Nguyễn Minh Trí – The Journey of Overcoming Oneself to Become Valedictorian

Overcoming difficult times with determination and a passion for learning, Minh Trí, a young man from Kiên Giang, became the valedictorian of the Vietnamese Studies program at Can Tho University in 2025. Behind this title lies a long journey of effort, where Trí continuously “overcame himself” to gradually assert his potential.

Starting from humble beginnings
Minh Trí was born and raised in a poor rural area of Kiên Giang province. His family’s income was unstable, yet he always strived to pursue his education. “Since I was young, I had a special interest in Vietnamese culture and history. That’s why I chose Vietnamese Studies, even though many doubted the career prospects afterward,” Trí shared.

Entering university, Trí began his journey of independence in Can Tho City. The first days away from home were a major challenge for the young man. Without family around, Trí had to adapt to a new learning environment while managing daily life on his own. It was in this context that he learned to grow and strengthen his resilience every day.

Striving to not be “left behind”
“Starting university, I was shocked by how many talented and active classmates there were. I was afraid of falling behind, so I had to work even harder,” Trí recalled. He continuously honed his knowledge, developed study skills, and actively participated in extracurricular activities.

Throughout his four years, Trí consistently achieved Excellent Student and Outstanding Student titles, received the university’s top A scholarship, and earned numerous external scholarships such as VietHope and Đồng Hành scholarships. In the 2023–2024 academic year, he was the only student in Vietnamese Studies to receive a merit scholarship from Kiên Giang Construction Company Limited.

Not only excelling academically, Trí was also active in student organizations and volunteer work. He held positions such as Class President, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union, and Executive Committee Member of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and participated in campaigns like Summer Volunteer, Exam Support, and Loving Spring. In 2022, he was recognized as a “Five-Good Student” at the university level and received the title of “Outstanding Youth Union – Student Association Officer” from Can Tho University’s Youth Union.

When asked who inspired him the most, Trí smiled: “Probably myself—myself from yesterday. If I hadn’t overcome my past self, I wouldn’t be who I am today. The efforts and challenges I dared to take—that is what I am most proud of.”

Beyond being an outstanding student, Trí is also committed to community values. In 2022, he joined the Books and Action Club, leading programs and organizing activities to promote reading culture. That same year, he and friends carried out the “Lighting Dreams” program, delivering scholarships and school supplies to students in remote areas.

Overcoming challenges through a passion for knowledge
A key factor in Trí’s academic journey was his passion for learning and continuous curiosity. For him, every lesson was not just knowledge from class but an opportunity to deepen his understanding of Vietnamese culture, people, and history.

On graduation day, when his name was announced as valedictorian, Trí could not hide his emotions. It was the result of four years of perseverance, a reward for sleepless nights, and a source of pride not only for him but also for his family, teachers, and friends who had always supported him.

With an impressive record, Nguyễn Minh Trí is not only the valedictorian of Vietnamese Studies but also a standout representative of a dynamic and idealistic generation of students. He has been honored as a “Five-Good Student” at the national level, recognized by the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union for outstanding contributions to youth and student activities, won second prize in the “Cultural – Tourism Talent Incubator” competition in 2023, and represented the university in student exchange programs in Indonesia and Cambodia. With a spirit of continuous learning, community responsibility, and deep patriotism, he was also recognized as an “Outstanding Youth Exemplifying Study and Following Uncle Ho’s Teachings.”

However, for Trí, being valedictorian is not the end. “It’s just a starting point—to keep learning, contributing, and living meaningfully. I hope what I’ve achieved can inspire other students, especially those from rural and disadvantaged backgrounds, to dare to dream, dare to act, and dare to believe in the future.”

A meaningful connection with VietHope – inspiring a life of purpose

An important milestone in Trí’s journey has been his connection with VietHope, where he received a scholarship in 2021 and later became an official member.

“At first, I only knew it as a scholarship for disadvantaged students. But when I joined VietHope, I realized it wasn’t just financial support—it’s a community that truly inspires living a meaningful, responsible life,” Trí said.

At VietHope, Trí not only received support but also actively participated in the Mentorship Program, skill-building courses, and specialized sharing sessions. He learned to listen, empathize, and grow in his thinking. Trí believes: “VietHope gave me the opportunity to become a better version of myself—not just an excellent student, but also a person with ideals, dreams, and the drive to act for others.”