A large number of congratulations was sent to the student when she became a national co-valedictorian of the high school graduation exam, bringing immense pride to her family, school, and homeland.

Achieving a total score of 38.5 in this year’s high school graduation exam, Đặng Quỳnh Trang became one of the two highest-scoring candidates in the country. She gained absolute scores in both Mathematics and Chemistry, scored 9.75 points in Physics, and 8.75 points in Literature. With joy bursting on the day the results were published, the petite and modest female student shared: “I was very surprised by this result. When I learned my scores, I had to check them multiple times because I did not dare to believe it was true. Following that was a feeling of happiness when receiving so many congratulations from teachers, friends, and everyone.”

Few people know that behind the near-perfect report card is a multi-year journey of effort by the female student who grew up in circumstances with many deprivations. Her father passed away when Trang was only 2 years old. Since then, her mother, a nurse currently working at the provincial General Hospital, became the pillar of the family, raising two children through school alone while her older sister is currently attending university, leaving the economic burden weighing even heavier on the mother’s shoulders.

Each achievement attained served as the motivation for Trang to keep trying, while also being a gift she dedicated to her beloved mother after years of silent sacrifice. Throughout her learning process, Trang was always an outstanding student; specifically in her final school year, with an average score of 9.14, Trang achieved excellent academic performance.

Behind the impressive achievements are a scientific study method and perseverance maintained over many years. Trang shared: “The most important foundation to study well is to firmly grasp knowledge right in class. In each lesson, I always note down the core contents and proactively ask teachers when I do not understand the lesson yet. Outside of class time, I build a reasonable study plan, complete assignments within the day, and allocate time to read additional materials and practice according to each specialized topic. Instead of doing too many exam papers, I focus on analyzing each problem thoroughly, logging down incorrect questions, finding the causes, and drawing experience to avoid repeating the mistakes.”

Although achieving absolute scores in both Mathematics and Chemistry, the female student has never viewed studying as a race for scores. “Since childhood, I have particularly loved Mathematics because each problem has multiple approaches and solutions. Every time I find the solution to a difficult problem by myself, I feel like I have just conquered another challenge. I always study Math with a comfortable mindset, without putting pressure on myself,” Trang confided.

Alongside Mathematics, her love for Chemistry grew larger day by day. To Trang, Chemistry is not just equations or reactions to memorize, but also helps explain many phenomena in daily life. The more she studied, the more Trang realized this was the field she wanted to attach herself to long-term. Therefore, she chose to enter the specialized Chemistry class of Lê Quý Đôn Gifted High School to study. During her 3 years of study at Lê Quý Đôn Gifted High School, she won the First Prize in the provincial excellent student competition for Chemistry in grade 10 and grade 12, and attained the Second Prize in grade 11.

Distinguished Teacher Bùi Thị Anh, Principal of Lê Quý Đôn Gifted High School, affirmed: “Trang is an outstanding student in terms of both academic capacity and virtues. She is hard-working, possesses a high sense of self-study, and is always modest, polite to teachers, and harmonious with friends. The most precious thing about Trang is her endurance. Today’s achievement is the result of a long process of continuous effort, not just during the exam review phase.”

Despite having many opportunities to choose from, the female student still decided to pursue the pedagogy sector, intending to register for admission to the Faculty of Chemistry at Hanoi National University of Education. That decision stemmed from her love for the teaching profession, her passion for Chemistry, and her desire to share the burden with her mother. “The teachers have transmitted a lot of learning inspiration to me. I hope that in the future, I can also stand on the podium to pass the love for Chemistry to students. Studying pedagogy with tuition fee exemption will also help my mother worry less while concurrently raising both sisters through university,” the female student honestly said.

From a schoolgirl growing up in many difficult circumstances, Đặng Quỳnh Trang has written a beautiful story about willpower, energy, and the aspiration to rise in studies. The achievement of 38.5 points is a proud milestone for her personally, while adding a bright spot to Điện Biên’s Education and Training sector in this year’s exam. Trang’s story demonstrates that students in mountainous and border provinces can still conquer the heights of knowledge when treasured by willpower, energy, proper study methods, and the companionship of family and teachers.