From a shelter of love to a national excellent student award

Born into difficult circumstances and having spent six years at a shelter of love, Vu Thi Thuy Duong, a former student of Quang Trung High School for the Gifted (Dong Xoai Ward, Dong Nai Province), has written a remarkable story of youth through her first-place finish in the national excellent student competition in Geography for the 2024–2025 school year. Thuy Duong is also among 278 exemplary individuals honored at the First Dong Nai Provincial Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025–2030 period.

Born into a family with four siblings, Thuy Duong faced especially difficult circumstances. Her father was ill and unable to work, placing the full economic burden on her devoted and hardworking mother. From sixth grade, Duong lived at Thien An Shelter in Binh Phuoc Ward, a place that provided her with care and nourishment, sparking within her a belief in a brighter future.

It was during those difficult days that the will of the young student was forged. Despite many limitations in her learning conditions, Duong strived every day, constantly learning, exploring, and training. During her years at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, she consistently ranked among the top students, earning the affection of both teachers and friends.

Vu Thi Thuy Duong (center) with members of the Geography team before the National Excellent Student Competition in the 2024-2025 school year. Photo: Thu Ha

Nguyen Xuan Sang, a Geography teacher at Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, shared: "Duong is a truly special student with an intense passion for Geography. What I admire most is how she overcame her circumstances by self-studying, exploring, and always proactively asking teachers about things she didn't understand. In her, I see the strength of perseverance and belief. That's what helped Duong rise not only with her intellect but also with her heart."

This dedication and passion helped Duong affirm her abilities. From 10th grade, she was selected for the school's excellent Geography student team. In 11th grade, Duong won second prize in the Provincial Excellent Student Competition and a silver medal in the April 30th Olympic. In 12th grade, she won first prize in the Provincial Excellent Student Competition and excellently won first prize in the National Excellent Student Competition in Geography for the 2024-2025 school year.

Vu Thi Thuy Duong has written a beautiful story of youth by winning first prize in the National Excellent Student Competition in Geography for the 2024-2025 school year and was honored at the First Dong Nai Provincial Patriotic Emulation Congress for the 2025-2030 period. Photo: Thu Ha

Not only is she an outstanding student, but Duong is also warm-hearted, approachable, and always willing to help her friends. Tran Minh Hien, Vice Principal of Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, shared: "Thuy Duong is a shining example at our school. With extraordinary determination and a strong desire to rise above, she has overcome every hardship to achieve accomplishments we are truly proud of. What we value in her is not only her excellent academic performance, but also her scientific approach to studying, strong sense of self-discipline, and unwavering perseverance. With such determination, Duong not only brings pride to Quang Trung High School for the Gifted, but also serves as an inspiration, a bright example for both teachers and students to pass on to future generations."

Reflecting on her journey of perseverance and her recognition at the Dong Nai Provincial Patriotic Emulation Congress, Duong shared: "To me, this achievement feels like a sweet fruit after a long journey of effort. I am grateful to my parents, the sisters at the shelter, and my teachers and friends who have always believed in and encouraged me. I want to tell my friends that no matter how difficult their circumstances may be, they should dare to dream, dare to hope, and take action. Because if you dare to begin, the road ahead will always open up. I once thought I couldn't, but now I believe that as long as you're persistent, success will eventually smile upon you."

Vu Thi Thuy Duong is currently pursuing a degree in International Economics at Eastern International University (Ho Chi Minh City), where she hopes to begin a new chapter in her future. For Duong, her greatest dream is to have a stable job that is strong enough to support her family.

Having grown up in a shelter of love, Vu Thi Thuy Duong has stepped into the world on her own two feet and with her own belief, proving that circumstances have never been a barrier to dreams. Her journey not only inspires friends and teachers but also sparks faith in a generation of young people in Dong Nai who dare to dream, strive, and live with responsibility.

By Thanh Thao – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho