At an age when many might consider returning to school a daunting challenge, Le Thanh Hieu, the valedictorian of the joint Business Administration program between the VNU University of Economics and Business, and Troy University, USA, has proven that age is just a number. With unwavering perseverance, passion, and determination, she graduated at the top of her class with an impressive GPA of 3.95/4.0. Her academic journey is not just the story of an exceptional graduate, but a powerful inspiration for anyone aspiring to achieve their dreams, regardless of their stage in life.

Returning to Academia: When Age is No Barrier

Hieu shared her courageous decision to return to university at the age of 34: "I had long wanted a degree in Economics and Business, but work and family responsibilities always got in the way. My father, who works in economics, was incredibly supportive. He always believed it would be beneficial for my career and encouraged me to pursue it."

The decision came in 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic slowed the pace of life and work, giving Hieu the opportunity to explore programs at UEB's Institute of International Education. She realized she finally had the time to pursue her deferred dreams. After careful consideration, she chose the UEB-Troy BSBA program, taught entirely in English, offering an international learning experience and a US-accredited degree. The program's tri-semester system was a significant advantage, allowing her to accelerate her studies.

Balancing Academic Excellence with Family Life

Studying full-time while raising a family with young children presented significant challenges. However, Hieu successfully balanced her responsibilities as a daughter, mother, wife, and student.

"It wasn't easy going back to school full-time with a family, two young children, and aging parents. I'd attend classes, pick up my kids, prepare dinner, and help them with their homework in the evenings. I usually started my own studies after they were finished."

She acknowledged the difficulties but emphasized the unwavering support from her family, the university, and her professors, which motivated her to overcome each hurdle.

"Every semester, when I achieved good results, my family and professors recognized my efforts and achievements. I made new friends who trusted and supported me, and I was able to help them in their studies. My daughters saw my dedication to learning, which inspired them to work harder. All of this fueled my motivation. I'm deeply grateful to my family, professors, and friends for their love and unwavering support."

With their support and her relentless hard work, Hieu completed the program in seven semesters, graduating at the top of her class.

The Valedictorian's Study Secrets

“I felt incredibly fortunate to study in such a dynamic environment with passionate young people. The professors were not only dedicated to teaching but also always available to answer questions, helping me grasp the material and feel confident in exams. With their enthusiastic support and that of my classmates, I quickly adapted to the UEB-Troy environment.”

Regarding her study methods, she shared, "I don't have any special secrets. I simply focused on understanding the concepts during class, then immediately reviewed the corresponding material in the textbook."

Instead of cramming before exams, she opted for a proactive approach, making learning both effective and enjoyable.

"The materials and textbooks were excellent, incorporating real-world examples from well-known brands, making them easy to understand and engaging."

Her consistent and disciplined approach not only resulted in excellent grades but also boosted her confidence in group projects and presentations. She also emphasized the importance of strong English skills for students in the program.

"Good English proficiency is crucial, as all classes, exams, and presentations are conducted in English. Thanks to the 100% English-speaking environment, my communication skills improved significantly, and I consistently received praise from my professors during presentations."

Charting a New Career Path

Overcoming numerous challenges throughout her studies, Hieu earned not only a globally recognized degree but also a new path for career advancement.

"After graduating, I started a new job in the sales department of a pharmaceutical import-export and distribution company. The knowledge and skills I gained at UEB-Troy, such as data analysis, project management, presentation skills, and teamwork, have been invaluable. I'm currently setting long-term career goals in this field, focusing on specializing in International Business, exploring industry trends, and expanding distribution networks. With my dedication and the strong foundation from UEB-Troy, I'm confident I can achieve significant milestones in my career."

Hieu's story is an inspiration, demonstrating that anyone, at any age, can achieve success with determination and perseverance. Through her hard work, she has shown that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about pursuing dreams and exceeding one's own limitations.