National valedictorian with 39/40 points: From a simple family background to the dream of becoming a Polytechnic engineer

(NLDO) - His parents were farmers, and his family was not well off. That situation trained the spirit of discipline in Tran Xuan Dam - the valedictorian of the high school graduation exam with 39/40 points.

In the 2025 high school graduation exam, Tran Xuan Dam, a 12th grader at My Loc High School in Ninh Binh province, achieved a total score of 39/40, becoming one of the two valedictorians nationwide. Of which, he scored 10 points in Math, 10 points in Physics, 9.25 points in Literature, and 9.75 points in Chemistry.

Tran Xuan Dam (in black suit) takes a yearbook photo with his family. Photo: Family provided

Construction worker's son becomes national valedictorian

Born into a farming family in My Loc ward (Ninh Binh province, formerly My Tien commune, My Loc district, Nam Dinh province), Tran Xuan Dam is the second child in a family of four siblings. His parents were farmers and construction workers, and their economic conditions were not abundant. It was this situation that forged in Dam a spirit of independence, discipline and the will to excel in his studies.

Dam's parents said that they work hard all year round, and when the harvest season comes, they have to work in the fields, from planting to spraying pesticides... doing whatever is hired to support their four children's education. The couple's greatest wish is for their children to have a full education and a less difficult life.

For Dam, the difficult circumstances have become the motivation for him to strive every day. Since the age of 4, Dam has shown a love of learning, often studying on his own like his older brother. Seeing that his child has a sense of awareness early on, his parents always encourage and create conditions for him to try harder every day.

"I couldn't go to school because my family was poor. Now I'm still illiterate. I have to put my fingerprints on every document. Sometimes I feel sorry for myself. That's why I always tell my son to study hard to escape poverty. Now that Dam has achieved such results, I'm so happy I can't speak" - Mrs. Bui Thi Luu, the boy's mother, was moved.

Discipline makes valedictorian

Dam said he built his own learning method based on personal discipline, not taking extra classes but focusing on mastering knowledge in class, and asking the teacher right away when he encountered difficulties.

"My study schedule is not much different from my friends, but I always set clear goals and am serious with myself. I think discipline is the core factor for success" - Dam said.

Every day, I wake up at 4:30 to review and practice. I take a break at noon, and in the evening I help my parents before continuing my studies. After the exam, Dam checks his answers and is confident in the natural sciences, but is still nervously waiting for his Literature score - the most unpredictable subject.

Tran Xuan Dam's exam scores - one of two valedictorians nationwide

During his three years in high school, Dam has always maintained his excellent performance as an all-round student. He won First Prize in English for Information Technology at the provincial level, Excellent Prize in the STEM competition, Third Prize in the Startup competition, Third Prize in the National Defense - Security competition... and many other awards at the provincial and national levels. He also achieved the title of "3 Good Students", "Advanced Youth Following Uncle Ho's Teachings".

In the 2024-2025 school year, Dam won the Second Prize for Excellent Students in the Province in Chemistry, achieving 77.03/100 in the thinking assessment exam organized by Hanoi University of Science and Technology.

Head teacher Tran Thi Hong Don commented that Dam is not only a good student but also active in extracurricular activities. He has been an MC for many big events, a "powerful assistant" to teachers and often supports weak students in class.

In any activity, Dam always shows responsibility, meticulousness and enthusiasm. Friends love him for his calmness, willingness to share and help.

Tran Xuan Dam has achieved many achievements during his studies.

Dam said that what he cherished most during his three years at My Loc High School was the tradition of studiousness and dedication of his teachers. That spirit has ignited in him a passion for learning, motivating him to try his best every day.

With the results achieved, Dam plans to study Control and Automation Engineering (Hanoi University of Science and Technology) - the major he has loved since childhood. "For me, success is a journey. My family is not rich, but my dream is big, so I always tell myself to try my best. When I go to Hanoi to study, the burden will fall on my parents' shoulders, so I have to try twice as hard" - Dam confided.

The male student also has a clear plan for the future. He carefully studied the policies to encourage learning and support students of Hanoi University of Science and Technology. "In the first semester, I still need my parents to pay for my tuition, but after that, I will try to win a scholarship and work as a tutor to cover my living expenses," Dam added.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/thu-khoa-toan-quoc-39-40-diem-tu-gia-canh-gian-di-den-giac-mo-ky-su-bach-khoa-196250717001143777.htm