European Physics Olympiad gold medalist talks about the 'fire' that led to teaching

Nguyen Le Dang Khoa, gold medalist of the European Physics Olympiad - EuPhO 2025, officially became a new student majoring in physics education.

Professor Dr. Huynh Van Son, Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, honored new students with outstanding achievements in entrance exams. Photo: PH.H

In the program welcoming the new school year 2025-2026 and the welcoming day for new students of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education today (October 10), the European Physics Olympiad gold medalist shared about the 'fire' that led him to choose the teaching profession.

In the new school year 2025-2026, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education welcomes 4,466 new students of the 51st course. On this occasion, the school honored new students with outstanding achievements such as: Nguyen Le Dang Khoa, gold medalist of the European Physics Olympiad - EuPhO 2025, new student majoring in physics education. Phan Quang Hien Vinh, national valedictorian of block A00 with a perfect score of 30/30, studying mathematics education. Doan Ba ​​Khanh Nguyen, first prize winner of national excellent students in English, achieved IELTS 8.0 at the age of 12, decided to pursue English education... This admission year, the school also recorded 27 excellent students at the national level, 14 excellent students at the provincial/city level, 8 gold medals in sports at the national and international levels...

During the ceremony, Professor Huynh Van Son, Principal of Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, affirmed: "The educational goal of the school is not only about scores, but also about helping students mature, have professional skills and lifelong self-learning ability. The school will always stand side by side, creating an intellectual, humane and kind environment, helping each new student develop their "inner light" with will, determination and gratitude to achieve the established goals."

This time, the school and sponsors awarded scholarships to new students with excellent academic achievements, including cash and scholarships with a total value of 5 billion VND.

Sharing in the program, Nguyen Le Dang Khoa said that the gold medal at the European Physics Olympiad opened up a special opportunity to be admitted directly to Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. "When standing on the podium of glory, looking at the national flag fluttering in the international arena, I felt a deep sense of pride not only for myself, but also for the teachers who have silently guided me; for the school that has cultivated knowledge; for the homeland that has raised me up", the gold medalist recalled.

It was in that glorious moment that Nguyen Le Dang Khoa continued: "I realized that the most precious thing is not the sparkling gold medal, but the flame of passion for conquering knowledge - the flame that my teachers have persistently lit in me since my first days. The medal will fade over time, but that flame will forever be the light that guides the way, nurturing dreams and aspirations."

Nguyen Le Dang Khoa, the 2025 European Physics Olympiad gold medalist, shares his reasons for choosing teaching as a career. Photo: PH.H

"And in that moment, I understood that happiness is not just about having my name called on the victory podium, but also about continuing the journey of teachers - becoming the one who lights up the faith and inspires passion for generations of students. I believe that every student has a hidden fire; as long as it is ignited by faith and love, that fire will shine - illuminating dreams, journeys of discovery and the future ahead. It is the desire to become the one who lights those fires that led me to the teaching profession - a path that I always consider a sacred mission", shared the new student of physics education, gold medalist of the European Physics Olympiad - EuPhO 2025.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/huy-chuong-vang-olympic-vat-ly-chau-au-noi-ve-ngon-lua-dan-den-nghe-day-hoc-18525101020325134.htm