Dang Thi Minh Thu, Valedictorian of Class 27 in Finance and Banking, and her journey of growth through meaningful connections

At the Commencement on the afternoon of August 16, 2025, newly graduated Bachelor Dang Thi Minh Thu, Valedictorian of Class 27, Finance and Banking, shared her journey of personal growth shaped by heartfelt connections with family, lecturers, friends, and Van Lang University community. Her success is not only the result of personal effort but also a testament to the power of companionship.

Dear distinguished Lecturers, Parents, Alumni, and Fellow Graduates,

I am Dang Thi Minh Thu, Valedictorian of Class 27 in Finance and Banking. Listening to the speech by Mr. Nguyen Phu Qui, an alumnus from Class 15 in Public Relations, I felt truly delighted. Because it’s heartwarming to know that wherever we go, we can always encounter talented Van Lang University alumni who are ready to support the next generation. These meaningful connections are a great motivation for us, the new graduates.

Honorly representing the graduating class under the warm lights and kind gazes, I would like to share my journey of growth at Van Lang University, a journey built on meaningful connections.

My bond with Van Lang University began long ago, with the very first connection coming from… my family. I often joke: “My family has studied at Van Lang University for three generations”! My brother was from Class 17 majoring in Architecture, and my sister from Class 21 majoring in Business Administration. Both of them left behind impressive achievements and beautiful memories in the hearts of their lecturers and friends. Over the past ten years, the three of us have witnessed Van Lang University grow and transform year by year, like a second home that keeps getting stronger. That’s why, even before I stepped into university, this place already felt familiar to me. It was a place my heart had long called “Home”.

Following in my siblings’ footsteps, I became a freshman of Class 27 at Van Lang University. I met people who lit the way for my student journey, they are enthusiastic seniors, energetic classmates, and devoted lecturers. They were the first hands to gently pull me out of my “shell”.

Step by step, I became an outstanding Youth Union member of the Faculty, received scholarships for consecutive years, was entrusted to organize student programs, and most notably, had the opportunity to be one of 50 students selected to visit and study at the Hung Kings Temple in 2024, a milestone that the freshman version of Minh Thu never imagined she could reach. I realized I’ve been fortunate to hold many precious “threads of connection” at Van Lang University, and at this moment, I truly want to express my gratitude to those special individuals.

I’m grateful to my lecturers not only for imparting knowledge, but also for quietly “taking my hand and showing me the way” through each step of my growth. Each lecturer was like a living book, where I found both the discipline to shape myself and the compassion to stand back up after every stumble. Thank you to the lecturers who were willing to sit with me for hours, helping me find a way to balance my academic schedule with Youth Union activities. Thank you to the lecturers who didn’t hesitate to spend time outside of class guiding me through final exam preparation, or suggesting internship opportunities that aligned with my career goals. From my lecturers, I’ve learned how to live responsibly, to uphold professional ethics, and to never forget the importance of saying thank you.

I’m grateful for the care and companionship of my seniors. I still remember those early days when I was just starting to get involved in student activities, everything was brand new to me, from drafting a proper plan to handling unexpected problems. My seniors gently guided me, patiently working with me until things got better. They taught me the true spirit of teamwork, that a leader isn’t just someone who makes decisions, but someone who knows how to listen and lift others up.

Thanks to that, from being the shy freshman who only knew how to learn from others, I’ve now become a “big sister” who walks alongside and shares with the juniors. Every time I share my experiences, I learn more about how to listen and understand. It’s the younger students who have taught me patience, a sense of responsibility, and the quiet joy of witnessing someone grow, just a little, thanks to the help I was able to offer. Thank you for helping me see a more mature version of myself.

Thank you to my friends, the “teammates” who stayed up all night revising before exams, who raced against time to tight deadlines, who camped with me through windy, youthful days, and who stood by me in every program and event. You were my “circle of energy”, helping me stay grounded amid overlapping responsibilities, and my anchor that kept me balanced between academics and Youth Union activities.

Thank you to the “Hoa Nien Tri” delegate on the Journey to the Ancestral Land in 2024. It wasn’t just a trip but a healing journey, where I met inspiring spirits and talented friends from many different fields. I realized that the most precious experiences aren’t found at the destination, but in the people who walk beside us along the way.

Looking back on my university journey, I know for sure that I couldn’t have reached this day without the companions who formed connections with me. Growing up is rarely a solo path. Everyone we meet in life is a piece that helps complete the best version of ourselves.

To me, Van Lang University is a welcoming home. No matter where we start, every student finds their own “Van Lang family”, those who share our joy in success and lift us up when we’re weary. It’s the warmth, empathy, and humane spirit at Van Lang University that turns encouragement and joy into the motivation we need to keep moving forward through these vibrant years.

On this momentous graduation day, I want to express my deepest gratitude to my parents and family, those who have quietly supported me and placed their full trust in me.

I want to send a message to all Van Lang University students: “Whether you’re a freshman or about to graduate, don’t be afraid to open your heart and connect, so you can grow fully. Van Lang University will always be Home to every single person of this place.” Thank you so much! In this warm moment, I’d like to invite lecturers and friends to turn your eyes to the screen and join me in rewinding time to relive the beautiful memories of our student days at Van Lang University.

DANG THI MINH THU
Valedictorian of Class 27
Bachelor of Finance and Banking