Top scorer at Foreign Trade University: Dare to step out of your 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 in the right direction," the valedictorian with perfect scores at Foreign Trade University confided.

On the morning of September 14, at the National Convention Center, Foreign Trade University held a graduation ceremony for the second batch of 2025. Among the students honored for their excellent graduation achievements, Hoang Thi Minh Hanh, valedictorian of the advanced foreign economics program, was one of two students of the school to achieve a perfect GPA of 4/4.

Hoang Thi Minh Hanh, the valedictorian of K60 at Foreign Trade University, received a certificate of merit from Principal Pham Thu Huong.

PHOTO: QUY HIEN

Spectacular "turn"

Hoang Thi Minh Hanh was a student in the English class at Bac Ninh High School for the Gifted. Four years ago, Hanh entered university with an impressive academic record, being a member of the Bac Ninh province team for two consecutive years in the national English competition (one year winning an encouragement prize, one year winning a national third prize), and an IELTS score of 8.0.

At first, Hanh wanted to apply for admission to the English teaching major. "At that time, I thought I would stick with the teaching career because I love English and also because it was a safe choice," Hanh shared.

But in a conversation with her seniors, Hanh heard many stories about Foreign Trade University, about a dynamic, challenging environment with many opportunities but also full of competition. "I realized that I was at the best age to step out of my comfort zone, challenge my limits and find a more perfect version of myself. And so, I "turned around". Until now, I have never regretted this choice of mine", Hanh confided.

And Hanh has truly experienced 4 years of university as 4 years of brilliant youth, with 5/7 terms receiving scholarships to encourage learning from Foreign Trade University with many other outstanding achievements. In addition to focusing on studying, Hanh considers extracurricular activities, scientific research and community projects as opportunities to test herself, expand her limits and discover herself. Hanh participates in projects, takes on many leadership roles among students, participates in scientific research...

Hanh participates wholeheartedly in every activity, with a particularly serious attitude towards work. Because she often takes on the role of leader and is always "on deadline", Hanh is often nicknamed "the patriarchal girl" by her friends.

After 4 years of studying at Foreign Trade University, through many times of daring to take risks and "make mistakes", Hanh increasingly realizes the value of courage, of "dare to step out of the comfort zone", dare to pursue what she believes in and persevere to the end.

Staying up late to study doesn't mean you have to study well.

When she learned that she was the new graduate with the highest GPA in the 60th class of Foreign Trade University, Hanh was a bit surprised, although she always tried her best. According to Hanh, peer pressure is a very unique "specialty" of Foreign Trade University. Because around every excellent student there are always people who are better than them in some aspect. At first, Hanh felt "shocked", sometimes even stressed, because she felt like everyone was moving forward while she had not done anything "good".

Hanh and her parents on graduation day

PHOTO: THUY DUONG

But then Hanh was inspired by those excellent friends. Hanh looked at each friend's journey to learn and told herself, if they can do it, I can do it too. "The combination of proactive spirit, personal discipline and a great team working side by side is the secret to helping me maintain excellent academic performance and achieve the highest GPA in the whole 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 the important thing is not to run as fast as someone else, but to run in the right direction."

Hanh also said that she always keeps the habit of reading and preparing lessons before class to grasp the overall picture, thanks to which when listening to lectures, Hanh can ask questions, debate and connect knowledge more easily. Hanh also actively speaks up and exchanges with teachers and friends to make the lectures more interesting and lively, instead of just listening and taking notes passively.

After school, Hanh often studies other materials such as books, newspapers or watches analysis videos and always tries to learn and understand as much as possible. In addition, Hanh also maintains the principle of not staying up late. "At 11 o'clock, I stop everything to go to sleep. Many people think that to study well, you have to stay up late to "plow". But for me, the brain needs to rest to think and remember better," Hanh shared.

Hanh's long-term wish is to continue her studies. But now, Hanh is working in the field of supply chain management and logistics at a Japanese company, the same major that Hanh studied. Hanh said: "I want to work for a few years to gain practical experience, thereby understanding myself before investing more deeply in the academic path."

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