From a shy girl to a valedictorian with a 9.45 GPA: When students find the right environment to excel.

Some students enter university with inherent confidence. But many young people start with a cautious mindset, full of anxiety, and not truly knowing their strengths. Nguyen Nhu Hoa - a new graduate of 2026, and valedictorian of Dai Nam University - is one of them.

On her first day enrolling in the Korean Language program at Dai Nam University, Hoa was a rather shy, quiet girl who was hesitant to appear in front of crowds. No one imagined that more than three years later, this student would graduate early, becoming the valedictorian of the entire university with a GPA of 9.45, and would be honored by Hanoi City as the outstanding valedictorian of the 2026 graduating class.

That journey didn't come from luck. It was the result of persistent personal effort, disciplined work, dedicated support from teachers, and a learning environment that knew how to awaken the potential of its students.

Universities not only teach knowledge, but also help students grow and mature.

Hoa once shared that what made her choose Dai Nam University in the first place was its practical training orientation.

"I don't want to study just to pass exams. I want to study so I can apply what I learn, so I can enter the workforce after graduation..." Hoa shared.

That is also the philosophy that the school has consistently pursued for many years: training that is linked to the needs of society, helping students not only to obtain a degree but also to acquire real professional skills.

For Hoa, that choice opened up a journey of remarkable change, and even now, looking back, she is surprised by the transformations she has undergone.

From a shy girl to a confident public speaker.

If she had only studied in the classroom, Nhu Hoa would probably still be the shy student she once was. But at the Department of Korean Language and Culture, Dai Nam University, students are placed in an environment where they must proactively step out of their comfort zone through presentations, Korean language debate and public speaking competitions, cultural events, teamwork, and business interactions… These opportunities have helped Hoa change day by day.

"From standing in front of crowds, I gradually got used to the pressure and became more confident. Without those opportunities, I would probably still be the same old version of myself," Hoa said.

A GPA of 9.45 is the reward for a journey of perseverance and discipline.

Nhu Hoa's achievements didn't come from being "naturally gifted." Throughout her more than three years of study, she maintained a serious and consistent study routine: learning to understand deeply, practicing language skills regularly, setting goals for each semester, and never allowing herself to slack off.

Outside of her classes, Hoa has integrated Korean into her life through reading, listening, watching, communicating, and learning about Korean culture and economy.

"When you truly enjoy something, studying doesn't feel so burdensome anymore," Hoa shared.

Dr. Tran Hai Duong, Head of the Department of Korean Language and Culture, said that what is valuable about Hoa is not only her GPA of 9.45, but also her proactive learning spirit, ability to adapt to real-world situations, and serious attitude towards her profession.

Started working before graduating.

It's noteworthy that Nhu Hoa started working in teaching and language support while still a student. These experiences helped her understand the demands of the job market early on and adapt her skills accordingly. In fact, this is a common trend among many students at Dai Nam University – getting early exposure to the work environment, shortening the gap between studying and working.

A true teacher's mark is seeing potential before their students do.

Behind every student's success is the presence of their teachers. These are the lecturers who not only teach in the classroom but also closely monitor their learning process, encourage them when they lack confidence, and create opportunities for them to try new things, learn from their mistakes, and become stronger as they grow.

That is also what the school aims for: to train students who can perform well in the workplace immediately after graduation.

"No regrets about the choice"

When asked if she could choose again, Hoa frankly replied, "I might have hesitated at first, but now, I have no regrets."

After more than three years of studying and training at Dai Nam University, what she received was not only knowledge, but also the dedication of the lecturers and an environment that forced her to be independent and strive every day.

"I think the greatest value doesn't lie in where you start, but in how you travel to reach your destination," Hoa shared.

From a shy student to a city-level honored valedictorian, from the lecture hall to her first professional experiences, Nguyen Nhu Hoa not only graduated with distinction but also left school with the skills, experience, and a more mature version of herself – something that practical training models are striving for: training students to be ready to work and integrate immediately after graduation.