Top student with perfect score at Foreign Trade University: Dare to step out of the comfort zone

"There were times when I felt like I was caught up in an invisible race, but then I realized that the important thing is not running as fast as someone else, but running on your own path," the valedictorian with perfect scores at Foreign Trade University confided.

On the morning of September 14th, at the National Convention Center, the Foreign Trade University held its graduation ceremony for the second batch of 2025 students. Among the students honored for their outstanding academic achievements, Hoang Thi Minh Hanh, the valedictorian of the advanced program in international economics, was one of two students from the university who achieved a perfect GPA of 4/4.

Hoang Thi Minh Hanh, the top-scoring student of the K60 cohort at the Foreign Trade University, received a certificate of commendation from the Rector, Pham Thu Huong.

PHOTO: QUY HIEN

A spectacular "turnaround".

Hoang Thi Minh Hanh was a student in the specialized English class at Bac Ninh High School for Gifted Students. Four years ago, Hanh entered university with an impressive academic record, having been a member of the Bac Ninh provincial team for the national English competition for gifted students for two consecutive years (one year winning an honorable mention, the other year winning third prize nationally), and achieving an IELTS score of 8.0.

Initially, Hanh wanted to apply for a degree in English pedagogy. "At that time, I thought I would stick with teaching because I loved English and also because it was a safe choice," Hanh shared.

But during a conversation with senior students, Hạnh heard many stories about the Foreign Trade University, about a dynamic, challenging environment with many opportunities but also intense competition. "I realized I was at the best age to step out of my comfort zone, challenge my limits, and find a better version of myself. And so, I 'changed course'. To this day, I have never regretted this choice," Hạnh confided.

And Hanh truly experienced four years of university as four brilliant years of her youth, receiving academic achievement scholarships from the Foreign Trade University in 5 out of 7 semesters, along with many other outstanding achievements. Besides focusing on her studies, Hanh considered extracurricular activities, scientific research, and community projects as opportunities to challenge herself, expand her horizons, and discover herself. Hanh participated in projects, took on many leadership roles among students, and engaged in scientific research…

Hạnh participates wholeheartedly in every activity, with an exceptionally serious work ethic. Because she often takes on the role of leader and is always "chasing deadlines," Hạnh is often nicknamed "the bossy girl" by her friends.

After four years studying at the Foreign Trade University, through many daring experiences and mistakes, Hanh has come to realize the value of courage, of "daring to step out of her comfort zone," daring to pursue what she believes in, and persevering to the end.

Staying up late to study doesn't automatically make you a good student.

When Hạnh learned she was the top graduate with the highest GPA in the 60th graduating class of the Foreign Trade University, she was a little surprised, even though she had always tried her best. According to Hạnh, peer pressure is a unique "specialty" of the Foreign Trade University. Because around every excellent student, there are always people who are better than them in some aspect. Initially, Hạnh felt overwhelmed, even stressed, because she felt like everyone else was progressing while she hadn't achieved anything significant yet.

Hanh and her parents on her graduation day.

PHOTO: THUY DUONG

But then Hanh was inspired by those outstanding friends. Hanh looked to each friend's journey to learn and told herself, if they can do it, so can she. "The combination of proactive spirit, personal discipline, and a wonderful team working alongside me is the secret to maintaining excellent academic performance and achieving the highest GPA in the entire school," Hanh said.

Hanh added: "There were times when I felt like I was caught up in an invisible race, but then I realized that what's important isn't running as fast as anyone else, but running on the right path."

Hanh also shared that she always makes it a habit to read ahead and prepare for class to get an overall picture. This allows her to ask questions, debate, and connect knowledge more easily during lectures. Hanh also actively participates in discussions with teachers and classmates to make the lectures more interesting and engaging, instead of just passively listening and taking notes.

After school, Hanh often seeks out additional resources such as books and newspapers or watches analytical videos, always striving to understand everything she learns. In addition, Hanh maintains the principle of not staying up late. "At 11 o'clock, I stop everything and go to sleep. Many people think that being a good student means staying up late to study. But for me, the brain needs rest to think and remember better," Hanh shared.

Hanh's long-term aspiration is to pursue higher education. However, she is currently working in supply chain management and logistics at a Japanese company, in her field of study. Hanh stated, "I want to work for a few years to gain practical experience and understand myself better before investing more deeply in my academic pursuits."

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/thu-khoa-diem-tuyet-doi-truong-dh-ngoai-thuong-dam-buoc-ra-khoi-vung-an-toan-185250914132051197.htm