The double valedictorian once wanted to put his studies on hold to become a worker.

With a cumulative average score of 8.57/10, Le Minh Giao (24 years old), has just excelled in becoming the valedictorian of the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Officials in 2023. 4 years ago, when he learned that he was the valedictorian of the academy, due to family circumstances , this young man intended to reserve his results to work as a worker.

As the fourth child in a family of 6 siblings in Long Hung commune, Long Phu district ( Soc Trang province), Le Minh Giao   Admired by many people for his determination to overcome difficulties in studying.

Want to work for hire to earn money then continue to go to university

For some reasons, Giao started school 2 years later than his peers. His family was poor, his parents were old and often sick, and his youngest brother and sister suffered from mental illness. Despite such difficulties, for 12 consecutive years, Giao was an excellent student.

"In 6th grade, my handwriting was so bad that others could not read it. My literature teacher highly appreciated my writing skills but advised me to improve my handwriting. So during the summer vacation, I "immersed myself" in practicing my handwriting by copying texts from textbooks many times. The results improved and I won the encouragement prize in the district-level "Good Writing and Good Writing" contest in 7th grade," Giao said about one of his major turning points.

Le Minh Giao, double valedictorian of Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Officials

SNOW BROCADE

Understanding his family's circumstances, after finishing junior high school, Giao took the entrance exam to the provincial boarding high school for ethnic minorities to avoid paying tuition fees and to not create more burden for his parents. Taking advantage of the summer break during his high school years, Giao applied for jobs in companies and factories in Binh Duong province.

Giao has a special passion for history . In grade 11, this young man won first prize in the provincial history competition for excellent students. Giao proudly said: "My father was the one who inspired me to love this subject. He often told stories about his days on the battlefield, I felt very admiring and curious so I decided to learn more. In grade 12, I was honored to be admitted to the Party, after that I always wished to study Party building and State administration in the future."

In 2019, while working for hire, Giao was extremely happy when he received the news that he had been admitted and was also the valedictorian of the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Civil Servants. However, worries and concerns quickly "surrounded" this young man. "I immediately called my parents in my hometown to inform them that I had been admitted to the academy as the valedictorian. However, I wanted to keep my results, go work as a factory worker to earn money and then continue studying. My parents were very happy to hear the results. Realizing my anxiety, they encouraged me to study with peace of mind, and they would run around to take care of the expenses," Giao said.

Like a dream…

Understanding Giao's situation, benefactors, teachers, friends... together supported the cost of studying and luck smiled on the valedictorian who overcame difficulties. "It was like a dream because without everyone's help, there would be no Minh Giao of today. I told myself to always try to move forward so as not to disappoint everyone's expectations and love," Giao said emotionally.

Family is always the warm harbor that Giao thinks of whenever she feels weak.

NVCC

After adapting to the new environment, from the second semester of the first year, Giao started working part-time jobs such as: convenience store employee; restaurant and wedding service; tutor... to cover living expenses.

"During the day, I went to school, and in the evenings, when I had free time, I worked part-time. On weekends, I had to wake up early and "run" to 3 jobs in different places. At that time, I didn't have a motorbike, so I mainly traveled by bus or on foot. Sometimes I felt very tired and pressured, but thinking about my family and the people who helped me, I lifted my spirits and overcame it," Giao said.

During his 4 years at the academy, Giao excelled in receiving scholarships for all 8 semesters, and for many consecutive years achieved the title of "Advanced Youth following Uncle Ho's teachings" at the academy level, actively participating in volunteer programs and campaigns such as: Green Summer, Volunteer Spring, Exam Support...

Giao revealed: "I balance studying, working part-time and participating in extracurricular activities by outlining the most detailed plan. This helps me limit pressure and not be confused by the amount of work that needs to be done. I make full use of class time to study and arrange time to go to the library to read and research documents."

For Giao, the double valedictorian title is the "sweet fruit" of a process of constant effort and hard work.

NVCC

Happiness, surprise, emotion... are the emotions in Giao when becoming the double valedictorian of the academy. "This sweet achievement is not only mine but also of everyone who has loved and helped me. I take that as motivation to continue to make efforts and strive, not allowing myself to rest on my laurels," Giao expressed.

As Giao's academic advisor, Master Nguyen Van Thong, a lecturer at the Ho Chi Minh City Academy of Officials, commented: "Giao has a very difficult situation but is not afraid of hardship and always tries to improve. During his studies, Giao has demonstrated his ability with a good sense of discipline. He is proactive in studying, helps friends, is obedient, and respects teachers... I am truly proud that Giao became the double valedictorian of the academy. Hopefully, in the upcoming journey, not only Giao but all the new graduates of the academy will continue to study, practice, and improve their qualifications and skills to become more and more mature."

Thanhnien.vn