with that, Dam is always active in participating in all extracurricular activities, arts, physical education and sports of the school. In the activities, Dam plays the role of MC, planning and organizing activities on major holidays, creating a competitive atmosphere of studying and training in the school.

Leaders of My Loc ward, Ninh Binh province congratulated Tran Xuan Dam and his family after learning that he was one of the national valedictorians in the 2025 High School Graduation Exam. (Photo: Cong Luat/VNA)

Nguyen Van Huy, class 12A1 shared: "Dam is always an example that we admire. Not only does he study well, but he also has the ability to control the crowd and initiate movements. In any position, he always does his role well and is loved by his friends and teachers."

Teacher Tran Nam Chung, Vice Principal of My Loc High School, said that Tran Xuan Dam is a well-rounded student. Not only is he a good student, he also actively participates in group activities and enthusiastically supports and helps his friends.

With his qualities, in any position, Dam always completes his tasks excellently, becoming an inspiring example for generations of students in and out of school.

Source: VNP

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/nam-sinh-ninh-binh-lap-so-do-tu-duy-tu-hoc-va-gianh-ngoi-thu-khoa-toan-quoc-20250718102434743.htm