January Stars

(Baonghean)Academic excellence, enthusiasm, and dedication to student union activities are the common traits of the students who were recently awarded the "January Star" and "5 Good Students" awards by the Vietnam Student Union for the 2012-2013 academic year. These individuals are worthy representatives of the youth and intellect of Nghe An province's students.

Dinh Trang Tho, a passionate agricultural engineer.

Born into a family of teachers in Xa Luong commune (Tuong Duong district), Tho and her two siblings received a good education. After graduating from high school with excellent academic achievements, especially in Math, Chemistry, and Biology, Dinh Trang Tho had the potential to enter the medical and pharmaceutical fields. However, she chose to study Agricultural Extension and Rural Development (Faculty of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Vinh University) because she wanted to use her knowledge to serve the ethnic minority people in her community. “In my hometown, there is vast forest and farmland, but due to the backward farming practices and limited knowledge of science and technology, the results are not very good. This is one of the reasons for poverty. After graduating, I want to return to my hometown to work, share the knowledge I have learned and experienced with the people, guide them in effective farming, and aim for sustainable poverty eradication…,” Trang Tho shared.



During her three years as a student at Vinh University, Trang Tho consistently excelled in her studies and research, receiving numerous scholarships. In the 2011-2012 academic year, Trang Tho was honored as an "Outstanding Student". Not only was she academically gifted, but Trang Tho was also a dynamic and enthusiastic Youth Union officer, receiving a Certificate of Merit from the Central Committee of the Student Union for two consecutive years and representing Vinh University students in receiving the "January Star" award in 2013.

Dau Dinh Cuong - an energetic movement leader

For an average student, achieving good academic results is difficult, but for "Outstanding Students," it's truly admirable that they excel both academically and as excellent Youth Union and Student Association leaders. Student Dau Dinh Cuong (K50, Faculty of Resource and Environmental Management, Vinh University) is a prime example. Currently, Cuong holds many positions: Class President, Head of the Geography-Geography Faculty Student Association, Deputy Secretary of the Geography Faculty Youth Union, Member of the Executive Committee of the University Student Association, and in charge of the Faculty's Volunteer Team for Exam Support.



Cuong shared: “Youth Union and Student Association activities take up a lot of my time, but in return, they help me become more confident in communication, learn how to handle situations in life, learn how to organize groups, and learn how to work scientifically. To be a leader in a movement, to earn the respect, trust, and obedience of my peers, I must first be enthusiastic, energetic, and exemplary in all movements and activities, and most importantly, I must study very well.” Therefore, despite being busy with many “roles,” Cuong’s academic results are remarkable: he consistently receives scholarships; was an outstanding student in 2011-2012; and received Certificates of Merit from the Central Committee of the Vietnam Student Association, Certificates of Commendation from the Provincial Youth Union, and the Rector of the university.

Tran Quoc Hoi, a student who loves volunteering.

From a young age, Tran Quoc Hoi (a student in the Mechanical Engineering program, Faculty of Automotive Engineering, Vinh University of Technology and Education) was known for his intelligence and hyperactivity. He often took things around the house to "explore," disassembling and reassembling them, especially electronic devices. After graduating from high school, although he was accepted into the Army Academy I and later studied Mathematics Education (Vinh University), Hoi decided to change course and applied to the Faculty of Automotive Engineering at Vinh University of Technology and Education.



With her inherent passion and diligence, during her three years at the university, Hoi consistently achieved outstanding student status with a GPA of 8.35. Recognizing that studying engineering required not only strong professional knowledge but also excellent practical skills, Hoi dedicated significant time to hands-on practice in the university's workshops. She also sought part-time jobs at factories, enterprises, and private repair shops in the city to gain experience. Furthermore, she enhanced her professional knowledge by reading online resources, books, and newspapers, and participating in various university clubs.

Not only is she serious about her studies and strives for high results, but Hoi is also an energetic class officer and an exemplary, responsible student union officer. Currently, she is the class president, a member of the Executive Committee of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering's Student Union; the head of the university's Blood Donation Club and the vice-head of the Culture and Arts Club.

In just three years as a student, Hoi participated in 10 volunteer activities initiated by the university's Student Union. His image as a student, tirelessly helping with flood relief in Nghi Loc in 2010 and Nghi Xuan (Ha Tinh) in 2012; actively participating in exam support campaigns; leading the volunteer teams in Chi Khe (Con Cuong); and enthusiastically participating in competitions at the faculty and university levels... has been recognized by his friends and teachers. In particular, as the Head of the University's Blood Donation Club, besides actively promoting and encouraging students to donate blood, Hoi himself has donated blood five times.

Duy Nam