Trần Hạnh Linh – A Choice to Keep Learning, Keep Growing

Trần Hạnh Linh – an alumna of Cohort 42 in English Studies – is a young woman whose first step into the world of diplomacy became the gateway to a remarkable academic journey. At the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), she found a rigorous academic environment, inspiring teachers, and invaluable opportunities that sharpened her critical thinking, nurtured her curiosity, and instilled in her a drive to go further in defining her own path. Today, as she pursues a PhD in the United States, Linh embodies the spirit of a true DAV-er: composed, thoughtful, and relentlessly striving forward.

DAV – Where Experiences Take Root and Minds Take Shape

Having studied French and then English in high school, Linh chose DAV as a natural continuation of her passion for languages. What seemed like a straightforward decision soon opened the door to an academic journey far beyond her expectations.

Now a PhD candidate in Political Science at Emory University (USA), Linh reflects that her greatest takeaway from DAV was not only knowledge in her field, but also the essential skills of teamwork, critical thinking, and academic writing – the very foundations that later propelled her into research. Courses once infamous for making students “cry in frustration” became invaluable preparation for the demands of graduate-level work. “I’ll never forget taking Academic Writing with Professor Khánh – everyone complained endlessly. But later, I realized: when you write well, you think well. That class taught me to build arguments from clear and solid evidence.”

When asked about her most vivid memories at DAV, Linh recalls long group discussions, organizing events with DAV Leaders, and even strolling through alleyways to buy food with friends after class. “What I remember most are the activities with my peers. I learned how to work seriously, how to collaborate, and how to coordinate with others – skills no textbook could have taught me better than real experience.”

From DAV to Emory – A Journey of Relentless Effort

For Linh, four years at university were not only about studying her major but also about self-discovery, exploring the world, and trying new things. Full of energy, she chose to invest it in meaningful pursuits. Beyond her coursework, she studied French and Japanese, worked as an art assistant at a gallery, and constantly sought out practical experiences. DAV did not confine her within its campus – on the contrary, it inspired her to step outside and grow. “I was young – if I had nothing else to do, I studied!” Linh laughs.

Before pursuing her doctorate at Emory, Linh completed a master’s degree and gained experience through internships and research positions at major institutions such as the Mekong Development Research Institute, the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (ISEE), and DEPOCEN.

Financial challenges inevitably arose as she prepared her applications abroad, but she remained steadfast – taking on part-time jobs, seeking scholarships, and continuing to study. It was her “diplomatic spirit,” she says, that carried her through: “English is what has kept me afloat until now. Reading research papers is exhausting, but because I was trained at DAV to summarize, identify ideas, and argue logically, I never fell behind.”

Studying overseas, she discovered, meant no one slowed down for you: “People just keep talking. If you understand, great; if not… you try harder.” In such moments, her DAV foundation became her anchor.

For Linh, the “diplomatic spirit” means dynamism, openness to learning, and the courage to take on new challenges. What makes her proudest is DAV’s reputation for producing students who are friendly, confident, multilingual, and capable of juggling many tasks at once. Though she did not follow a conventional diplomatic career path, she carries those DAV values into every step – from internships and research to teaching at the university level.

Her advice to DAV students aspiring to academic paths: the most important step is knowing what you want to study, being willing to acquire specialized skills (like coding or statistics), and reaching out to professors early – because opportunities often come from the right connections at the right time. “Don’t be afraid to study what excites you. Each field has its own trajectory. Prepare carefully, dig deeply, and just go – you’ll find your way.”

Linh is a vivid example of the DAV generation: unbound by convention, unlimited in curiosity, fearless in the face of challenges. She represents a meeting point of personal resilience and the spirit of the times – proactive, inquisitive, and always ready to grow. From an energetic undergraduate, she has become a young scholar recognized for her academic insight, critical thinking, and adaptability in an international environment. Her journey to becoming a PhD researcher in the United States is not simply an individual success story, but a testament to the enduring truth: DAV students can stand tall anywhere in the world – as long as they keep their ambition, perseverance, and belief in themselves.

Thu Huyen