SVVN - Duong Cong Son (21 years old) is a Computer Science student at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. Born and raised in Bac Ninh – the center of the ancient Kinh Bac region, one of the famous places known for its tradition of academic excellence. In this land of learning, the desire to excel in education is deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the people, families, and clans. Learning has even become a lifestyle and a moral principle for everyone to follow.

Inheriting a studious spirit from his family and hometown, along with his own perseverance, initiative, and enthusiasm, Son has achieved several outstanding accomplishments in scientific research over many years and is an exemplary class leader for his classmates to emulate.

From a troublesome student to an exemplary class leader.

During my high school years, I was almost one of the most unruly students in my class. I still remember the times I was late for school, and my friends and I would sneak into the school grounds, resulting in the security guard stopping us and taking us all to the principal's office. That day, my mother scolded me terribly. Looking back, I feel both happy and regretful. Happy because high school left me with memories that I can reminisce about at class reunions, but regretful because I was too childish then to realize how hard my parents were working every day to provide for my education. Only when I reached 12th grade did I realize, "If I continue like this, who will I become in the future?" With the help of my teachers and high school friends, I passed the university entrance exam with pretty good scores, and I was so happy. That was also when I started wondering about choosing a school to entrust my youth to, a place that would provide me with solid knowledge and skills. And the Faculty of Information Technology at the University of Civil Engineering is where I chose to build a future filled with knowledge and intelligence, striving for greater heights. I still remember the initial bewilderment when I first arrived in the city to begin my studies, but with enthusiasm, confidence, initiative, and perseverance; taking learning as a joy and a passion to strive for, I have now become a mature, capable, and resilient person, ready to move forward and face all difficulties and challenges on my path to success and happiness.

Who am I, and what is my mission in this world?

On the path to finding success and happiness in life, there will be times when you stop and ask yourself: "Who am I, what is my mission in this world?"; you feel life is difficult, full of pressure, and you want to give up everything and stop. But at those times, you believe that: "Just study and work with enthusiasm and dedication, and the fireworks in your life will ignite, making you shine brightly, and at the same time, changing the world because of you."

I think: A life devoid of passion is like a straw scarecrow, only able to sway in the wind, living a boring life with nothing remarkable about it; while a person full of enthusiasm and passion is like plants flourishing in the spring rain, constantly sprouting and growing, gradually maturing through learning, and one day will surely become a talented individual for the country.

During my studies at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering, with the enthusiasm of youth, I was honored to be entrusted by my friends and teachers to be the class president of class 64CS3 – Computer Science major. I was also an outstanding member of the X50 academic club. Furthermore, this enthusiasm was demonstrated in my studies: proactively researching materials before class, readily sharing with lecturers any unclear issues during lessons; and sharing and conveying research findings to teachers and classmates. These were invaluable opportunities for me to express myself, hone my language skills, communication skills, and work skills to apply to real life.

Try to improve your soft skills.

When the gates of high school closed, stepping into Hanoi and being able to enter university was the greatest honor of my life. University provided me with knowledge and professional skills – the tip of the iceberg. To adapt to modern society, I had to be proactive and enthusiastic in exploring and researching the hidden aspects to improve myself, which could only be accumulated and honed through part-time work. In my first year, I also participated in several part-time jobs such as: waiting tables at a café near my dorm, selling goods online. These part-time jobs not only helped me become financially independent and less dependent on my parents, but also helped me improve myself significantly, helping me understand life's issues and the skills I needed to develop. Then, at the beginning of my second year, after being equipped with foundational knowledge in my major by my professors, I began participating in scientific research, and I have been involved in research for over two years now. There were also difficulties and hardships. But then I achieved things, surpassing my own limits.

Try to work as hard as giraffes.

Despite being involved in so many activities, I still have to ensure my studies stay on track. To date, I've achieved the following: 5 out of 5 semesters receiving the university's merit scholarship, the "5 Good Students" title, the Do Quoc Sam scholarship – a prestigious scholarship for students with outstanding academic achievements, and participating in 4 scientific research projects, all of which won first or second prize. My next goal is to strive to become a Party member at Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. I've already accomplished half of this goal, having completed the Party orientation course and achieving an excellent grade. Many people ask me: "With so much work and such big goals, isn't it stressful?" Of course it is, extremely stressful! Pressure from work and pressure from myself. However, I will live like a giraffe – do you know why giraffes have such long necks? Like other giraffes, I am also a giraffe searching for food on barren grasslands where only a few tender green leaves remain on dry branches. If my body is too short, I try to stretch to eat but can't. At that time, I have to try to stretch my neck, even stand on tiptoes or jump to reach the young leaves. That's how giraffes do it; with perseverance and effort, the tall branches are no longer a challenge. In other words, big goals can be overcome if we have enough perseverance and effort. With determination and the goals I have set, I will not back down, I will bravely face difficulties in my work and always think about the good results so that I can continue walking on the path that is full of thorns and challenges ahead. I have youthful energy, the help of friends and the unwavering support of my family, along with the enthusiastic guidance of my teachers and seniors. Therefore, I always have to try my best not to disappoint my family, teachers, and friends.

Through my story, I want to share with you – those who are still unsure of who they are and are searching for success and happiness in their lives – that:

"A small spark can burn down an entire prairie." If we can pour our passion into our studies and into life, constantly acquiring new knowledge and skills, then one day we will shine.

Enthusiasm is a kind of driving force. Only with enthusiastic passion in life and in learning can we gradually improve our performance and build a richer future.

(Source: Vietnamese Students)