“ I agree that my school does have some very difficult subjects, but every place has its difficulties and challenges. However, I believe that whether we succeed or not depends on ourselves. Each person must set goals to have the motivation to strive, and always look up to those who are more successful. ” – Nguyen Linh Hoa.

Nguyen Linh Hoa - 64MTC - Environmental Engineering major - Faculty of Environmental Engineering - Hanoi University of Civil Engineering
Nguyen Linh Hoa, also known by her nickname Hoa Linh Nguyen, was born on February 3, 2001, and lives in Hanoi. She is currently a third-year student majoring in Environmental Engineering (64MTC) at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering, University of Civil Engineering.
Let's listen to Linh Hoa's story during her time studying at NUCE!
Linh Hoa is known to be an outstanding student in extracurricular activities and also has the highest GPA in the Environmental Engineering major. Could you share your experience in balancing your studies and extracurricular activities with our readers?
“ I often get asked this question for my secret, but sadly, I don't have any secrets! I'm naturally impulsive and pretty bad at time management and personal planning. But the good thing is, if I like something, I want to see it through, so every time I do something, I set high standards and try my best to achieve the best results. Besides that, I have to feel that what I'm doing is beneficial to myself, and most importantly, it has to be fun. If it's not fun, I won't do it. Even with studying, especially my major which is currently being updated with an international curriculum, we often do group assignments, design thinking, workshops… it's a lot of fun and not burdensome, and it helps us develop good skills. ”

Linh Hoa works in the Events Committee of the Student Union - NUCE.
What led Linh Hoa to choose Environmental Engineering, and did you encounter many difficulties when you started your first year?
“ Choosing my current major was unexpected, because I attended a specialized high school for foreign languages, specializing in English, so everyone thought I would pursue a language-related field. But for me, foreign languages are just a means to communicate and work more professionally. I always planned to specialize in a particular field later on. I chose science partly because I felt I was better at natural sciences than social sciences. In the end, I enrolled in Environmental Engineering because the environment is currently a hot topic and offers many opportunities for future endeavors. Plus, the curriculum is innovative, which I find quite interesting. ”

“ My first year was quite difficult because I hadn't found my direction yet, hadn't integrated into the environment and made friends, and the curriculum was also innovative, so both teachers and students had to work very hard in class. I even considered transferring schools or studying abroad once, so you can imagine how difficult my first year was. But miraculously, I gradually found joy in both my studies and the activities of the Student Union and clubs at the university, and found some amazing friends (for example, the members of the Student Union's Events Committee, the seniors/friends in the NUCE 2020 student team and the ProMS Club…), so I always feel that my youth was truly worthwhile. Oh, and during my university years, I should also fall in love because love is also a source of inspiration and motivation, hehe. ”

Team SV NUCE 2020

ProMS Club
What was it like participating in VUG for Linh Hoa? What positive things did you gain from contributing to the school's extracurricular activities?
" Since high school, after watching VUG once, I've been obsessed and determined to compete in university. Luckily, this year (2021) I'm a member of the ProMS team! It's a shame that the competition is temporarily postponed due to the pandemic, so I haven't had the chance to experience battling on the stage yet, but the second and third rounds were amazing. Although we weren't the best starting point, I felt the unity and tireless effort of each team member. Even better, after two qualifying rounds, our team made it to the finals and finished first." "Ranked second! All my hard work has paid off, I feel so happy!"

Images of the NUCE team in the VUG 2021 competition.
“ Initially, I only participated in activities for fun and to improve my knowledge and skills. But after a while, I felt I gained much more than that. I became more confident, received more affection from people, and made friends who were always by my side. Furthermore, the feeling of contributing a little bit to the collective, to the school's colors, is even more wonderful and something to be proud of. After being a member of the Student Union Secretariat/Executive Committee and representing the students in competitions, I feel I have matured and want to inspire the younger students as well .”

Congress of Delegates of the Vietnam Student Association of the University of Civil Engineering, term 2020 – 2023

Christmas Party 2019 - International Training Faculty, University of Civil Engineering
Linh Hoa, could you share some tips to help our readers overcome difficulties in their studies at the University of Civil Engineering, nicknamed the '55 Giai Phong slaughterhouse'?
“ I feel like many students are currently being influenced by negative comments like, 'Our school is so difficult, it's boring, you won't be able to graduate, you won't have time to experience your youth,'… I agree that our school does have some very difficult subjects, but every place has its difficulties and challenges. But I believe that whether you succeed or not depends on yourself. Each person must set goals to have the motivation to strive, and always look up to those who are better than you. I wouldn't dare claim to be the best, but if I work a little harder and demand a little more from myself, the results will be much better. Besides, you shouldn't always be studying; youth should have both studying and playing, but 'playing' here means knowing how to play properly.”

What are Linh Hoa's goals for the near future at the University of Civil Engineering? And what are your career development plans after completing your university program?
“ Currently, I plan to focus more on academic programs. Of course, I will continue to strive for scholarships from the university, and further aim for exchange scholarships and studying abroad, as studying and working overseas is a long-term dream and plan of mine. Besides that, I am also improving myself to continue and strengthen my teaching skills, and participating in more areas of study and work to explore my potential. Never stop trying! ”

Celebrating Vietnamese Teachers' Day on November 20, 2020 at the University of Civil Engineering.
Finally, Linh Hoa, please share some of your feelings about your first day of university, about the teachers and fellow students at the University of Civil Engineering!
" My first day of school wasn't anything special. I just remember a handsome student volunteer carefully guiding me through the application process, but once I got there, I didn't know who he was anymore, huhu. At first, I was as bewildered as any new student. But not being afraid of new experiences and failures has actually made me more mature ."


“ Finally, I would like to thank the Faculty and the professors for giving me the opportunity to share with the students as an outstanding student of the Faculty. Although I feel I still have many shortcomings and am not truly an outstanding individual, I hope that my words of encouragement today will be like a heartfelt conversation between friends, helping students on their university journey. If you have any questions about the major, the curriculum, or any activities you wish to participate in such as the Student Union, art clubs, talent clubs, student volunteer teams, etc., I am happy to help. Thank you everyone for listening to me today !”
The Communications Department of the Faculty of Computer Science would like to sincerely thank Linh Hoa for taking the time to share interesting stories about her life and student days. We wish you a smooth journey on your chosen path, early success, and most importantly, that you always remain as cheerful and optimistic as you are now!
Faculty of Computer Science Communications Department
Editor: Trang Nhung
Image: Provided by the character