This week’s featured story from MiYork highlights Lê Na, a determined young woman who has earned a coveted spot at Minerva University with a generous financial aid package, as well as a 90% tuition scholarship in Data Science from the S P Jain School of Global Management. Her dream of studying abroad wasn’t fueled by the allure of glamorous lifestyles or unfamiliar horizons, but by a deep desire to challenge herself and broaden her worldview.

Today, let’s explore Lê Na’s journey of stepping out of her comfort zone and embarking on adventures with Minerva.

Leaving the Comfort Zone with Giants

In sixth grade, Lê Na was admitted to the prestigious Trần Đại Nghĩa High School, beginning a seven-year journey in an environment filled with “giants” excelling in academics and extracurriculars. This early exposure taught her the value of stepping outside her comfort zone and being part of a resource-rich community driven by passion and shared ambitions.

Her journey beyond comfort officially began when she delved into the field of education. She joined the school’s book club and eventually became a member of its leadership committee. Being surrounded by “giants” motivated her to consistently push her limits, resulting in impressive achievements such as two third-place finishes in the City-Level Science and Technology Competition, second place in the IT category of the TechGenius Competition, and ranking among the top 0.01% of students in Ho Chi Minh City’s high school entrance exam.

Top universities often look for individuals who make an impact, and Lê Na embodied that spirit. She ventured beyond her comfort zone to create change, set goals with her peers, and contribute meaningfully to her community. While she may not consider herself a “giant,” her small hands have driven enormous changes.

A Commitment to Contributing to Educational Progress

Stepping out of her comfort zone came with its share of struggles and setbacks. For example, Na’s first attempt at a school science research competition didn’t go as planned. But rather than being discouraged, she used the experience to grow, eventually earning accolades in science and technology at both school and city levels.

What truly brought her joy, however, wasn’t the certificates but the growth she experienced through perseverance and seeing her projects make a difference in learning. Her work aimed to break down educational barriers and raise awareness of societal issues, creating a better learning experience for others.

To further her mission, Na co-founded Mentoire - Education for All, a project that developed mentoring programs to provide a proactive, personalized, and supportive learning environment for students. While the project’s reach may not have been vast, it played a significant role in enhancing the knowledge and skills of many young people.

“I love learning and want to be a lifelong learner. One of my goals is to help myself and others have the best and most suitable learning experiences,” Na shared. Her past and present efforts reflect her dream of contributing wholeheartedly to society. She hopes her experience at Minerva, which spans seven countries, will teach her even more and enable her to use both external resources and inner strength to achieve anything she sets her mind to.

Guided by UNESCO’s four pillars of education—“Learning to know, learning to do, learning to live together, and learning to be”—Na’s philosophy of lifelong learning and dedication to community service has been deeply ingrained.

Accepting Imperfections to Find Balance

Conquering top-tier universities was no easy feat, especially under the weight of peer and self-imposed pressure. There were times when Na felt overwhelmed by her academic and extracurricular workload. In her quest to advance quickly, she sometimes forgot what truly mattered to her.

This led her to make difficult choices, such as cutting back on personal or family time. Accepting that perfect balance was unattainable, Na learned to prioritize and manage her time effectively. She embraced both hard work and life’s joys, creating cherished memories with loved ones and crafting a college application that truly reflected her unique self.

At one point, Na struggled to define herself. But through extracurricular activities, competitions, and her mentors’ guidance, she developed a distinctive and powerful application. In her motivational letter to S P Jain, she discussed her dream of reducing educational disparities in Vietnam by making practical learning accessible to students from all financial and geographic backgrounds.

During Minerva’s writing challenge, she showcased her ability to communicate openly and respectfully, consider problems from multiple perspectives, and evaluate situations thoroughly before finding solutions. These qualities made her application stand out and won her the hearts of admissions committees at prestigious institutions.

Ultimately, she chose Minerva as the ideal place for her next four years of learning and growth.

Choosing Minerva University: An Unparalleled Adventure

Minerva is renowned for the unique adventures it offers, both geographically and intellectually. This was a major reason for Na’s decision to attend.

The first adventure lies in immersing herself in diverse cultures and communities. Minerva takes students to seven major cities across seven countries. Students are not tourists but locals, integrating into cultures and contributing to local communities by addressing pressing issues. These challenging yet enriching experiences are exactly what Na sought in an ideal university.

The second adventure involves self-awareness and adaptability. Constantly moving to new environments every semester or year requires students to refine their adaptability, openness, and understanding of diversity. Each location offers unique lessons, teaching students to love, respect, and view life through myriad lenses.

The third adventure is Minerva’s diversity. The university doesn’t select students based on quotas for nationalities or ethnicities. Instead, its rigorous admissions process identifies individuals who truly fit its values. Living with a diverse group of people offers Na countless opportunities for growth and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Gratitude Before Venturing to Distant Lands

Reflecting on her journey, Na shared with MiYork: “I am deeply grateful to everyone and everything that has been a part of my life.” She expressed her heartfelt thanks to her parents and family for their unconditional love and support, as well as to her friends, teammates, teachers, and mentors for guiding her along the way.

Looking ahead, Na knows Minerva will provide her with even more reasons to be grateful. At MiYork, we believe her travels, discoveries, and experiences will deepen her appreciation for life and learning.

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We wish Lê Na continued passion, dedication, and unforgettable experiences at her dream university, Minerva! 🌟