Both academically excellent and capable.

(Baonghean)Nguyen Thi Hoang, a student in class 12T6 at Do Luong 1 High School, is the top-scoring student in Group A of the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Hue University) with a rounded total score of 28, following in the footsteps of other top-scoring students from Do Luong.

We visited Hoang's home shortly after hearing the news that she had topped the entrance exam for the University of Medicine and Pharmacy (Hue University). Hoang's family are farmers in Hamlet 3, Trang Son Commune, a difficult semi-mountainous area. With little land and a hard life, Hoang's parents went to the South to work as laborers when she was in 9th grade. At home, Hoang and her sister take care of each other. During Tet (Lunar New Year), while their friends celebrate with their families, Hoang and her sister are left alone. Despite the lack of parental care and attention, Hoang remains optimistic and strives to excel in her studies.

Life was full of difficulties and worries, but it didn't discourage Hoang. Hoang said that what she feared most were rainy and windy days, the long journey to school (10 km from home) across wide fields, and the strong wind that made her feel like she was about to be thrown into the river every time she crossed the bridge over the Dao River. Overcoming all obstacles, she was an outstanding student at Do Luong 1 High School for three consecutive years.

Valedictorian Nguyen Thi Hoang.

With scores of 10 in Math, 8.25 in Physics, and 9.5 in Chemistry (rounded to 28 points), Hoang achieved the top score in the A-block of Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Sharing his secret to achieving high scores, Hoang revealed: "In class, I absorbed the teacher's lectures, studied the knowledge in the textbooks thoroughly, and did some advanced exercises. Besides that, I avoided staying up late studying excessively and participated in class activities." Hoang confided that after settling into his studies, he plans to find a part-time job to cover his tuition and help his parents. No matter how difficult it is, he is determined to study hard to secure a stable career in the future.

In a conversation with us, Mr. Nguyen Tien Hang – a math teacher and homeroom teacher of class 12T6 – showered praise on the poor but diligent and academically gifted girl. He said that Hoang's achievement of being the top scorer didn't surprise him much, as he had already recognized her academic potential.

As we said goodbye to Hoang and headed home in the pouring rain, we suddenly remembered how he felt every time he went to school in the rain and wind, and we admired even more his willpower and determination throughout his years of schooling.

Text and photos: Nguyen Tran Dang