The valedictorian in 2023 from Van Lang University: Will is the ladder to success

On the morning of August 19, 2023, Van Lang University held a graduation ceremony for new graduates in English Language and Accounting majors. This is also the first generation of the English Language Honors Program to officially graduate.

In 2023, Van Lang University welcomes 517 new bachelors in English Language major and 324 new bachelor’s in accounting major to officially graduate. Although they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic during the studying process, they have done their best and completed the university program with many good achievements.

Leaving a famous economics university to choose English Language major at Van Lang University, the new valedictorian Bui Thi Thu Thanh has walked her own on a 4-year university journey without her father's support. A bachelor's degree in English Language with Excellent rating today is a worthy achievement for the relentless efforts, determination, and persistent will of the girl who has overcome the time of self-pity because of the learning pressure she could not share, the fear, the bewildering disappointments when it was not until her last year that she realized that the orientation for herself was to teach English, not to specialize in studying English in Tourism…

On the occasion of the commencement date, Thu Thanh represented the new graduates attending, to share about the journey of using her will to conquer dreams and confidently sent her father the admission announcement as well as her graduation announcement:

“My name is Bui Thi Thu Thanh - new valedictorian of Course 25 of the English Language major. Today, I am very honored to be the representative of the new faculty to share about the meaningful university journey at Van Lang University. It was an uneven journey with many turns in between.

After finishing 12th grade, I enrolled in an Economics major at a prestigious public school. After 2 years, I realized that the major I chose was not suitable for me. It was truly a big shock for me then.

After that, it was a very difficult time when I had to both struggle with myself and maintain my studies because I didn't want to disappoint my parents. Fortunately, after courageously talking to my mother about my will to study English, which I really want to pursue again, my mother agreed and supported me. And so I had the opportunity to come to Van Lang, study, meet, get to know people and spend the most brilliant years of youth.

Also studying the English Language major, the story of using willpower, energy, and optimism to overcome the health limits of the new bachelor Tang Ngoc Hieu has inspired the community.

Studying in an industry I am passionate about feels natural, like “a fish in water”, and inspires me to go to school every day. But, making important decisions based on intuition and not researching the information carefully has made me make more mistakes when choosing a major. Van Lang University English Language major offers a variety of 5 majors and is very close to the specific job orientation after graduation for Bachelors of English Language. Actually, when choosing a major, I still do not fully understand who I am, what I want, what I need and what I have to do.

I chose English for Tourism, and pretty soon I realized I was really passionate about teaching. Although this mistaken choice was not as serious as choosing a school, it also made me feel discouraged, accumulated with peer pressure and on time graduation so that mom will be less worried. Fortunately, in the process of studying, being encouraged by friends, receiving sincere advice from teachers, and learning electives to try, I regained my confidence and actively charted the path of training, building skills, and knowledge to realize my dream of becoming an English teacher.

In the past, I always blamed myself for choosing this school, that major... But the current me now realizes that no choice is completely right or completely wrong; the important part is the attitude to accept events and respond flexibly to all situations, so that we can always be proactive. What I learned in the first 2 years in the Economics major or specialized subjects in English for Tourism major is not a waste of time when I know how to appreciate the time I have invested in studying and all knowledge is useful.

Looking back on what I have experienced, I think that WILL is the quality that makes me the person I am now. Will, coupled with good solutions will create positive changes.

When I decided to quit my first university to start over with a new major, I had to research for a long time about the right major for me, before having the courage to tell my mother about what I really wanted to do. The solution is not only temporary at the time I change schools, but also comes with a serious and responsible study plans for my choice. I have been working diligently for 4 years to achieve the best results. Thanks to my will, even though I struggled with the choices, I finally found myself.

When sharing my small story on the big Commencement Day, I want to send the message to the new Bachelors: everyone has their own stories and difficulties in life, I hope you can nurture a strong will to overcome all difficulties. Along with a strong spirit, let us constantly think and come up with solutions to realize goals, to solve the problems in study, work, and life.

WILL is one of the guidelines that Van Lang University has identified in 3 core values: MORALITY – WILL – CREATIVITY. Through training methods and many practical activities, the University always inspires students to create solutions, with the foresight to promote a better society, while realizing their passions and ambitions.

I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the Trustees of Van Lang University for always creating the best conditions to help students develop. For me, Van Lang is not the first choice but unquestionably the best choice because this is where I start again, where I nurture my dreams and where I witness my own journey to find myself.

I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the teachers, especially the teachers of the Faculty of Foreign Languages for their guidance, teachings, and dedication to helping students in all circumstances. Thanks to the attention and moral support from the teachers, many students have found their learning goals.

Dear New Bachelors,

I would like to thank all of you who have supported and accompanied me for the past 4 years. The student journey at the Faculty of Accounting - Auditing and the Faculty of Foreign Languages will be a beautiful memory that follows us on a new journey. Best of luck and keep your university friendships forever!

Finally, we would like to express gratitude to our parents and families. Today, when we put on our graduation robes and stood on stage to receive our diplomas, we knew our parents were very proud.

I thank you for always being understanding, even though I know you are very worried because my peers have gone to work and settled down and I am still in school, but you never urge or compare me with others. Thank you to my 2 sisters for always accompanying and supporting my decision.

Before ending the sharing, I would like to take this valuable opportunity for something meaningful. Dad, I want to apologize to you. Maybe you will be shocked to see me in this moment, because I have not dared to tell you about my university transfer to start from the beginning until now. Because I was afraid you would be disappointed and not be able to stand for what I did against your will.

For the past 4 years, despite pursuing my dream, I have always felt guilty in my heart because I did not dare to share it with you. Today, when discussing "will" and remembering the proud journey at Van Lang, I have more motivation to once again apologize and thank you, Dad. I hope you understand my choice, because in the end, I believe that what you and mom most want is for me to be successful and live happily.

Thank you, Mom and Dad.”

Bui Thi Thu Thanh
The new valedictorian of Course 25, majoring in English Language

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WILL is one of the three core values that Van Lang University upholds and maintains throughout its 28 years of establishment and development. If Morality keeps our souls from going astray, creativity gives us wings so that we can freely soar towards the high heavens, then WILL help us to firmly walk despite difficulties and obstacles, with one heart towards the destination. Whether you are an elite star, or very ordinary, will is the most common way for us to find success for ourselves.

The valedictorian Truong Hoang Khoi – Course 25 in Business and Commerce

• Cumulative GPA: 3.6
• Classification Degree: Excellent
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters
• Student with 5 Good Merits at the University level in the school year 2020 - 2021
• Outstanding student at the University level in the school year 2020 - 2021
• Currently worked as a Junior SAP Supply Chain Business Analyst at NGS Consulting

“I used to feel confused and lost when I had to choose between starting my university journey or embarking on the path of making a living. It also took me 01 year of saving little by little to nurture my university dream. For me, the decision to study and pursue Commerce at Van Lang University is not easy, but it's completely worth it. After graduating, I aspire to be able to bring the knowledge I have learned to the enterprise to improve transportation processes, optimize supply chains and improve operational efficiency, and devote myself to the unit I collaborate with.”

Valedictorian Giang Tri Nguyen – Course 25 in Environmental Engineering Technology

• Cumulative GPA: 3.09
• Classification Degree: Good
• Achieved scholarships for many consecutive semesters

“Environmental Engineering Technology is a difficult major, but my 4-year journey with Van Lang Environmental family has helped me overcome challenges and keep my passion. Becoming an environmental engineer as I aspired to, I hope I have the capacity and bravery to contribute positive values and improve the quality of life of the community in the future."

Valedictorian Nguyen Trung Nguyen – Course 25 in Thermal Engineering

• Cumulative GPA: 3.49
• Classification Degree: Very Good
• Scholarship for 6 semesters of study;
• Student with 5 Good Merits at the University and Faculty levels in 2021 - 2022
• Scholarships of Tan Phat Long Joint Stock Company
• Scholarship of Nam Thinh Joint Stock Company
• Outstanding students at the Faculty level in 2021 
• Outstanding student at the University level in 2022
• Representative student for the study tour to Hung Temple (Phu Tho) in 2022

“During 4 years of studying at Van Lang, the Faculty of Mechatronics - Electrical and Computer Engineering gave me a very clear development roadmap each semester. Professional and soft skills are widely available to students from a very early age. The faculty also arranges internship time from the second semester of year 3, supporting the graduation thesis for students easily from year 4. The teachers at the Faculty have inspired me a lot. The teachers are also a motivation for me to further my dream of becoming a university lecturer, helping future generations of students better understand and love the major as well as the university environment that they are attached to.”

Valedictorian Ho Hoang Vy - Course 25 in Accounting

• Cumulative GPA: 3.52
• Classification Degree: Very Good
• Achieved scholarships for 7 consecutive semesters
• Outstanding student at the University level in the school year 2020 - 2021
• Outstanding student at the Faculty level in 2020 - 2021 and 2021 - 2022

“The journey to a good bachelor's degree is indeed not easy. Thank you to the teachers of the Faculty of Accounting and Auditing and the classmates who have always accompanied and supported me on my recent journey. Mom, this title of valedictorian, I want to dedicate to you. Thank you, mom - my inspiration, my motivation. Thank you for always taking care of me and accompanying me on my journey of self - development and self-improvement.”