From Biotechnology to International Commercial Law, Phương Linh (12Denver) and An Chi (12Detroit) have taken different paths toward their goals of gaining admission to two of Vietnam’s leading universities. Behind each of their choices lies a proactive journey of self-discovery: identifying their strengths, exploring their interests, and having the courage to challenge themselves by forging their own paths.
For Phương Linh, choosing Biotechnology at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City was rooted in her passion for experimental science. Since Grade 11, she had been independently experimenting with growing chemical crystals at home. As President of Dewey’s Science Club, Linh and her peers applied their knowledge of Chemistry and Biology to create scented candles, essential oils, butterfly specimens, and more. Through these hands-on experiences, Linh discovered her desire to pursue a highly applied field of science—one that could bring the value of research closer to everyday life.
What Linh values most about Dewey is the way students are trained to think critically, focusing on the essence and underlying principles of a problem rather than relying on rote memorization. The strong English foundation she developed at Dewey has also enabled her to access international scientific resources directly and become familiar with specialized terminology from an early stage.
For An Chi, her journey toward choosing a field of study began with her passion for diplomacy, law, and international trade. She came to realize that behind political relations and agreements between nations lies an entire system of principles and legal frameworks designed to balance the interests of all parties. As cross-border trade and commerce continue to play an increasingly important role in international relations, An Chi wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the rules and “playing field” that govern these activities.
Although she received offers from prestigious Chinese universities such as Beijing Foreign Studies University, and Shanghai University of Political Science and Law, An Chi still wanted to challenge herself by pursuing admission to a leading law university in Vietnam. Alongside preparing for the HSK 5 exam, she also maintained a balance with her academic responsibilities at school. She chose to apply through the C03 subject combination—Mathematics, History, and Literature—a challenging combination that requires both logical thinking and a strong understanding of society. Yet An Chi remained confident, thanks to the academic foundation she had built at Dewey.
The stories of Phương Linh and An Chi reflect the diversity of talents, interests, and aspirations among Dewey students. Some discover their passion in science; others explore the world through history, diplomacy, and law. Some are drawn to technology, while others are inspired by media and economics. There is no single formula for shaping the future. What matters is that every student has the opportunity to understand themselves, understand the world of work, and confidently move forward on the path they have chosen.
