If asked to describe her journey at VNU Vietnam Japan University (VJU) in just one word, Bảo Hà would choose “growth”. For her, the greatest achievement is not the title of valedictorian itself, but the journey of setting small goals, stepping beyond her comfort zone, and graduating with no regrets.
On July 18, Nguyễn Bảo Hà will officially graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Japanese Studies as the top-performing student of her program.
Small steps, big achievements
At first glance, Bảo Hà’s impressive accomplishments speak for themselves. As the valedictorian of the Bachelor of Japanese Studies Class of VJU2026, she graduated with a GPA of 3.68, earned the Second Prize at the Vietnam National University, Hanoi (VNU) Reading Culture Ambassador Competition 2025, received the Lawrence S. Ting Scholarship, and won Third Prize in VJU’s Student Scientific Research Competition. Yet behind these achievements is a much quieter story.
“I used to be quite shy. Public speaking made me nervous, and I was always hesitant to step outside my comfort zone. It was through the learning environment and experiences at VJU that I gradually changed”, Hà recalled.
For the Japanese Studies graduate, becoming the valedictorian was never part of the plan. When she first enrolled at VJU, her goals were simple and practical: maintain a GPA above 3.2, actively participate in extracurricular activities, gain work experience through part-time jobs, take courses she genuinely enjoyed, and make the most of a “colorful” university life.
“I’ve always believed that if I stayed committed to small goals, the results would come naturally. Becoming the valedictorian was far beyond anything I had expected”, she said.
To Hà, university life is about much more than earning high grades. More importantly, it is a journey of developing independent thinking, self-directed learning, and personal growth through both successes and setbacks. Whenever she faced pressure or self-doubt, she would slow down, remind herself of her original aspirations, and keep moving forward.
Studying Japanese Studies at VJU: A place where every student grows in their own way
Hà’s love for Japan began with manga and animated films she enjoyed as a child. However, it was her time at the VJU that enabled her to gain a deeper understanding of the country’s people, culture, and society.
What drew her to the Japanese Studies program was not only the opportunity to learn the language but also VJU’s liberal arts philosophy. Students are encouraged to explore Japan from multiple perspectives, including history, culture, law, and language, while having the freedom to pursue interests beyond their major.
Above all, what left the deepest impression on Hà was the people at VJU: “From my very first days here, I felt that there was almost no distance between lecturers and students”.
With small class sizes, students are able to engage directly with lecturers, ask questions freely, and receive close academic guidance. Beyond the classroom, faculty members are always willing to dedicate extra time to support students whenever needed. The close-knit student community also plays an important role, with senior students generously sharing their academic experiences, research insights, and advice on university life with younger cohorts.
It was this supportive environment that gradually encouraged Hà to step beyond her comfort zone.
“I used to be terrified of giving presentations in a foreign language. But thanks to the encouragement and trust of my lecturers and friends, I gradually became more confident. That confidence opened doors for me to participate in scientific research, competitions, scholarship programs, and many other activities”, she shared.
Carrying a spirit of learning and kindness into the future
Among the many milestones of her university years, Hà considers receiving the Lawrence S. Ting Scholarship to be the most memorable.
For her, the scholarship represented far more than academic recognition. It also opened opportunities to engage in community service. One particularly meaningful experience was volunteering at the Empower Light Exhibition, an initiative organized by the Lawrence S. Ting Foundation for children with disabilities in 2026. The experience inspired her to transform what she had learned in the classroom into meaningful actions that could benefit society.
It also strengthened her determination to pursue research on employment policies for people with disabilities, drawing on Japan’s experience as a valuable reference. After winning Third Prize in VJU’s Student Scientific Research Competition in 2025, Hà continued developing her research with the aspiration of contributing more to the fields of law and public policy.
Looking back on her years at VJU, where every experience helped shape a more confident version of herself, Hà hopes to carry forward the values she has embraced: a lifelong commitment to learning, a strong sense of responsibility, and the kindness to make meaningful contributions to society.
After graduation, she plans to continue her studies and pursue a career in law, international cooperation, and social policy, particularly in projects connecting Vietnam and Japan. In the long run, she hopes to contribute to building a more inclusive society for people with disabilities.
