Two national valedictorians from Vietnam’s 2022 high school graduation exam have both completed their studies at Foreign Trade University in just 3.5 years, graduating with outstanding degrees.
After her time at the university, Dang Thi Khanh Linh, a student from class Anh 03-K61 majoring in International Economics, graduated with a GPA of 3.8 out of 4. She also earned an HSK5 certificate in Chinese.
In 2022, Khanh Linh was the national valedictorian in the D01 subject group (Mathematics, Literature and English), scoring a total of 28.7 points, including 9.4 in Mathematics, 9.8 in English and 9.5 in Literature.
Dang Thi Khanh Linh (student of class Anh 03-K61, majoring in International Economics) graduated early with Highest Distinction from Foreign Trade University.
Reflecting on her journey, Linh said she felt deeply satisfied that her sustained efforts had led to meaningful results.
“Compared to when I became a valedictorian in the high school graduation exam, this feeling is very different. Back then, it was a sudden joy, almost overwhelming. Now, it feels more like something accumulated - because I understand that this result comes not from luck, but from discipline, persistence and repeatedly pushing beyond my own limits,” she shared.
For Linh, the key to effective learning lies in discipline and having a clear sense of purpose. Once goals are defined, she said, it becomes easier to stay focused and committed.
Khanh Linh was the national top scorer in the D01 exam block in 2022.
She breaks larger goals into smaller stages, prioritises key areas and maintains a steady study rhythm instead of last-minute cramming. Rather than focusing on quantity, she emphasises depth - understanding the essence of a problem instead of memorising it. Alongside attentive listening in class, she regularly organises knowledge in her own way and seeks out targeted materials for revision.
Equally important, she noted, is maintaining balance. Taking time to rest and explore the city helps her stay mentally refreshed and improves learning efficiency.
Also graduating early with an outstanding degree, Vu Thi Thi, from class Trung 03-K61 majoring in Business Chinese, achieved a GPA of 3.86 out of 4.
Vu Thi Thi (student of class Trung 03-K61, majoring in Business Chinese) achieved a cumulative GPA of 3.86/4 and graduated early with Highest Distinction from Foreign Trade University.
Four years earlier, Thi had been the national valedictorian in the D04 subject group (Mathematics, Literature and Chinese), scoring 28.9 points, including 9.6 in Mathematics, 9.5 in Literature and 9.8 in Chinese.
During her time at Foreign Trade University, she received academic encouragement scholarships, won second prize in a translation and interpretation talent competition, secured second prize in faculty-level scientific research and contributed articles to journals and international conferences.
Thi described her graduation day as a calm moment of reflection, contrasting with the surprise she felt when first becoming a valedictorian.
Vu Thi Thi receives her Highest Distinction diploma from Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Thu Huong, President of Foreign Trade University.
“Four years ago, it was shock and amazement. Now, it is a sense of calm acceptance. This result was already something I could measure in advance - built gradually from my first year and across each course, not dependent on a single exam like before,” she said.
She also emphasised the importance of prioritising quality over quantity in learning. For her, studying must be balanced with rest and leisure.
“What matters is not how many hours you sit at your desk, but how much knowledge you truly absorb. Learning is only effective when you are focused and mentally ready - otherwise, forcing yourself to study is meaningless,” she explained.
Dang Thi Khanh Linh (third from the right) and Vu Thi Thi (far right) on the day they received certificates of merit for being national top scorers admitted as new students in 2022. Photo: Thanh Hung
Currently, Thi is working for a Chinese enterprise in the field of trade.
Meanwhile, before graduating, Khanh Linh spent around seven months working in import-export at a Chinese company, gaining practical experience in documentation, partner coordination and supply chain operations.
She is now taking time to reflect and redefine her long-term direction.
“Instead of continuing on autopilot, I want to pause and reassess my strengths and weaknesses, and understand what path truly suits me in the long run,” Linh said. During this period, she continues to update her knowledge, explore potential roles and prepare for opportunities that align better with her goals.
Vietnamnet.vn
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