The 2023 valedictorian from Van Lang University: Because learning is a lifelong journey

From August 17 to 20, 2023, Van Lang University held a grand Commencement for more than 118 new masters and 6376 new bachelors, engineers, pharmacists, and architects from 32 majors.

In the first morning ceremony on August 17, 2023, valedictorian Phan Linh Khuong - The newly graduated bachelor with a Excellent degree in Psychology, represented the new graduates to attend the Commencement, sharing the spirit of lifelong learning of Van lang student community. Phan Linh Khuong is not only the Psychology valedictorian at Van Lang University, graduating a year earlier with a stellar score of 3.68, but also the valedictorian of the Van Lang University entire Course graduating in 2023. 

Below is the sharing of the valedictorian Phan Linh Khuong:

“My name is Phan Linh Khuong, the valedictorian in Psychology. It’s indeed a great honor and I feel emotional that, today, I have the privilege to stand here and share heartfelt words before closing the chapter of my university journey at Van Lang University. 

I was very surprised to find out that I was the valedictorian who graduated with the highest academic grade of the entire course. While this may be special, today, I want to share with everyone something even more remarkable to me. 

I am a student of Course 26 majoring in Psychology. Together with another friend from Course 26, we accelerated and completed our studies in 3 years, allowing us to participate in the commencement with our seniors. 

The second, even more meaningful aspect, is that I am considerably older than many of my friends from Course 25 and 26. I was born in 1990. 

For a student at my age to graduate early and achieve outstanding results in three years is a living proof that: Nothing is impossible. And right now, I want to spread the belief in a lifelong learning spirit that I have experienced throughout my journey. 

Over the past 10 years, I have been confronted with lots of challenges and difficulties concerning family, work, and personal relationships. Starting from high school, I began to neglect my studies and have negative emotions and thoughts that I struggled to express. 

I believe that all of you have encountered moments of ambiguity in emotions and thoughts. Perhaps the easiest thing to do is to feel dejected, to give up, and do nothing, but that’s not the right way. I chose to get through tough times and set the model I aspired to be to propel myself forward. And I chose to be a psychologist with the goal of helping people who suffer from mental health, especially fostering healthy minds in future generations of students. This will enable them to study more effectively and become valuable members for society in the future.

It is obvious that the journey from vision to reality is a rugged path. I spent a lot of time analyzing the problems I was facing, aiming to reach my ideal career. I systematically and seriously planned each small step to improve my life, starting with enhancing my education. Despite being aware of the age gap between myself and the Gen Z student when returning to university, I believe that learning never stops. Every stage of life has its own set of difficulties and requires significant effort for each individual’s journey. I will not let the objective limitations constrain the strong self-learning spirit within me. 

I decided to pursue a degree in Psychology at Van Lang University due to my empathy and admiration for the institution’s educational philosophy: Through learning and experience, it develops comprehensive people who have lifelong learning abilities, ethics, influence, and positive community impact. That's the university environment I had been seeking.  

It’s amazing to look back and realize that I’m not the same person I was yesterday. My lecturers have instilled in me sincerity and honesty, so that I can be honest with myself. I gradually realized that I don’t need to strive for perfection, embracing the fact that I have flaws alongside my strength. I started living a life that feels more balanced to me.

I have learned to observe, listen, and build better relationships with people around me. Not only do I understand human psychology, but more importantly, I understand myself better. I recognized that in teamwork, communication not only fosters connections but also facilitates mutual learning, propelling us further on our journey to maturity. 

Van Lang University students respect and embrace each other’s differences. I realized that the major reason for the problems I faced was due to absolutist thinking in perception. Through the courses in Psychology, I gradually honed relative thinking and critical thinking skills. When encountering an unsatisfactory situation, I learned to consider, gather information for assessment, carefully consider to stabilize emotions and make the right choice for the next steps. 

My goal is not solely about personal success. I aspire to contribute to creating a better world where each individual can find emotional support during difficult times. I want to raise awareness about psychology and mental well-being to help those facing difficulties to overcome and thrive. 

The ideals I pursue in Psychology align with Van Lang University spirit – WHERE IMPACT MATTERS – spreading positive influence. The guiding ideals of VLU sound strategic at a grand scale but they become intimately woven into the lives of VLU students, specially in every one of us, new Bachelor’s graduates’ mindsets, goals, living and working styles.

With this mindset, I would like to thank VLU for opening a door that leads to a bright future for students. Here, VLU embraces all differences to honor the desire and the ethos of lifelong learning.

VLU students understand that learning is not confined to textbooks and classrooms but also extends to life and future careers; learning is not merely gaining knowledge but also how to apply the knowledge to serve the community. Humility and honesty are two crucial traits of individuals with a spirit of lifelong learning. 

Today, we, the new Bachelor’s graduates, along with the new Master’s graduates of VLU, proudly receive our Graduation Diplomas. This result is not just the effort of each individual but also a story of love and companionship from our families, lecturers, and friends. 

At this moment, we want to express our gratitude and love to our parents, lecturers who have accompanied us in every step of our journey, offering limitless encouragement and support. We couldn’t go this far alone and this journey becomes less difficult with everyone by our side. 

I extend my gratitude to Van Lang University dedicating care to ensure that the main characters of the Commencement shine brightly in this momentous moment. Van Lang University always loves each student in a heartwarming way, and our feelings for VLU will always remain. 

Thank you, everyone. Wishing us all success, and see you soon at Van Lang University. 

Phan Linh Khuong
The valedictorian in Psychology in 2023

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LIFELONG LEARNING – Van Lang University constantly strives for and fosters the spirit of lifelong learning in the learner community. Below are the sharings by valedictorians from various majors, each journey, each story of the new graduates, all reflect VLU students’ desire and determination on their pursuit of knowledge enrichment and the creation of sustainable value.

Valedictorian Nguyen Phuong Anh Tai – Course 25 in Oriental Studies (Chinese Studies)

• Cumulative GPA: 3.6
• Degree Classification: Excellent
• Achieved scholarship for 7 consecutive semesters
• Outstanding Student at the Faculty level in 2021 and 2022
• Student with 5 Good Criteria at the University and Faculty levels in 2019 and 2020
• Green Summer Good Soldier 2021

“When I chose Van Lang University after entering the society with a stable job, I aimed to find the youth I missed out on. Even though it can be challenging to study, work, and be a brother and friend to Generation Z, I valued the knowledge and personal experiences I've gained while studying at Van Lang University more than the difficulties and fatigue. 

If given the opportunity, I will continue to choose Van Lang University to pursue my journey of conquering new knowledge. 

Valedictorian Vu Minh Cuong – Course 25 in Piano Performance

• Cumulative GPA: 3.48
• Degree Classification: Very Good
• Achieve scholarships for 6 consecutive semesters
• Outstanding Student at the University level in 2021 and 2022
• Outstanding student Representative for the study tour to Hung Temple (Phu Tho) in 2022
• Semi-Final Round of SIU PIANO COMPETITION
• 10 points in the graduation performance course

“When I first entered university, I had no idea how challenging the path of classical music pursuit would be. I even dreamt of becoming a pianist performing with a grand orchestra in large theaters and professional concert halls...

During the learning process, I was guided by my lecturers, honing my skills through class lectures, practical sessions, and live performances. Practical interaction helps me understand better what I want. Beyond the glamour I once dreamt of, my dream today is still the same passion with music but now centered on a more specific and motivating goal I strive for - Become a lecturer. Just as my lecturers have inspired me, I aim to continue learning and sharing knowledge to everyone. I hope that after honing my skills and enriching my knowledge, I will have the opportunity to return to Van Lang University under the role of lecturer who gives inspiration to students.”

Valedictorian Nguyen Phuc Anh – Course 25 in Construction Management

• Cumulative GPA: 3.09
• Degree Classification: Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters
• Participated in the XXII Euréka Scientific Research Semi-final 2021
• Participated in university-level scientific research
• Teaching assistant for 13 classes in 5 subjects from Term 221 (2021-2022) to Term 231 (2022-2023)

“From the first moment I saw Van Lang University, I was overwhelmed by its facilities and learning facilities. When receiving the admission, I was very happy and wanted to learn quickly to become an outstanding engineer, building a house for my parents with my own hands. 

During the learning process, having opportunities to be guided by my lecturers sparked a desire in me to continue learning, to continue enhancing myself to become a successor to them. I would like to thank Mr. Ngo Quang Tuong, Head of the Construction Management Department. He encouraged me to participate in scientific research and guided me through my graduation project. Without him and the Faculty’s support and wholehearted guidance, I wouldn't be here today. After graduating, I plan to pursue a Master’s degree and become a lecturer to guide future generations on the path to conquering knowledge.”