Meet the top-scoring female graduate.

(Baonghean)With a score of 39.5 points (Mathematics 10, Literature 10, English 10, Physics 9.5), Nguyen Thi Thuy Lanh, a student in class 12A10 at Dien Chau 2 High School (Dien Chau), became the valedictorian of the 2013-2014 high school graduation exam, and also one of the highest-scoring candidates nationwide. Behind this achievement lies the tireless efforts of this student who weighs only 37 kg.

Lành is sitting in her study corner.

We visited the home of Nguyen Thi Thuy Lanh, born in 1996, in Hamlet 15, Dien Truong Commune (Dien Chau District) on a mild sunny morning.

My first impression of Lành was that of a petite girl with a bright, intelligent, and quick-witted face. When she learned I wanted to write about her, Lành became shy and only after her mother encouraged her did she timidly begin to speak: “After the exams, I was confident I would get high scores in Math and English, but I didn’t expect to get perfect scores in all three subjects, especially Literature. I think this achievement is not only due to accumulated knowledge but also a bit of luck.”

Lành is the second child in her family. Her parents are civil servants, and all of her siblings are excellent students. Her older sister just finished her second year at the National Economics University. Lành herself has been an all-around excellent student for 12 consecutive years. In 12th grade, despite having to study nearly ten kilometers from home and having poor health, she never missed a class. Outside of class, Lành often helps her parents with household chores and takes care of her youngest sister, who is only two years old. Lành's mother, Mrs. Trần Thị Hà, said: "Lành is very strong-willed. When the family discusses an issue, she often presents convincing arguments and evidence, winning the discussion."

Throughout her three years of high school, and as the class's academic deputy, Lanh consistently excelled academically. In two mock university entrance exams at school, Lanh achieved the highest score in the humanities/social sciences (Block D). Sharing her study experience, Lanh said: "You have to try to remember the basic knowledge right in class. When I get home, I usually spend time doing homework and reading reference materials. Whenever I encounter a problem that's too difficult and I can't solve it with my friends, I immediately call my older sister for help. For Literature, my favorite subject, I was fortunate enough to be on the provincial team for the gifted student competition, so my teacher provided me with a lot of advanced knowledge. Besides mastering the basic knowledge in textbooks, Lanh also reads books and newspapers, and watches current events to expand her vocabulary and skills."

Ms. Tài Thị Lý, Lành's English teacher and homeroom teacher for 12th grade, said: “Lành is a diligent student. She has a very good and self-motivated attitude towards learning. In particular, Lành is a very individualistic and inquisitive student, so if she doesn't understand something after the teacher finishes lecturing, she immediately asks questions. In my opinion, Lành has great potential.” Currently, Lành is focusing intensely on the upcoming university entrance exam. She has chosen the Business Japanese major at the Foreign Trade University… to fulfill her dream of studying abroad. She confided: “Initially, I was hesitant between taking the Japanese and Korean exams, but because I like the Japanese work style and culture, I decided to choose this major. I hope to pass and study well to earn a scholarship to study abroad.”

Duy Ngoi