Sharing… the burden
As the 2026 High School Graduation Exam approaches, the learning atmosphere at schools in Da Nang City becomes more hectic. Amidst this rush, the "Mind Care - Spiritual Support Station 2026" event, jointly organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Student Association and the Da Nang City Youth Union at Nguyen Van Thoai High School (Hoa Xuan Ward) and Vo Chi Cong High School (Ngu Hanh Son Ward), has become a special "quiet moment" for graduating students.
More than just a typical exam support program, "Mind Care" creates a space where students can be listened to, share their feelings, and learn how to heal the invisible pressures weighing on them before important exams.
The Mind Care Day – Mental Support Station 2026 attracted over 2,000 students participating in various experiential activities, interactive games, psychological counseling, and interactions with experts, celebrities, and inspiring guests.
The "Learning While Chilling" livestream podcast series has become a close-knit platform where students can access useful insights on study methods, career guidance, and how to maintain motivation during the crucial final stages of their studies.
In addition, the "Supporting Students During Exam Season" website is built with a collection of study materials, practice exams closely following the exam structure, 24/7 AI assistant support, and continuously updated admissions information. These activities not only help students consolidate their knowledge but also take care of their mental health.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Student Support and Development Center, stated that students currently face numerous pressures from academics, family, society, and psychological and physiological changes. Despite the many innovations in the high school graduation exam, the pressure of studying and choosing a career path causes many students to experience significant stress.
According to Ms. Ngoc Anh, many students are still hesitant to share their difficulties or seek support. Without timely attention, these pressures can negatively impact their mental health, academic performance, and future aspirations. Therefore, organizing school psychological counseling activities is becoming increasingly necessary.
Family companionship
Tran Nguyen Le Phong, a student in class 12/5 at Ong Ich Khiem High School (Hoa Vang commune), said that the closer the exam day gets, the more pressure he feels.
“There were times when I felt exhausted because of the sheer volume of knowledge, the tight revision schedule, and the fear of not achieving the desired results. I understand this is an important exam after 12 years of schooling, so sometimes I put too much pressure on myself. But luckily, I always received encouragement from my family and teachers,” Phong shared.
According to Phong, what gave him the most confidence was the feeling that he wasn't alone on his journey to pass the exam. "When I was listened to and supported, the pressure decreased significantly. I understood that as long as I tried my best, I wouldn't have any regrets, no matter the outcome," Phong added.
Mr. Tran Van Tra, Phong's parent, believes that the most important thing right now is not to add more pressure but to help his son maintain a stable mindset. "The family always tries to create the most comfortable atmosphere for him to study. We don't focus on how many points he needs to achieve or which school he gets into; we just hope he stays healthy, calm, and confident going into the exam," Mr. Tra shared.
According to Mr. Tra, the connection between family and school is crucial during this period. Psychological counseling sessions, experience sharing from teachers, and exam support programs help parents understand their children better and learn how to support them appropriately to reduce pressure.
The school provides support.
In addition to focusing on reviewing academic knowledge, many schools in Da Nang prioritize caring for students' mental health before the high school graduation exam.
Mr. Nguyen Duy Thao, Principal of Hien Nhan Secondary and High School (Cam Le Ward), believes that students' confidence and assertiveness cannot be formed overnight, but rather through a long process of training via practical experiences, group activities, and support from teachers and family.
According to Mr. Thao, the school always creates opportunities for students to "get involved" and confidently express themselves through various activities such as dramatizing flag-raising ceremonies, debates, public speaking, and running community programs. Through these activities, students gradually learn how to present their views, overcome their fears, and mature from their own experiences.
Recently, Mr. Thao also dedicated more than an entire class period to chatting with 12th-grade students before the 2026 High School Graduation Exam. More than just advice, the sharing session became a close, intimate "heart-to-heart" where students were guided on how to prepare mentally, effective study methods, and how to control their emotions during the final stages of preparation.
“As the exam day approaches, many students become anxious. But anxiety is a natural reaction that shows students are genuinely concerned about their future. The important thing is to learn how to regulate emotions instead of letting fear take over,” Mr. Thao shared, advising students to manage overload by breaking down study goals into smaller steps, maintaining a regular daily routine, and absolutely avoiding staying up all night before the exam…
"I always tell the students that the exam is a major milestone, but it doesn't define their entire worth. Think of the exam as a performance after a long journey of hard work. The most important thing is that you have tried your best and are ready to accept any outcome with the mindset of someone who is in control of their own life," Mr. Thao advised.
Sharing this same commitment, Mr. Thai Quang Binh, Principal of Ong Ich Khiem High School (Hoa Vang commune, Da Nang), said that in addition to strengthening knowledge review, the school always focuses on providing psychological support so that students enter the exam with the best possible mindset.
According to Mr. Binh, the homeroom teacher and subject teacher regularly monitor each student, providing timely encouragement, support, and guidance to help them balance studying and rest. The school also organizes many orientation counseling sessions, sharing exam-taking skills and emotional management techniques to help students reduce pressure during the "final push" period.
“In the stressful whirlwind of exam season, ‘spiritual support stations’ like conversations and sharing not only help relieve stress but also remind students that they always have their families, teachers, and school by their side. Understanding and sharing become a foundation for students to feel more confident and calm as they enter this important exam with self-confidence and belief in themselves,” said Mr. Nguyen Duy Thao, Principal of Hien Nhan Secondary and High School.
Source: https://giaoducthoidai.vn/tram-binh-yen-truc-ky-thi-post778651.html
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