“Like to be a quiet but useful person...”

This year, the valedictorian of the QH-2005-X class of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is a very familiar name: Ngo Thi Thuy Dung - a student majoring in Chinese, Oriental Studies. Not only is she a very good student with a GPA of 9.15, Thuy Dung is also the class monitor of class K50 Oriental Studies, Deputy Secretary of the Oriental Studies Department Youth Union, a typical young face of VNU for 3 consecutive years, the owner of many scholarships inside and outside the school... To talk about this girl, many of Dung's friends only use two words: comprehensive and multi-talented. Let's chat to discover the secrets and share the future dreams of this excellent valedictorian.

- Hello Thuy Dung, can you introduce yourself briefly?

I was born on November 21, 1986, hometown: Hanoi, nickname: Him. Hobbies: Sweets, always tempted by delicious ice cream, cakes and candies.

- How do you feel about becoming valedictorian of a big university like the University of Social Sciences and Humanities?

Actually, I don’t feel anything special. Because I study not to become valedictorian but to improve myself, so I always try my best. The title of “valedictorian” is just an additional reward on a long journey. I appreciate it but I don’t think it is the deciding factor, so I just feel happy.

- Many people think that a valedictorian must wear glasses, read books all day and be quite calm. But a valedictorian like Dung is: small, runs around a lot, talks fast and a lot and often smiles... with her eyes closed (comments from many classmates)?

I think appearance does not determine a person. That kind of attitude makes me comfortable, it is my personality. Sometimes I feel that because I am happy and open-minded, I am more successful and have more friends.

- Is that style good for the Youth Union work you are in charge of?

Generally speaking, I am a very straightforward person, even to the point of being annoying. But after 4 years of studying and working in the Youth Union, what I have learned is to speak frankly and honestly in a pleasant way. That is why I always choose a humorous way of speaking, a squinting smile accompanied by serious content. Perhaps that is the secret to being a class officer.

- A question that many people want to ask Dung: what is the secret to having such a "stunning" final score?

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/07/05/img_7394.jpg" border="0" alt="Ngo Thi Thuy Dung received her bachelor's degree at the closing ceremony on June 25, 2009" title="Ngo Thi Thuy Dung received her bachelor's degree at the closing ceremony on June 25, 2009" width="240" height="160" align="right" ]

The secret is to study seriously and concentrate. I don't have much time to study because I have to participate in many other activities, so when I study, I always concentrate to save time. When doing exercises, in addition to presenting clearly and coherently, I always value creativity and my own mark and interpretation. Teachers always appreciate this factor, so they encourage me even more. Being diligent in reading books and learning more also makes me more confident and have more ideas. But to be honest, I'm not really confident in myself, I still have to try harder, be more daring to be creative.

- Studying at Am school, good at French, but why did Dung take the Oriental studies exam and start with a new foreign language, Chinese?

Because I wanted to learn more foreign languages, because I wanted to learn more about a new country, a new culture. Simply put, I suddenly wanted to change myself, to be something different after 12 years of being attached to French, although until now, my passion for French has not changed, I just love a few more things.

- So what lessons and feelings have you learned from four years of studying at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities that you can share with everyone?

I feel like I made the right choice, I chose the right major that I like, I chose a good school to nurture myself, I met many good teachers. When I look back, I feel like I was lucky and achieved a lot. Most importantly, I seem to have matured and become better!

- Many people say that foreign languages ​​are Dung's strength. Do you have any memorable memories related to learning and using foreign languages?

Maybe I have a little talent for learning foreign languages. But the most profound memories for me are the days when I started learning new languages. When I first learned Chinese, I had to practice speaking until my mouth was dry, my tongue was blistered from biting it, and I practiced writing like I did in first grade. Later, when I wanted to learn English to keep up with the times, I kept mispronouncing French, standing in front of the class, straining myself to say it over and over again. If you have talent for learning foreign languages, you are very lucky, but the most important thing is to practice hard.

- I heard that the number of scholarships you received during your university years is "countless", do you have any experience in "hunting" for scholarships?

No, I think you should prepare everything necessary so that when the opportunity comes, you are always ready. So don't take anything for granted!

- As a "person" of Humanities, what do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of students majoring in social sciences and humanities?

It’s hard to say. I just think it would be better if students were more courageous. There are many students who have a lot of ideas but never speak up. That’s a waste.

- Many people say that it is difficult to find a job and have a high salary after studying social sciences and humanities. What do you think?

I think there is nothing better than taking care of yourself first, equipping yourself with what society needs, and everything will be fine! I have not seen anyone unemployed when it comes to difficulties, and there are many people with high salaries.

- So if she studied Law, Economics or Foreign Trade instead of Oriental Studies as many people mistakenly thought when they first met her, what would Ngo Thi Thuy Dung be like today?

I didn't choose it so how would I know! But I feel completely satisfied being a student of Oriental Studies.

- Mr. Pham Huy Cuong - President of the School's Student Union - once said that his first impression of Dung was "snobbish and unapproachable", but "continually impressed" him because he was "very knowledgeable" and "very talented". I imagine your life is very rich with many activities and passions. Can you share more information?

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2009/07/05/img_0272%20copy%202.jpg" border="0" alt="(Photo provided by the character)" title="(Photo provided by the character)" width="160" height="240" align="right" ]

[Think for a moment]I study, I play, I do Youth Union activities, when I have the chance I compete, participate in many student playgrounds... Basically like that. As for singing... (hesitates) I'm okay with it, but I quite like dancing and have been learning since high school. I just think I'm quite attractive when I talk! What I like most is making other people laugh. Seeing people laugh makes me extremely happy!

- So what about the nickname "stage boss" that you guys gave him? Why doesn't he stand on stage but only backstage?

[Laughs] Maybe because I... don't like being in the spotlight. I like being the quiet but helpful person.

- Graduated with honors and about to transfer to another university, there seems to be nothing more desirable for a recent graduate?

No. I expect more. I want to go to China, to travel and experience more. I want to grow up and become more stable. This is just the beginning.

- In the more distant future, what job does Dung want to pursue?

I want to be a China researcher and a brave and creative researcher, a true and passionate scientist. And I know I still have a lot to do.

- One last question, what is most important to you?

Family is the most important thing to me. When I come home, cook with my mother, see my father smile, and chat with my younger brother, all my difficulties and sadness disappear. My greatest luck is having a good family. My parents only own a small restaurant, have never gone to university, work hard but always value their children's education, respect my personality and decisions. I am who I am today thanks to my family.

- Thank you for the conversation and I wish you continued success in life.

•Thanh Ha (perform)