Hi Tin, allow me to call you by your first name! First of all, congratulations on your success and I’d like to express my admiration to you. One ticket to university is now in your hands.  Now that you are freshman of one of the world’s most prestigious universities, you must have a lot of feelings to share with us?

These days, I’m extremely happy, not only about the opportunity to study in an excellent environment, but also about the care of friends and family for me. I feel so lucky to receive such sincere love.

Apparently there’s no path to success that is covered with roses. You must have worked very hard to get this amazing result. Can you reveal some secrets of your learning methods?

My method might be finding the right “teacher” and take responsibility for my own studying. I cannot disregard the guidance from older student and teachers. We can make progress very fast if we can make use of predecessors’ experience.

There is a metaphor which my secondary teacher said to me: “I gave you the foundation, the house is completed earlier” – “but to build a strong, beautiful house, you must love the one you’re building.” I tried my best to take the initiative in learning. It’s almost a religion (smile) that I explore to learn more sabout the world, as well as my own potential. That’s my learning motivation – it guides me through the learning process, and makes me have an interest in studying. Hence, learning becomes easy and effective.

In order to gain the acceptance to a prestigious American university, you must have done a lot of extracurricular activities, so can you share some of those that you have participated and the one you like best? 

I loved working in Olympia High school in Utopia summer project – a mini city with “tiny citizens” who are primary school students. Those two weeks are very interesting: I first experienced working in an inter-level High school under international standards and found out the passion for ineracting and guiding younger students to discover their abilities. I always miss the kids of the project because they reminded me of myself when I was young, and I feel excited about their future as well as my own.  

Tin in Olympia School’s activities

Tin competing for “Mr & Mrs Ams”

In an extra-curricular activity at the SOS Children’s Village (Thanh Hoa)

What do you do to gain the balance in your life after stressful working hours?

I only “know” sport and am quite passionate about games. My level is not commensurate with my passion – I am often laughed at by my friends because of my poor playing skills. And those are the relaxation moments that I really appreciate. It relieves the tension and makes me more confident in my friendships – it seems that I’m compatible with the role being laughed at and then burst out laughing with my friends.

Everyone has reasons for their choices in life. Can you tell us the reason why you chose Princeton University from many others?

I cannot say Princeton is my only option – but it’s my top choice. Admissions to university, as I witness, require lots of calculation and tactics. I weigh my own potential, not merely my passion. I find both my passion and potential suitable for Princeton - which is one of the reasons for my decision to apply to the school. The other reason is that when I think of the future after graduation, two words “confident” and “prestige” come to my mind. I believe I will be confident when I graduate, not only with my knowledge but also qualifications in technology that I’m heading towards. Also, I believe that I will have the “prestige” when applying for jobs. The school’s reputation will become my reputation when I attained the level worth the reputation of a great school like Princeton.

In the near future, you will be studying at an extremely famous university in the world , what you will bring to the America?

I’m bringing the dream of a boy - or of every Vietnamese boy: becoming mature intellectual  and sensible in my relationships. Education is the path I choose to develop my intellect. I hope that the multiracial, multi-class society of America will help me perfect my social skills.

What is your most favorite proverb?

I’m not so keen on proverb, but, there are many Vietnamese ones that are very concise like: “Better luck next time.” I give myself every opportunity and I do not bet my future on only one choice. I always prepare a back-up plan. With good preparation, confidence and optimism in life and work, I can adapt, survive and manage everything.

As a student specializing in Mathematics, you must have a great passion for it. Can you tell us how you became passionate about the subject?
Math finds me – and I follow Math. Initially I only know about Math as a subject purely related to numbers and calculations. However, such calculations gradually result in great reasoning skills. That was when I started secondary school, I learned Math more passionate and more intensive: I began exploring Math problems, coming up with creative solutions or attempting to upgrade my logical thinking. To be honest, there is no events that aroused my passion in Math – loving Math is a process that has no beginning and ending.

After graduation from Hanoi – Ams, what will you remember most?

I don’t think I'll miss Ams , because every ideology, umbrage, friendships, student-teacher relationships and above all a desire to develop and dedicate of generations of students and teachers will be with me no matter where I am.

What would you like to say to your teachers and friends who shared their learning experience with you throughout the school years in Hanoi – Amsterdam?

Thanks everyone: for every hour of bitter or sweet, for every lesson or sincere teachings. I’m so happy to spend my student life at Ams. Once again, thanks everyone for the support and sympathy in my glorious moments. I’m looking forward to be with my friends and the teachers in their moments of glory in the future.

Thank you for this interview. We hope you will realize your dreams and achieve all successes in life.

 (Photo provided by Nguyen Danh Tin)

Interviewer: Do Nu Ha Phuong (V 11-14)

Translator: Tran Dieu Linh (A1 12-15)