Even at the age of 12, Phan Thi Thuy Van already embodies the spirit of a new generation of students: independent, versatile, and proactive in every decision. Refusing to confine herself to traditional molds, this seventh grader from the Central Highlands is forging her own path with a strong academic mindset and a vibrant energy that spans across the arts, sports, and music.
Starting from proactivity in learning
For Thuy Van, learning has never been a checklist of tasks to complete. Instead, she sees it as an exciting journey of discovery. Mathematics—a subject often seen as dry and rigid—is where she finds fascination and challenge. Numbers, equations, and formulas feel to her like elements of a mind game, where every step has a purpose and every answer carries its own unique beauty.
Van’s achievements stem from genuine dedication and passion: top scorer in the entrance exam to Dong Du Secondary and High School, second-highest scorer at Hoang Viet School, a national award in Math on Violympic, and years of being an outstanding student. Notably, in the 2025–2026 academic year, she was awarded a 50% scholarship for earning the highest score in her grade—a well-deserved recognition for her persistent efforts and ever-growing drive to improve.
A polychromatic and mobile childhood
Thuy Van doesn’t stop at academics—she also carries within her a vibrant sense of creativity and deep emotional expression. She has won the “Dynamic ModelKids” award, walked in multiple fashion shows, worked as a photo model, and taken part in various children’s art programs. Her confidence on stage and expressive presence in front of the camera are the results of dedicated practice and a mindset always open to learning.
Beyond the arts, sports and music are also essential parts of her daily rhythm. After school, Van plays basketball to build stamina and sharpen reflexes. In her free time, she picks up the guitar, teaching herself melodies from her favorite K-pop and US-UK songs. This variety of experiences allows her to grow holistically—nurturing both physical strength and mental resilience, and cultivating a healthy balance between emotion and reason.
Inspired by the most familiar places
Amid all of Thuy Van’s daily efforts, the quiet force supporting her most is her mother. Rather than mapping out a fixed path, her mother allows Van to explore different directions, make her own choices, and learn to take responsibility for them. Whenever Van juggles studying, catwalk training, guitar practice, or preparing for exams, it is her mother who gently reminds her to stay positive and grounded.
One simple line from her mom has become Van’s anchor during stressful times: “As long as you stay true to what you love and give it your best, that’s enough.” From that gentle reminder, Van has learned how to manage her time, set priorities, and—most importantly—preserve the joy in everything she does.
It’s not just a life lesson, but a source of emotional strength that helps her stay steady, even during the most challenging moments.
The dream of bringing Mathematic thinking closer to students
What’s remarkable about Thuy Van is that despite exploring many different fields, she nurtures a clear and heartfelt dream for the future: to become a mathematics lecturer. Her reason is simple—she believes math can be far more exciting if approached the right way. Van hopes to inspire others, especially young girls, to see the charm of this subject, to explore its creativity, and to discover how math can be applied meaningfully in everyday life. “I think learning math is like learning to play an instrument. It might be hard at first, but if you love it, it becomes beautiful and fun,” she shares.
This mindset wasn’t shaped by textbooks alone. It grew from real-life experiences, exposure to various learning methods, and her own commitment to self-study and exploration. Van is training herself step by step—not just to become a better student, but so she can one day teach, share, and guide the next generation with a fresh and inspiring perspective.
Phan Thi Thuy Van is steadily defining her identity and shaping her values through how she learns, lives, and expresses herself. At 12, her age is more than just a number—it marks a beautiful stage that proves: every child, when listened to, encouraged, and given the freedom to explore, can shine in their own unique way.
