Not previously known as a high-achieving student and once intimidated by natural sciences, Khánh An (12Denver) has made a remarkable breakthrough by earning a total of 6.8 billion VND in scholarships for Physical Therapy programs at several prestigious universities, including the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This institution is recognized as one of the leading centers for education and research in the United States, particularly in health sciences and rehabilitation. Standing out among thousands of strong applicants, Khánh An impressed admissions committees with her willingness to explore, step beyond her limits, and pursue her passion.
Inspired by the dedication of healthcare professionals in caring for and supporting patients, Khánh An chose to pursue Physical Therapy with the hope of continuing that meaningful work. However, natural science subjects were once her greatest challenge. Four years ago, she was still a shy student, struggling with formulas and tests in Chemistry and Biology. In large classes, she rarely initiated discussions with teachers, which made it even harder for her to grasp the material.
Her turning point came when she joined Dewey. Instead of memorizing formulas, she engaged with knowledge through hands-on practice, experiments, and direct observation. By testing and explaining phenomena herself, Khánh An gradually came to understand the underlying principles. She began to discover the real-world applications of concepts such as the nervous system’s control of movement, reflex mechanisms, and neural signal transmission in rehabilitation.
This shift in learning approach sparked her interest in natural sciences and brought about a clear transformation in how she learned. From a reserved student, she became proactive in exploring, asking questions, and diving deeper into subjects. Through interdisciplinary projects, Khánh An developed systems thinking and the ability to connect knowledge across fields. She recognized the close relationship between Chemistry and Biology—from energy metabolism and pH balance to lactic acid formation, as well as muscle contraction mechanisms (actin–myosin) and the role of ATP in energy supply and post-exercise recovery.
Beyond the classroom, Dewey encouraged her to expand her “circle” of experiences and seize opportunities for real-world development. Last year, Khánh An proactively applied for an internship at Hanoi Rehabilitation Hospital. While observing pediatric therapists, she realized that each therapy case is a journey requiring patience, expertise, and empathy. Healthcare professionals not only treat the body but also restore confidence and hope for their patients. This experience deepened her understanding of the humanistic value of the field she chose to pursue.
Once again, the school proudly congratulates Khánh An for “rewriting” her own story through a journey of perseverance and resilience. Her story is a testament to Dewey’s consistent educational philosophy: not limiting students to their initial abilities, but empowering them to construct knowledge, understand concepts deeply, experiment, make mistakes, learn from them, and gradually connect knowledge with the real world.
At Dewey, learning is not a race for top students, but a journey where each student discovers their own way of learning, builds critical thinking, nurtures intrinsic motivation, and gains the confidence to pursue their chosen path.
