“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘The best way to predict your future is to create it.’ At Dewey, I learned not to wait for someone to hand me an opportunity. Instead, I learned to step out, carve my own path, and make others believe in what I do. Dewey made me feel that I have the right to make mistakes — and always the chance to make it right.”
These words from Hoang Pham Thuy Anh’s graduation speech – a 12Detroit student – also reflect the guiding light that has led her through three transformative years at The Dewey Schools.
Not only a multi-talented and energetic student in extracurriculars, Thùy Anh also earned prestigious scholarships from various universities both in Vietnam and abroad, including:
- A 100% scholarship from Queen University of Charlotte
- A 100% Presidential Scholarship from Marymount Manhattan College
- A 70% scholarship from VinUni
Fearless in the face of challenges and never waiting for opportunity to knock, Thùy Anh chose to forge her own way. It was by chance that she crossed paths with Dewey, but this very place became her launchpad — helping her break out of conventional molds and become someone who dares to dream, dares to act, and dares to shine.
Becoming the President of the Dewey Student Council (DSC) for the 2023–2024 school year marked a pivotal moment in her journey. During her term, she played a key role in organizing over 20 major and minor events across the school. Her image — petite but full of vigor, hustling behind the scenes and cheering on her team — became a familiar and inspiring sight at Dewey events.
“I realized that leadership is one of the most difficult skills to master, and that’s why I want to conquer it. It’s not just about management but about how to inspire and how to influence the people you lead. It’s a skill that needs time and discipline to grow every day.” – Thùy Anh reflects.
Her presence always brings a sense of leadership, magnetic inner strength, and a contagious positive energy. Currently, she is also managing the Basketball and Football Clubs at Dewey Tay Ho Tay while running two official TikTok and Instagram accounts of the Dewey Basketball Club — where she spreads sports spirit to thousands through viral videos reaching millions of views. Beyond leadership, Thùy Anh is also an accomplished vocalist with a clear and emotional voice and is skilled in multiple instruments like piano and guitar.
Speaking of her student, homeroom teacher Ms. Vũ Cẩm Vân shared, “Thùy Anh always knows what she wants. She has strong opinions and isn’t afraid to voice them. That powerful energy is something you feel the moment you meet her. But as you get to know her better, you realize she’s also incredibly kind, sincere, and warm-hearted.”
After all, Dewey wasn’t just where Thùy Anh studied — it was where she found herself — through stumbles, from growth through challenges, and onward with a passionate heart and unwavering belief in her own journey.
