Linh Ngo (Class of 2022, UNIS Hanoi Scholar) reflects on a transformative journey of self-discovery that was profoundly shaped by her time at UNIS Hanoi. Now a scholarship student at Washington and Lee University, she shares that “at UNIS, I wasn’t just finding the right answers; I was finding myself. The environment opened me up, allowing me to become my own person.” Linh’s deep understanding of who she is today stems from her formative years at the school, where she learned to think critically and develop her own perspective.
Her drive for personal growth was nurtured by UNIS’s focus on individuality and self-expression. “At UNIS, I was encouraged to share my opinions and ideas. I was no longer looking for a model answer but learning to build my perspectives,” Linh says, reflecting on how the school's philosophy pushed her to break away from a rigid academic mindset.
Her international experiences only added to her development. Linh undertook a study abroad program in Spain and charity work in London, which further expanded her worldview. She recalls her early hesitation but notes, “I was often thrown into unfamiliar environments, but UNIS had prepared me to step out of my comfort zone. Each new experience helped me grow.”
What makes Linh’s story unique is her refusal to follow a traditional path. Rather than focusing on staying in the USA after graduation, she is determined to explore more of the world before settling. “I don’t want to limit myself. I want to explore new cultures, new environments. I believe the journey is more important than the destination.”
UNIS Hanoi, and her experience of the school’s scholarship programme, instilled in Linh a sense of courage and purpose, shaping her into a confident, globally-minded individual. As she prepares for the next chapter, she is committed to making a meaningful impact on society. Reflecting on her five years as a scholar at UNIS, she displays a mindset deeply rooted in the values she experienced at UNIS: “I feel I’ve been given so much, and now it’s my responsibility to give back.”