Physics passion is nurtured from curiosity
Excellently winning the Gold Medal at the 56th International Physics Olympiad (IPhO), Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc - a 12th grade student specializing in Physics, Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted - contributed to bringing the Vietnamese team into the group of 7 countries with the highest results in the exam.
The IPhO Gold Medal is a prominent milestone in the many years of efforts of the female student of Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted.
Right from 10th grade, Ngoc was the valedictorian, winning a Gold Medal at the Excellent Student Selection Contest of specialized high schools in the coastal and Northern Delta regions.
In 11th grade, the female student won the First Prize at the provincial-level excellent student selection exam in Physics; won a Gold Medal at the Excellent Student Selection Exam for specialized high schools in the coastal and Northern Delta regions; and the Second Prize in the national excellent student selection exam in Physics.
In 12th grade, Ngoc won the first prize in the provincial-level excellent student selection exam, the national runner-up in the national excellent student selection exam in Physics and was selected for the Vietnamese team to participate in IPhO.
Before winning the IPhO Gold Medal in 2026, she won the Asian Physics Olympiad (APhO) Silver Medal in 2026.
Few people know that the little student's love for Physics originated from very ordinary questions.
From a young age, Bich Ngoc was always curious about the phenomena happening around and constantly asked the question "why".
When I studied Physics at the secondary school level, I realized that this subject could explain things that seemed difficult to understand with scientific rules.
It is the gradual finding of answers to those questions that has helped Bich Ngoc nurture her passion for Physics.
The more I study, the more I am attracted to the logic, tightness and ability to explain the natural world of the subject.
Family and teachers - a support on the journey to conquer knowledge
Since entering 10th grade, Bich Ngoc has had to live far from her family. Ngoc's family's place is nearly 40km from Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted, so she chose to live in a dormitory.
During the national excellent student team and international Olympic team exam preparation periods, Ngoc only had time to visit home for many weeks.
Although there is little time to meet, family is always a solid spiritual support for Ngoc.
She said that her parents have never created pressure about scores or achievements, but only hope that their children will try their best, maintain their health and study with a comfortable mentality.
Every time I call, my parents don't ask how many good lessons I did today, but just tell me everyday stories at home to make me feel lighter. On weekends, if I can't come home, my parents will take the time to visit and bring my favorite dishes," Ngoc emotionally shared.
Living away from her family since 10th grade helps Bich Ngoc soon cultivate self-reliance and proactiveness in learning.
The female student said that she has no special secrets other than perseverance, solidly learning knowledge from the beginning and always deeply understanding the nature of each problem.
Besides classroom materials, Ngoc also proactively reads foreign materials to broaden her knowledge and train her thinking.
Before each exam, I spend time rearranging knowledge, maintaining a regular lifestyle, not staying up late but maintaining the habit of sleeping early and waking up early, combining listening to music and playing sports to maintain a comfortable spirit.
Accompanying Ngoc throughout the journey to conquer the Gold Medal is teacher Nguyen Hai Duong - Deputy Head of Professional Department of the Department of Physics and Technology, in charge of the national excellent student team in Physics - Le Hong Phong High School for the Gifted.
According to teacher Duong, Ngoc is a student with good thinking, strong will and especially passionate about Physics.
Ngoc is petite but very persistent, so when she encounters difficult problems, she does not give up but always finds ways to solve them to the end. Not only striving to study, Ngoc is also willing to share knowledge and support her teammates," teacher Duong commented.
After the International Physics Olympiad Gold Medal, Bich Ngoc plans to study Electronics - Telecommunications at Hanoi University of Science and Technology and continue to pursue scientific research, while considering studying abroad opportunities if appropriate.
