Dropping out of university, a female student becomes the valedictorian of her college.

At the second graduation ceremony of 2025 at Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics, Dang Thi Lan Thanh became the valedictorian of the entire class with an average GPA of 3.85/4.

Few people know that, before becoming the top graduate, the 22-year-old girl had initially chosen to pursue a university degree but decided to change direction, dropping out after one year and starting over with a college program.

Be brave enough to find the right environment.

Dang Thi Lan Thanh was admitted to the tourism program at a university in Ho Chi Minh City. After two semesters, Thanh realized that the major didn't suit her interests and career goals. "The more I studied, the more discouraged I became. I no longer felt any enjoyment in learning. I struggled with my thoughts and considered dropping out of university," Lan Thanh recounted.

At that time, family support was a crucial foundation, helping Thanh bravely change direction. After researching, Thanh applied to the Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics because she didn't want to waste more time retaking the university entrance exam, thus shortening her studies and starting work sooner.

Dang Thi Lan Thanh is the top graduate of the entire class at Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Lan Thanh chose to study marketing because she believed the field was relevant to market needs, and she herself enjoyed novelty. Despite initial challenges entering a completely new field, Thanh gradually adapted well through perseverance and effort. During her internship, she was highly praised by the company and offered a full-time position.

In the future, Thanh plans to pursue further studies at university, specializing in business administration, after gaining more practical experience. "I believe that when knowledge is linked to work, learning becomes more effective," Thanh said.

Proactively shorten your study time to graduate ahead of schedule.

778 students from the Ho Chi Minh City College of Economics received their diplomas at the graduation ceremony on October 26th. Among them, 106 students graduated ahead of schedule. Pham Ngoc Anh Duong, majoring in business administration, was one of them. At just 20 years old, Duong completed her training program in only two years, shortening it by half a year compared to the usual schedule.

From the beginning, Duong chose not to attend university but instead enrolled in a college with the hope of shortening her study time so she could start working sooner.

Duong shared that, typically, students only need to register for a minimum of 15 credits per semester and will complete the course in two and a half years. But Duong realized she could study more without feeling pressured, so she decided to register for 20 credits per semester, sometimes up to 22 credits, while still balancing her study schedule and part-time job.

In this graduation ceremony, 106 students graduated ahead of schedule.

PHOTO: YEN THI

Not only is Duong a quick learner, but she also proactively started working part-time at a very young age to earn extra income to cover her living expenses. Duong said that she worked part-time almost every day of the week but still managed to maintain her studies thanks to her effective time management.

Immediately after graduating, Anh Duong worked in Hanoi in a position related to her field. Currently, Duong is preparing to work for a company in her hometown (Thanh Hoa). "I will work for about two years to gain experience, then I will pursue further studies at university. I don't want to stop my education here," Anh Duong shared.

Mr. Tran Van Tu, the school's principal, shared that completing the program ahead of schedule demonstrates a proactive spirit, strong self-learning ability, and high self-discipline – qualities that businesses particularly value in the modern workplace. The majority of students graduating early are those with excellent or outstanding grades. Therefore, even though they graduate early, students still ensure high-quality graduates and can quickly adapt to job requirements.

"Many businesses appreciate these students for their proactive mindset, quick adaptability, and strong entrepreneurial spirit, aligning with the trend of recruiting dynamic young professionals capable of working independently. Some businesses have even hired students during their internships," added Master Tú.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nghi-ngang-dh-nu-sinh-vien-tro-thanh-thu-khoa-dau-ra-cua-truong-cd-185251026185306585.htm