From a loving home to first prize in national excellent student competition

(DN) - Born in special circumstances with 6 years of living at the Shelter of Love, but with a strong will, Vu Thi Thuy Duong, a former student of Quang Trung High School for the Gifted (Dong Xoai Ward, Dong Nai Province) wrote a beautiful story of youth when she won first prize in the national excellent student contest in Geography for the 2024-2025 school year. Thuy Duong is also one of 278 typical advanced and outstanding examples honored at the 1st Dong Nai Province Patriotic Emulation Congress, period 2025-2030.

Born into a family of four siblings, Thuy Duong's circumstances were particularly difficult. Her father was ill and could no longer work, leaving the financial burden on the shoulders of her hard-working mother. Since grade 6, Duong came to live at Thien An Orphanage in Binh Phuoc Ward - where she was sheltered, raised and also where she had faith in a bright future.

It was during these difficult days that the little student's will was further tempered. Despite her limited learning conditions, Duong still tried hard every day, constantly learning, exploring and practicing. During her years at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, she was always among the top students, loved by teachers and friends.

Vu Thi Thuy Duong (middle) and members of the Geography team before the National Excellent Student Exam for the 2024-2025 school year. Photo: Thu Ha

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Sang, Geography teacher at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, shared: “Duong is a truly special student. He has a strong passion for Geography. What I admire most is the way he overcame his circumstances by self-studying, self-discovering, and always proactively asking teachers about things he doesn't understand. In him, I see the strength of willpower and belief. That is what helps Duong rise up not only with his intelligence but also with his heart."

That dedication and passion helped Duong affirm his abilities. Right from grade 10, he was selected to join the school's Geography team. In grade 11, Duong won second prize in the Provincial Excellent Student Competition and a silver medal at the April 30 Olympic. In grade 12, he won first prize in the Provincial Excellent Student Competition and excellently won first prize in the National Excellent Student Competition in Geography for the 2024-2025 school year.

Vu Thi Thuy Duong wrote a beautiful story of youth when she won first prize in the National Excellent Student Geography Contest for the 2024-2025 school year and was commended at the 1st Dong Nai Province Patriotic Emulation Congress, period 2025-2030. Photo: Thu Ha

Not only is Duong a good student, he is also an emotional, sociable person and is always willing to help his friends. Mr. Tran Minh Hien, Vice Principal of Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, shared: “Thuy Duong is a shining example of the school. With extraordinary determination and a desire to excel, Duong has overcome all difficulties to achieve truly proud achievements. What makes us appreciate her is not only her excellent academic results, but also her very scientific learning method, self-discipline and perseverance. With that determination, Duong not only brings pride to Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, but also becomes a source of inspiration, a bright spot for teachers and students of the school to continue to pass on to future generations of students."

Sharing about his journey of efforts and being recognized at the Dong Nai Province Patriotic Emulation Congress, Duong said: “For me, this achievement is like a sweet fruit after a long journey of effort. I am grateful to my parents, the nuns at the shelter, teachers and friends who have always believed in and encouraged me. I want to tell you that no matter how difficult the circumstances are, dare to dream, dare to hope and act. Because if you dare to start, the road ahead will always be open. I used to think I couldn't, but now I believe that, as long as I am persistent enough, success will smile."

Currently, Vu Thi Thuy Duong is studying International Economics at the Eastern International University (Ho Chi Minh City) where she hopes to open a new journey for the future. For Duong, the biggest dream is to have a stable job, solid enough for her to be able to help her family.

Growing up in a loving home, Vu Thi Thuy Duong stepped out into the world with her own feet and faith, to affirm that circumstances are never a limit to dreams. That journey not only inspired friends and teachers, but also ignited the belief in a young generation of Dong Nai who knows how to dream, how to strive and how to live responsibly.

Thanh Thao

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/xa-hoi/giao-duc/202510/tu-mai-am-tinh-thuong-den-giai-nhat-hoc-sinh-gioi-quoc-gia-a951392/