Nguyễn Thảo Vân: Success Is Not About Speed, But Endurance

Nguyễn Thảo Vân, a graduate of Cohort 46 from the International Law Faculty at the Diplomatic Academy, currently works as a legal assistant at LNT & Partners. This September, she will embark on a new chapter studying abroad in Switzerland with a master’s scholarship in International Law and Economics. Choosing the Diplomatic Academy as her foundation, she steadily built a solid academic background, gained valuable experience through extracurricular activities, international competitions, and internships. After graduation, Vân left Hanoi for the South, entering the professional workforce and gradually affirming her own path. Her journey is not one of luck, but the result of years of relentless learning and deep self-awareness.

From a High School Passion to a Commitment at the Diplomatic Academy

While attending Hanoi–Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, Thảo Vân took part in a Model United Nations activity — her first encounter with international relations and global issues. It was here that her dream to pursue international law quietly took root.

The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam became her destination—not only for the reputation of professors such as Associate Professors Nguyen Hong Thao, Ly Van Anh, and Nguyen Thi Lan Anh—but also for its environment. Vân shared, “The environment profoundly shapes one’s mindset and perspective on social issues. The Academy gave me an academic setting that was both deep and open, dynamic and inspiring.”

Like many eighteen-year-olds, Vân entered university with some grandiose expectations about the prestigious “Diplomatic” name. But after four years immersed in that world, those imagined visions became lived experience—unforgettable memories for the young woman. Thanks to the Academy, she participated in international-scale events and represented Vietnam in international moot court competitions.

Yet Vân’s academic journey was not without moments of uncertainty. “I studied a field oriented toward government work but didn’t work at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sometimes I wondered if I could compete with peers from other universities when shifting to the private sector,” she reflected. Nevertheless, the skills honed at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam became a steadfast foundation, empowering her to confidently compete in any environment.

Looking back on four years of youth, Thảo Vân believes she gained much more than knowledge. “The Academy allowed me to develop both professionally and personally and to find true friends. Many say university friendships don’t last or extracurricular activities only embellish resumes. For me, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam—especially the International Law faculty—proved otherwise.” Throughout her time at DAV, Vân not only built a strong academic foundation but also found companions and a community she trusts will stay with her long after graduation.

The blend of academic pursuits, extracurricular commitments, and a packed work schedule sometimes brought pressure. Yet rather than obstacles, Vân saw these as opportunities to grow. “Balancing study, extracurriculars, and part-time jobs was both challenging and a chance for me to mature and improve myself. Right from freshman year, the Academy trained me to juggle multiple tasks, manage time efficiently, and maintain a balance between work and mental health,” she shared. This mindset and skillset gave Vân the confidence to step into competitive workplaces and was crucial in winning a prestigious master’s scholarship.

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City: A Journey of Growth

After graduation, leaving behind the comfort of family and a familiar home, Vân decided to step out of her comfort zone and begin anew. Moving south wasn’t just about changing locations—it was about learning independence, taking control of life, and pushing personal boundaries. “I thought simply, I’m young and want experiences. I wanted to find where I fit, to understand different cultures, people, and opportunities. Saigon was attractive—not only for its vibrant job market but also for the chance to encounter challenges and develop,” Vân recalled.

Working life revealed a truth: “Work skills aren’t taught in school or by professors. They’re about working efficiently and showing your value to the company. These are lessons you learn only through real-world experience.”

Achievement Is Not About Titles, But Doing Well Every Day

The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam planted a special seed in Vân: a mindset about one’s role in society and the nation. For her, university was not just acquiring specialized knowledge but a process of shaping her sense of responsibility. Although working in corporate law, Vân aspires to pursue international commercial and investment law—fields intertwined with global economic relations. Aware of their difficulty in the job market, the Academy sparked in her a spirit of commitment: to use her abilities to contribute to socio-economic development.

When asked why she didn’t choose an easier path, Vân answered that doing what she excels at and using it to serve the community is her true goal. “If you’re privileged to learn and access advanced knowledge and thinking, then you should use that to serve society.” The seed sown by the Academy wasn’t a specific career plan but a motivation to live responsibly and chase meaningful, long-term goals.

After two years working, Vân doesn’t claim to be exceptional, but she’s proud of steadily standing by her choices. “Achievement isn’t always something grand. Sometimes just earning enough to support yourself is success. I once felt pressured seeing others earn from age 20, but later realized everyone develops at their own pace. For me, having a stable job, continually learning, and seeing daily progress—that’s enough.”

To students still uncertain about the future, Vân advises patience and calm, especially in the early years after graduation, typically between ages 24-25—a challenging period. “At every stage, just do your best. Don’t compare yourself or feel pressured to succeed quickly. Everyone has their own rhythm. As long as you move steadily, eventually, you’ll reach achievements worthy of your effort.”

In a world where everyone rushes, there are those who quietly walk—steadily, surely, and always with a flame in their heart. Sometimes growth doesn’t come from giant leaps but from persistence in slow, deliberate steps. Vân’s story is not only encouragement for those lost at life’s crossroads but proof that trusting your journey and persevering will eventually lead you to the right path and a better version of yourself.

Minh Phuong