Among the top graduates honored by Hanoi in 2025, Mai Hoa - born in 1987 and valedictorian of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts - stands out as an exceptional case. She graduated at the age of 38 after a decade in the workforce without finding a true passion.

A new direction after years of working

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Mai Hoa, born in 1987, valedictorian of the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. Photo: Provided by subject

In 2005, Hoa enrolled in English Language Studies at Hanoi University. However, she admitted that her choice was based on a knack for languages rather than a clear career plan. After graduation, she spent seven years working in office roles but felt increasingly unfulfilled.

“I’ve always longed to work in a field that truly suits my abilities,” she said. “I had some artistic inclinations but wasn’t sure where my strengths really lay.”

In 2016, she made a daring move - quitting her job to explore entrepreneurship and enroll in short courses on makeup, photography, and fashion illustration. Through these experiences, she realized that the essence of all these disciplines was rooted in fine art. She no longer wanted to pursue the surface - she wanted to return to the foundation: painting.

Her decision was fully supported by her husband, who had worked with her for years and understood her character and ambitions.

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Hoa graduated from university at nearly 40. Photo: Provided by subject

In 2020, Hoa began preparing for the entrance exam to the Vietnam University of Fine Arts. She had to study figure drawing, composition, and literature. Throughout this time, her husband provided unwavering support, often cooking her favorite meals so she could focus on her studies.

Thanks to her determination, she was accepted into her dream program. Returning to student life in her 30s among classmates 15 years her junior didn’t faze her. With work experience and emotional maturity, she adapted well and poured herself into learning.

“I came back to school with a clear purpose. I knew exactly what I wanted,” she shared.

The first two years were the hardest. She struggled with the volume of work and often felt like giving up. Looking back, Hoa now believes that such challenges are a rite of passage for any fine arts student trying to discover their creative path.

By the end of her second year, her academic performance was strong enough to qualify her for the talent class. This earned her full tuition coverage and art material support.

Chasing her passion with courage

Despite progressing in her studies, Hoa constantly worried about the future: “Can art really support me financially?”

“Pursuing art is a long, internal struggle,” she said. “To paint, you have to momentarily let go of material concerns and keep your spirit clear - even when life is heavy. You also have to break your own habits and limitations. Solid technique is essential, but eventually, you must go beyond it to create freely.”

In her third and fourth years, she became more confident and independent in her learning.

Then tragedy struck. While on a four-week field trip in Hue, her father passed away. The loss devastated her and shook her sense of purpose.

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Hoa at the valedictorian recognition ceremony at the Temple of Literature. Photo: Provided by subject

After returning to Hue following three days of mourning, she stood at the Thuận An Port one morning and watched the sunrise. She looked toward the horizon, where life was bustling around the port. In that moment, she felt the preciousness of life return to her.

From this deeply emotional place, she created an artwork about life at Thuan An Port. To her surprise, the piece was highly praised. She realized then that true creativity springs from a clear and peaceful mind, unburdened by expectations. That painting remains the work she is most proud of.

After five years of university, Mai Hoa received unexpected news: she had become the valedictorian of her graduating class. At the recognition ceremony held at Hanoi’s Temple of Literature, she was overwhelmed with emotion, knowing that her journey had been acknowledged.

“But being valedictorian isn’t the end - it’s just the close of one chapter. Now, I’m starting to think about the next journey,” she said.

Hoa is currently applying for master's scholarships in Europe, hoping to further her expertise and stay attuned to global art trends.

She has no regrets about starting over. In fact, she believes that without trying different jobs and taking risks, she wouldn’t have appreciated the value of learning this deeply.

“Just do it. Even if you fail, it’s not a loss,” she said. “Even if the path is slower, every step builds the road you walk.”

Thuy Nga