Đặng Ngọc Phương: Hành trình không giới hạn của cô gái Ngoại giao

From an International Law student of Cohort 46 at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV) to an outstanding valedictorian, recipient of the prestigious Nguyễn Cơ Thạch Scholarship for Exceptionally Excellent Students in 2021, champion of an international humanitarian moot court competition, and a versatile bilingual MC — Đặng Ngọc Phương is a living testament to relentless effort and growth. She reflects on overcoming peer pressure and how the Academy has “forged” her into the best version of herself.

Peer Pressure and a Defining Moment

In DAV’s highly competitive environment, where every student shines in their own right, Phương transformed peer pressure into a springboard to surpass her own limits. “In my early days as class president of 46C,” she recalls with a nostalgic smile, “I felt lost in a sea of talent. Every class felt like a battle within myself — between self-doubt and the desire to shine.”

Her first year was marked by layered challenges: the demanding field of international law, language barriers in English-medium courses, and months of online study during the COVID-19 pandemic. “There were times I thought I wouldn’t make it,” she admits. But rather than retreating, she chose to confront the difficulties head-on — by preparing thoroughly for classes, speaking up even when unsure, and pushing forward with determination. At that time, she says, her drive was fueled not just by coursework but by “a fear of being left behind.”

One pivotal moment came when Phương learned she had been selected as a recipient of the Nguyễn Cơ Thạch Scholarship for Exceptionally Excellent Students — the Academy’s highest honor. “When I applied, I never imagined I would reach the top tier,” she says. “But I’ve always believed: if you can’t control the outcome, you can control the process.” She entered the challenge not with a competitive mindset, but with the conviction that, given the chance, she would give 200% of herself. Every essay, every interview, was done with passion, sincerity, and a deep desire to contribute.

When her name was called, she realized the greatest reward was not the certificate itself but the journey she had taken to get there. The Nguyễn Cơ Thạch Scholarship became more than recognition — it was a reminder: “Keep moving forward, because those who give wholeheartedly will always receive more than just one opportunity.” As she puts it, “The destination is not what starts us off — it’s the steps we take along the way. And for me, this journey is still ongoing…”

DAV – Where Sleepless Nights turn into Professional Equippage

Today, Phương juggles multiple roles: consultant and policy analyst, bilingual MC, and English news collaborator at a local television station. For her, the years at DAV were not only about acquiring knowledge but also about sharpening skills and mindsets. “Those sleepless nights of research built my perseverance and capacity for in-depth analysis,” she reflects. “Classroom debates became opportunities to hone critical thinking.”

What DAV taught her was not confined to books, but embedded in the very process of grappling with knowledge. Each all-nighter was more than just meeting a deadline; it was a lesson in resilience. Each debate was not merely for a grade, but a chance to see issues from multiple perspectives — an invaluable skill in the complex field of policy consulting.

According to Phương, three core competencies shaped by DAV — sharp critical thinking, rigorous research ability, and persuasive communication — have formed the foundation of her career. These values serve not only her current work but also act as a compass, enabling her to embrace challenges and thrive in diverse professional contexts.

Above all, the most priceless gift DAV gave her was the ability to self-learn — a timeless tool in a world where knowledge can become obsolete overnight. “DAV taught me how to learn and how to think, not just to memorize facts,” she shares. “That is the greatest gift any student could hope to gain.”

As an experienced professional, Phương understands a truth often overlooked: genuine education is not about cramming information but cultivating adaptability. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn independently is the key to never being left behind. For her, DAV was the place that handed her this invaluable key.

Her journey stands as proof of the power of continuous learning. From lecture halls to global stages, from academic essays to complex policy reports, she has shown that the most important asset is not the diploma itself, but how one uses knowledge to create value. To Phương, DAV was more than a school — it was a launchpad, a place that instilled resilience, adaptability, and critical thought. Even today, she carries forward its guiding principle: “Learn to serve and to lead.”

 Nguyễn Minh Hạnh_ Học Viện Ngoại Giao