Thanh's first prize in the National Literature Competition this year is also the only first prize in the entire North (the whole country has 3 first prizes, including 2 prizes from students in Ho Chi Minh City and 1 prize from students in Thai Binh ).

Sharing about his journey, Phan Dan Thanh said that when he was young, his mother's books like "The Adventures of Cricket", "The Call of the Wild" or "No Family"... gave him a love for literature.

"However, at that time, it was just pure literature, not a subject, nor was there any pressure to get a score. I read with a completely carefree mindset, so I enjoyed it. When I was in middle school, there was a time when I was quite afraid of Literature because of the large content, and even stressed because I memorized lessons in textbooks or pre-made outlines. The turning point was when I joined the school's Literature team, I gradually understood that Literature is not about memorizing but about each person's feelings and experiences with the issues raised. A little curious, a little interested, then it became love for Literature!", Thanh said.

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Phan Dan Thanh - 12th grade student at Thai Binh High School for the Gifted. Photo: NVCC

For Dan Thanh, learning Literature is not about memorizing, but rather a process of thinking and feeling so that the words can truly live in you. “Literature is not just about knowledge in textbooks or memorized lessons, but also opens up new horizons. Since learning Literature, I have started to think more deeply and love to explore to the end the issues that interest me,” Dan Thanh shared.

The journey to "promotion" to the National First Prize

Talking about the journey of "promotion" from Third Prize in 2023 to First Prize in the National Championship in 2024, Dan Thanh said that the only difficulty is the pressure to always "overcome one's own shadow", to strive to be different, better than oneself in the past.

“The first prize in the National Excellent Student Competition is not only the result of a review process but also a journey of change for me. In grade 11, I took the exam with an immature and enthusiastic mindset, setting goals and putting pressure on myself. In grade 12, I participated and was lucky to win the first prize with a different mindset: finding enjoyment in studying, not for achievements but to find answers to the problems posed in Literature,” Thanh said.

Talking about the secret to learning Literature, Dan Thanh said: "There is no general formula for everyone. I think the most important thing is passion. Learning Literature is not about memorizing or memorizing a lot to be able to write well. It is a process of reading deeply and understanding deeply, making Literature a part of life."

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Dan Thanh with Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Van - homeroom teacher. Photo: NVCC

Thanh rarely stays up late to study, especially this year when his health does not allow it. For him, studying is important but not a reason to compromise his health. Studying is a long process of perseverance, accumulation and concentration, not pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion.

Regarding studying, Dan Thanh usually keeps a fairly relaxed mindset, however, there are times when she feels pressured when looking at her writings and sees no progress. At those times, she relaxes by stopping studying, sitting around, drawing something to evoke emotions, regardless of whether it is beautiful or ugly or expresses a certain meaning. More simply, the female student chooses to go to sleep to reduce pressure and regain energy. "Taking care of my physical health is also a way to make my spirit more comfortable and positive," Thanh explained.

Sharing about her student, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Van - homeroom teacher of grade 12 Literature (Thai Binh High School for the Gifted) said: "From the moment Thanh entered grade 10 Literature, through the first tests, I recognized in her the ability to think clearly and a special writing style."

According to Ms. Thuy Van, Thanh has a good ability to synthesize, look at problems comprehensively and from different angles; when writing, she always expresses her sharp personal perspective and viewpoint, with the experience of a young person, not in the "forced" or "labeled" way of an adult.

"Thanh has a good ability to self-study, she never stops trying. Perhaps, the secret to Thanh's 'upgrade' in the exam is due to her own inner strength, the accumulation of 3 years of study, the rich life experiences that have gradually grown, and the constant monitoring of teachers. Having been with students for 3 years, I think I understand what is best for students to develop their own abilities. We have persistently corrected their papers, practiced their writing, and accumulated knowledge together throughout the concentration period so that she has the best knowledge and skills preparation and can excel in her writing," teacher Thuy Van expressed.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nu-sinh-thai-binh-va-hanh-trinh-thang-hang-len-giai-nhat-quoc-gia-mon-van-2383522.html