Success is not always defined by being the most outstanding from the very beginning. More often, it is built through perseverance, resilience, and the courage to move forward despite moments of self-doubt.
This is the story of Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly, an alumna of Class K59, Standard Business Administration Program, Faculty of Business Administration, Foreign Trade University.
Upon graduation, Ly achieved:
- GPA: 3.76/4.00
- Three Academic Excellence Scholarships (Type A)
- Distinguished Scholarship (100% tuition) for the Master’s program in Logistics Engineering & Management at Tsinghua University, the top-ranked university in China
- Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC) for the Master’s program in International Business at Wuhan University, one of China’s leading universities
Ultimately, Ly chose Tsinghua University to continue her academic journey. Yet, beyond these achievements, what she hopes to share is the story behind them.
Before entering university, Ly considered herself a quiet and reserved student. Throughout high school, she believed that English Language Studies was the most suitable path because it aligned with her strengths.
Only a few days before the university application deadline, however, she made a life-changing decision: she changed her first-choice application to Foreign Trade University. It was the first time she consciously stepped outside her comfort zone.
The transition was far from easy. Having no prior background in economics or business, Ly initially struggled to keep up with her coursework. There were moments when she questioned whether she truly belonged and even considered retaking the university entrance examination to start over elsewhere.
In the end, she chose to stay.
Reflecting on that experience, Ly realized that she was far stronger than she had ever imagined. Her years at the Faculty of Business Administration gradually helped her overcome self-doubt, develop resilience, and cultivate the confidence to embrace new challenges—qualities she now considers central to the spirit of an FTU student.
After graduation, those same feelings of uncertainty resurfaced as she prepared her applications for graduate study abroad. Once again, she questioned whether she was competitive enough.
However, remembering everything she had overcome during her time at FTU gave her the confidence to take another leap of faith.
Looking back, Ly believes that the courage she developed at university became the foundation that enabled her to pursue opportunities she once considered beyond her reach.
What makes her story particularly meaningful is the message she hopes to leave for future students.
Rather than emphasizing awards or achievements, Ly hopes her experience will encourage others not to underestimate themselves. As a student, she often felt discouraged when comparing herself with seemingly exceptional peers and admitted that self-doubt once prevented her from pursuing valuable opportunities.
She hopes her own journey demonstrates that consistent effort, perseverance, and the willingness to keep trying can gradually open doors that once seemed impossible.
Inspired by this belief, Ly also created the TikTok channel “Động lực mỗi ngày” (Daily Motivation), where she shares her experiences in studying, personal development, and self-growth with the hope of inspiring more young people to believe in their own potential.
Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly’s journey reminds us that personal growth does not begin with certainty or extraordinary talent. Sometimes, it begins with the courage to make a different choice, the determination to continue when giving up seems easier, and the willingness to believe in oneself one more time.
These are also the values that the Faculty of Business Administration seeks to cultivate in every student: the confidence to step beyond one’s comfort zone, the perseverance to pursue long-term goals, and the courage to seize opportunities that can shape the future.
The Faculty of Business Administration extends its heartfelt congratulations to Nguyễn Thị Diệu Ly and wishes her continued success on the next stage of her academic and professional journey.