Doan Hoai Khanh Ly is the valedictorian of the 2025 Ho Chi Minh City Open University's high school graduation exam score (pscology) with a score of 27.75.
With the title of valedictorian, Ly was awarded a scholarship of 200% of tuition in the first school year and 100% in the following academic years.
The title of valedictorian is the result of a process of continuous efforts and struggles, because few people know that Ly was a lazy, playful student who failed the 10th grade publicly.
Ly recounted that her wishes for grade 9 were not suitable, and the results of the grade 10 exam were not as expected. "When I knew I wasn't pregnant, I was very sad, and my parents were sad," Ly recalled.
Due to family conditions, he chose to study at the District 12 Vocational Education - Continuing Education Center (HCMC), instead of studying at a private school to reduce the tuition burden.
Entering grade 10, Ly continued to be subjective and did not focus on studying, and her 10th grade results were not very good.
"At that time, I realized that there was a prejudice that regular education was not good, and then this opinion, that opinion, so I decided to change. I want to prove that studying anywhere can be successful if I try," Ly said.
The turning point came in grade 11, when Ly was introduced by her homeroom teacher to the team of excellent students in Geography. "At first, I was afraid I wasn't good enough, but she encouraged me to try. Thanks to the dedicated guidance of teachers at school, I gradually became confident and in grade 12 I won the second prize for the city's excellent student in Geography," Ly shared.
From there, I was oriented to choose a major in social studies, try to study all subjects, not take extra classes, focus on listening to lectures and doing homework. "I study until about 9pm, then I take a break, don't play games, just play sports and hang out with friends," Ly said.
When he learned that he would become the valedictorian of Ho Chi Minh City Open University, Ly could not believe it. "At first, I only saw the words "congratulations to the contestant with the highest score" and thought it was a system error. Two weeks later, I received a confirmed email, I dared to believe it," the female student laughed.
When hearing the news that Ly had become valedictorian, the whole family was happy, and relatives called to congratulate him everywhere.
Looking back on the journey from a public failed student to a university valedictorian, Ly said: "I find it a process of both disappointment, trial and happiness. I hope everyone is not prejudiced against continuing education students - that place can still nurture dreams and help me succeed".
