Is Becoming the Valedictorian a Destination or a Reward for Never Giving Up?

As a transfer-articulation student who spent time in the workforce before returning to higher education, Le Thi Thuy An faced considerable pressure balancing work, studies, and personal life. Yet, through persistence, a proactive growth mindset, and unwavering determination, Thuy An excelled to become the graduating Valedictorian. Behind this accomplishment lies not just an impressive academic record, but an inspiring journey of pushing personal boundaries and believing that learning never truly ends.

If I could send a message to my past self, I would say:

"Thank you for not giving up."

My journey to Lac Hong University began with a serendipitous encounter. As a student in the bridge degree program, I had spent time working before stepping back onto campus, and I once believed my academic journey had already concluded. A casual conversation with Mr. Son and Ms. Huong opened a completely new perspective on learning and my own future.

I realized that learning has no time limit and no age boundary. As long as there is a desire to grow, we can always begin anew.

Entering LHU, I carried many anxieties about juggling professional responsibilities, academic requirements, and personal life. Demanding courses, major projects, and relentless deadlines made me want to give up more than once.

Yet, whenever exhaustion set in, I reminded myself:

"Once you choose a path, take full responsibility for it and give it everything you have until the very end. Success may come early or late, but sincere effort is never in vain."

I began learning to reorganize everything—taking it one task at a time, one day at a time.

There was a substantial amount of unfamiliar knowledge that kept me struggling for a long time. I recognized that I was not the smartest person in the room, but I could choose to be the one most eager to learn.

Beyond class hours, I dedicated extra time to self-study, reviewing resources, and staying updated with emerging knowledge. Whenever I encountered difficulties, the faculty members at Lac Hong were always there to offer guidance—not only resolving academic hurdles but also showing me how to leverage technology and valuable resources for personal growth.

Looking back on that journey, I realize that success is not about never stumbling. Success is having the courage to rise and keep moving forward after every fall.

To me, university is not a race for grades to prove superiority over others. It is a journey of discovering one’s own potential. Graduating as the Valedictorian today does not mean I am better than anyone else; it simply means I persevered just a little longer.

As a continuing education student, I have come to appreciate deeply that learning does not end upon graduation or after entering the workforce. Lifelong learning is a continuous journey that empowers each individual to constantly evolve and unlock new opportunities.

If you are feeling overwhelmed by assignments, deadlines, or upcoming challenges, keep moving forward. Sometimes, what makes the difference is not raw talent, but resilience. Our youth at Lac Hong is fleeting. Live fully with the choices you make so that you will never look back with regret and wonder, "what if."

Graduation capstone report by Thuy An and her teammate Truong Giang.

Despite a demanding schedule, Thuy An consistently managed her time to excel in both her career and her studies. Remarkably, throughout her time at Lac Hong University, she maintained an exemplary dedication to learning, never missing a single class.

Persistence, accountability for her choices, and a continuous desire to learn are what paved the way for Thuy An to attain the title of Valedictorian.

Congratulations to Le Thi Thuy An on this proud achievement. Her story stands as clear proof that success is not determined solely by talent, but is forged through resilience and the dedication to pursue one’s goals to the very end.