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 practice 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 student in class 12A1 at My Loc High School, Ninh Binh province, achieved a total score of 39/40, making him one of the two top scorers nationwide this year.

Continuing to fulfill our parents' dreams.

In the 2025 high school graduation exam, Tran Xuan Dam achieved impressive scores, scoring 10 in Mathematics and Physics, 9.75 in Chemistry, and 9.25 in Literature. Upon learning that he was the top scorer nationwide, Dam was quite surprised because, although confident in his performance, he never imagined he would lead the country in exam scores.

For Dam, this achievement is not just his own, but also the result of his parents' efforts and the dedication of every teacher.

Dam confided that her biggest motivation is her parents. Her father once had the opportunity to study security, but due to poverty, he gave up his studies to work and earn a living. Her mother was born into a large, poor family and therefore did not have the chance to go to school. Although Dam tried to teach her mother to read and write, due to her age and the fact that her hands were used to heavy work, she found it difficult to hold a pen properly.

However, my parents always encouraged, supported, and gave their children the best. Therefore, I always believe that I must study hard to make my parents proud, which is also the best way to repay their kindness.

Due to his family circumstances, Dam did not attend any extra classes. He organized his study plan scientifically, primarily through self-study.

In class, I listen attentively to the lectures and synthesize the knowledge myself. Once I understand and grasp the essence of the problem, I seek additional information through books, newspapers, and the internet to expand and refine my knowledge and remember the lesson's theory for longer.

Dam said that she excels in Physics and Chemistry, while Mathematics is the subject she finds most difficult to grasp. Aware of her weaknesses, she spends a lot of time searching for additional practice problems online. This helps her both memorize knowledge and learn faster, more scientific problem-solving methods.

Student Tran Xuan Dam and his classmates discuss and find the optimal solution to the recent high school graduation exam questions. (Photo: Cong Luat/VNA)

Although not a science major, Dam consistently scores high marks in Literature on tests and exams. Dam shared that she usually studies by focusing on written texts. Once she grasps the core content, she reads books and articles online to improve her language skills and learn how to construct arguments. In addition, she regularly follows current events and updates herself on social issues to gather material for her writing.

With the belief that success is not a destination but a journey, Dam always sets specific goals for himself and pursues them with high determination. As a result, throughout his high school years, he was always an all-around excellent student.

In 11th grade, Dam won first prize in Computer Science at the provincial-level competition for solving math and science subjects in English. In 12th grade, he won second prize in Chemistry and third prize in Computer Science at the provincial-level excellent student competition.

Ms. Tran Thi Hong Don, homeroom teacher of class 12A1, said that Dam is a student with good logical thinking and reasoning abilities. He has a passion and high determination to achieve the goals he sets for himself. Therefore, his achievement of being the top scorer nationwide in the graduation exam is understandable, because during his studies, he has demonstrated his abilities very well, and his scores are proof of that.

The inspiring student

Not only is Dam a good student, but he is also articulate and confident – ​​that's how his friends describe him. Besides his studies, Dam is active and enthusiastically participates in all school activities, especially STEM innovation.

Dam said that her group of students was the first to study and take exams under the 2018 General Education Program. With the new curriculum, she noticed that the students were able to approach subjects in an open way, helping them develop their thinking skills and synthesize knowledge.

In addition to his own studies, Tran Xuan Dam also spends time tutoring his two younger siblings to help them improve their academic performance. (Photo: Cong Luat/TTXVN)

During my studies, my teachers encouraged me to learn about interdisciplinary integration (STEM). Recognizing this as a scientific and engaging learning method, I researched and continuously applied knowledge from various subjects, developing and implementing ideas based on my understanding.

Dam shared that she realized STEM education not only provides opportunities for students to showcase their abilities, but also serves as a place to cultivate scientific thinking and develop fundamental research skills such as presentation and teamwork. Therefore, she confidently put forward creative scientific ideas.

Under the guidance of my teachers and with the help of my friends, I implemented my ideas with the goal of creating useful products for life, such as: designing coconut fiber and earthworm compost substrates to improve efficiency in agricultural production; synthesizing chitosan from crab shells and applying it to tomato preservation…

Thanks to his innovative ideas, in both 10th and 11th grade, Dam won the Excellence Award at the Provincial Science and Technology Competition and STEM Festival. In addition, at the annual Provincial Entrepreneurship Festival and the "High School Students with Entrepreneurship Ideas" competition, his ideas consistently won high awards…

Alongside this, Dam actively participated in all extracurricular activities, arts, physical education, and sports at the school. In these activities, Dam played the role of program host, helped plan and organize events for major holidays, and created a vibrant atmosphere of academic competition and training within the school.

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

Nguyen Van Huy, a student in class 12A1, shared: "Dam has always been a role model that we admire. He not only excels academically but also has the ability to lead a crowd and initiate movements. In any role, he performs 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 an all-around student; not only is he academically excellent, but he also actively participates in group activities and enthusiastically supports and helps his friends.

With his qualities, Dam excelled in every role he played, becoming an inspiring role model for generations of students both inside and outside the school.

Source: VNP

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