Some information on Le Minh Anh:

- Academic achievement:

+ 2 times awarded in the National UPU Writing Contest.

+ Third Prize in "Em yeu lich su" of Hanoi, Consolation Prize at Hanoi merit competition for the Gifted.

- Extra-curricular activities:

+ Academic Ambassador of Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted

+ Ams Wide Web’s Club President of 2016 - 2017; Founder and President of Dong Da Global Connection

+ Volunteer teacher in English at Phu Xuyen Town School and Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for visually impaired students; English tutor at Saint Paul International Campus; Ams Advisor’s literature advisor

+ Cover face and interviewee of Thieu nien Tien Phong magzine, collaborators of Nhi Dong magazine, Thieu nien Tien Phong, ... Awarded "Potential Writer" of Thieu nien Tien Phong.

Interviewer: Hello Minh Anh. Congratulations on your series of success in the last semester. I know, apply is a hard work that requires a lot of effort. What difficulties did you face during the application process and how did you overcome it? Are there any special memories you would like to share with us?

Minh Anh: Hello and thank you very much for giving me the opportunity to share my story today. For me, the biggest pressure are standardized tests. I was under pressure as my starting point was not as excellent as the other, thus I always told myself "Diligence in place of intelligence". I struggled many times to achieve the desired score.

Throughout the application period, I would never be able to forget the Ams Ambassador talent test. At that time, I spent 5 hours continuously rehearsing for the show while preparing for the four standardized tests taking place the next month. That was a very tiring period, and I just managed to sleep for no more than 3 hours almost every day. Fortunately, the exams went smoothly and I managed to register for the ACT again in October. 

Graceful Le Minh Anh in her white Ao dai

Interviewer: In Ams Ambassador 2017, you have successfully earned the prestigious title of Academic Ambassador. Does this create pressure during your application process?

Minh Anh: The title "Academic Ambassador" brings me both pressure and motivation when submitting applications. The more confident I am in the title, the more aware I am of the responsibility to prove it worthy. Many American universities know the reputation of Hanoi - Amsterdam so I always try to highlight my profile to make a good impression of an Amser in their view.

Le Minh Anh shines in the ambassador Ams - Ams Ambassador 2017 final

Interviewer: In addition to your academic achievements, extracurricular activities are also an important factor in order to obtain a prominent profile. So, how can we balance and accomplish both of these tasks? What extracurricular activities do you really set your mind and time on?

Minh Anh: In the first few days of high school, not only me but many students find it difficult to balance between study and extracurricular activities. My own advice is to devote yourself wholeheartedly to just one thing. When you concentrate and dedicate your whole heart and mind to a single task, you will accomplish it very quickly and efficiently. For myself, I would even feel very happy to see the results later. Gradually, I learn to find joy in every job, consider it a company rather than a "problem" to implement. Every morning, I wake up living and working with passion and excitement. Isn’t that great?

The work that brings most fun to me is doing charity. I have had the opportunity to provide food for patients at K Hospital, teach English for poor students in Phu Xuyen and visually impaired students at Nguyen Dinh Chieu school. At first, I took part because I like to help others, to go and share with people less fortunate than us. But the precious experience has raise my awareness of my responsibility to the community.

Interviewer: Many students are also setting goals to study abroad and attain scholarship. Can you share your experience as a successful applicant?

Minh Anh: I think I’m not good enough to be able to guide or share too many experiences when it comes to college applications. I just want to tell you a little story: 3 years ago, I just barely passed the entrance test for Ams, failed to get into the two clubs I liked most, and got eliminated in almost every contest (laugh). Fortunately, there were many good friends around me who love me and teachers who always supported, guided and helped me reach my targets. I was selected for the the Literature Team of Hanoi, being chosen the president of a club and the "Academic Ambassador", being one of the Top 8 of Ams Got Talent, especially having three years of experience with many work accomplished. What I want to say from my story is: Never give up and have faith in the best thing. As long as you trust yourself and never stop trying, you will soon “get rid of thorns and be able to pick the most beautiful roses”!

Reporter: Can you reveal some of your upcoming plans?

Minh Anh: I will continue to do charity as usual. In addition, I would like to learn some skills such as photoshop and photography because I did not have time to put them into practice. Furthermore, I will launch an art project that I have been planning for a long time. Please support me and my plans!

Thank Le Minh Anh for the conversation! May the Academic Ambassador always succeed in life and continue to shed lustre on the title “Amser” wherever she goes!

Reporter: Nguyen Minh Thu – Literature 1619

Translated by Tran Nguyen Hong Minh – 10 English 1