As they embark on their journey to National Economics University (NEU) — one of Vietnam’s leading universities — Hoang Lan (12Detroit, The Dewey Schools Tay Ho Tay) and Uyen Nhi (12Washington DC, The Dewey Schools Hai Phong) each have their own aspirations for the future. While their interests and strengths are different, their stories share a common thread: choosing the right field of study begins with understanding yourself and taking the initiative to explore the world of careers.
Uyen Nhi chose Smart Operations Management after actively exploring different fields and recognizing that the program aligns well with her strength in foreign languages. She sees the intersection of management and technology as both highly practical and full of future potential, particularly amid the rapid growth of the digital era.
Meanwhile, Hoang Lan’s decision to pursue Agricultural Economics stems from her long-standing interest in the environment and sustainable development. In Grade 11, Lan began conducting independent research on banana fiber, seeking to develop natural, safe, and biodegradable materials while also contributing to the preservation of Vietnam’s traditional cultural values. She hopes to transform the theories and ideas developed through her research into practical products.
At Dewey, continuous opportunities for exploration have enabled both Uyen Nhi and Hoang Lan to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen fields and future careers. Uyen Nhi shares that she has regularly participated in career guidance activities, met representatives from universities, and connected with professionals working in business administration. Hoang Lan, meanwhile, explored her areas of interest through competitions and experiential opportunities, from the Vietnam Business Challenge and Vietnam Economics Olympiad to the Asian Business Simulation.
In particular, her ability to learn independently became a key advantage as she prepared for the NEU entrance examination. Rather than attending additional classes outside school, Lan primarily studied independently, drawing on the knowledge base and learning strategies she had developed at Dewey.
Now as new NEU students, both Hoang Lan and Uyen Nhi feel confident in the foundation they bring with them from Dewey. They share that becoming familiar with reading and processing academic materials in English at Dewey has helped them adapt quickly to the research demands of university-level study. For Lan, concepts such as Design Thinking and Critical Thinking, introduced during NEU’s orientation training for new students, were already familiar. These are approaches she had consistently practiced throughout her three years at Dewey.
Ultimately, the greatest value in Hoang Lan and Uyen Nhi’s journey lies not simply in earning a place at one of Vietnam’s leading universities, but in the way they have learned to ask questions, actively explore who they are, and make informed choices based on their abilities, strengths, and future aspirations. This is also the kind of preparation Dewey strives to provide: not a predetermined path, but the capabilities and confidence students need to create their own.
