Reporter: AWW would like to congratulate Nguyen Tu Quyen for winning the first prize and also achieving the national valedictorian score. How do you feel when you know the score?

Tu Quyen: Actually, at that time, I felt like I was beaten down by the score. During the whole week, everyone was saying “the results are coming out this week” so I was extremely nervous and worried every day. However, the results came at the most unexpected time and that day I was outside of Hanoi: suddenly the teacher sent an official photo to the Zalo group. At that time, I only felt a sigh of relief because so many worries and anxious waiting had finally ended, so I looked at the scores with a very calm mood and was ready to accept any outcome no matter what. But when I looked at my name next to the word "Nhat", I couldn't believe it and felt really surprised!

Reporter: Can you share your most memorable moment during your exam preparation time?

Tu Quyen: My memories with the team are mostly memories with friends instead of memories about studying. The friends on the team are all people with whom I am quite close, and especially when I have completed half of my high school period in mainly online conditions, every opportunity to work and keep in contact with those friends is more precious than ever. The period coincided with the time of the 2022 Winter Olympics and I closely followed Figure Skating as well as athlete Yuzuru Hanyu, so it can be said that my best memory at that time was with my friends watching this athlete compete. Due to the heavy workload, I had to sacrifice a lot of time for my hobbies and passion for studying, so the rare moments when I can relax a little and watch the sport I like were quite memorable for me.

Tu Quyen is currently Vice President of Puzzles Ams

Reporter: Due to the impact of the epidemic, the preparation for the team to participate in this year's Excellent Student Contest lasted 5 months and for most of the months students in Hanoi had to study online. What did you do to overcome this difficulty?

Tu Quyen: For me, studying online is not a difficulty, but sometimes it is an advantage, especially when I Am very afraid of being infected with Covid. Honestly, regardless of the form of learning, the effect of learning will still lie on me. When I study or work alone for example. I personally feel that I always want to complete everything to the best of my ability, so I always try to at least understand what the teachers are saying. The only disadvantage of online learning is that it is not possible to recreate the exam room environment for me to get used to - but I always try to create the space as close as possible such as taking the listening test using external speakers, printing out the paper. .. Therefore, although the pressure during the period was quite immense, I tried to overcome it by practicing strategically.

Reporter: When did you start committing to English? Can you share your thoughts and tips on how to do well in this subject?

Tu Quyen: I started learning English when I was 5 years old, but at that time, I really hated foreign languages. It wasn't until third grade that I returned to this subject and had a certain love for it; However, it was not until 8th grade that I decided to pursue this subject for a long time. For me, English is an extremely important tool: it opens up a lot of opportunities for me to participate in activities, learn new knowledge, and interact with foreign forms of music and movies. In my opinion, there is no definite secret to being good at a certain subject, but with English, I think you have to determine what your purpose of learning English is and the most suitable learning method. How is it with me? It's important to remember that your goals and methods are not necessarily what society thinks is right - you can absolutely only learn English from "Minecraft", for example, and you absolutely can learn by watching “memes”. As long as you identify these two things, your next journey will be very smooth.

"The important thing when learning English is my purpose and method - it's not what society thinks is right" - Tu Quyen

Reporter: How much time do you spend a day reviewing for admissions and how do you divide your time to balance studying in class, studying for NEC and participating in extracurricular activities?

Tu Quyen: Due to the small amount of time for revision for this year's team, we were exempted from school to focus on English. Of course, I still have activities like the Debate Club and “Ams' Got Talent”, but I managed to complete most of the assignments in February and March to spend more time practicing. Myday is quite simple: I usually spend 3 hours with the team every morning and afternoon and then spend 1 hour relaxing or handling extra-curricular work, and in the evening, I mainly self-study and meet deadlines. It can be seen that I spend a lot of time relaxing and working on my own, because for me the most effective way to work is not to spend a lot of time, but to work more tactically and effectively in a given time. If I use my time more intelligently (for example, instead of just doing an essay, I can both write it and use it to practice speaking), and be balanced (don't stay up late), I will have plenty of time and arrange a more suitable schedule.

Tu Quyen is always energetic and enthusiastic with the extra-curricular activities she participates in

Reporter: In addition to practicing many topics, do you have any effective learning methods to improve listening - reading - writing skills?

Tu Quyen: Because everyone has a different way of learning, I can't say for sure that my method is the best and will work for everyone, because like I said, everyone has to find their own learning method. The exercise that works best for you - it may not be traditional at all. In my case, the teachers will practice all skills with the team, so in my own time, I will focus on the parts I am weaker like speaking and writing. My main way of learning is to learn from what I like best - I have improved my reading comprehension, word usage, and writing in the most natural way, through "fanfic" on Archive of Our Own” and learned how to speak, how to tone up and down from quite a few meme videos. Watching debates is also a good way for me to practice listening, learn to develop ideas and practice speaking.

Reporter: It is known that Tu Quyen is the vice president of the school's debate club - Puzzles Ams - and a member of the Ams Kira team competing in VTV7's The Debaters program. Can you talk about your passion for debate?

Tu Quyen: I started debating quite by accident in 7th grade through the World Scholar's Cup and have continued to pursue it until now. For me, debating is a part of who I am - through debating I have identified my strengths and weaknesses as well as my future major. Through debate, I really opened my eyes to the world around me and its nuances, as well as learned many lessons about teamwork and winning and losing. Especially during the team preparation time, the skills I gained in debating were very useful in developing my ideas, speaking, listening, and filtering information. I also plan to debate long-term.

Tu Quyen achieved great success at the 7th grade World Scholar's Cup competition

Reporter: Finally, is there anything you would like to say to your juniors who intend to take the HSG exam in English in particular and in other subjects in general?

Tu Quyen: If there is anything about the National Excellent Student Competition, I think there are two things. First, determine what you want to take the exam for - that reason is probably not because you want to go to University but because you want to save face - like me. When you know why you want to take the test, you will set expectations and a suitable method for yourself. Secondly, work in moderation and enjoy yourself during the review period - then you will work effectively and really feel happy and motivated.

Reporter: On behalf of the Ams Wide Web editorial board, I would like to thank Nguyen Tu Quyen for today's conversation. Tu Quyen has been, is and will always be a deep inspiration to Amsers. I wish you more success in the near future!

Reporter: Nhu Ha Xuan Anh - Geography 2124

Photo: Character provided

Translator: Do Thuan An - English 1 2023