When Park Minha (10Burlington) first joined The Dewey Schools in Grade 7, he never imagined how much the journey would transform him. Looking back, he describes himself as someone who was once reserved and distant from others. However, through years of learning and growing at Dewey, Minha gradually became more open-minded, confident, and willing to step beyond his comfort zone.
Having lived in Vietnam for most of his life, Minha grew up surrounded by different cultures and languages. Yet, adapting to a new learning environment was not always easy. One of his biggest challenges when joining Dewey was communication. Although he had studied English before, using the language naturally in academic and daily interactions required time and practice.
Instead of seeing these challenges as barriers, he gradually learned how to overcome them. “Humanities helped me improve the most,” he shared. Through writing essays, discussing literature, and presenting ideas, he became more confident in expressing his thoughts in English. By analyzing books such as The Hunger Games, Lord of the Flies, and Wilder Girls,…he learned how to look beyond the surface of a story, understanding characters’ motivations, the author’s messages, and connecting ideas together.
One of the experiences he remembers most from Humanities was participating in debates. Recalling a Grade 8 debate, Minha shared that the discussion became emotional when disagreements between teammates intensified. Although it was a difficult moment, it became an important lesson. “I learned how not to damage someone’s ego, and to be more reasonable and logical instead of making arguments emotional. Because debates were not just about winning an argument but also about listening, communicating, and respecting different viewpoints.” – He reflected.
Beyond the classroom, Park Minha actively participated in the Movie Club, Business Club, and later discovered the Dolphin Tank competition – an experience that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Although business was not originally his passion, he decided to participate because he wanted to challenge himself. Together with his teammates, he developed an AI-powered project and won first prize. More than the achievement, the experience taught him valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and adaptability.
Looking ahead, Minha hopes to pursue a career as a prosecutor, a path that reflects his desire to make meaningful contributions to society. Through AP Psychology, he has also developed a deeper understanding of human behavior and emotions. “Psychology is not just about therapy. It helps you understand yourself better and control your emotions,” he explained.
After years at Dewey, Minha believes the greatest change has come from within himself. The school did not force him to become someone different; instead, it provided opportunities, experiences, and connections that helped him grow naturally. His journey shows that education is not only about academic success, but also about discovering yourself, overcoming challenges, and gaining the confidence to find your own path.
