Đinh Nguyên Khanh, an 18-year-old student from Phổ Thông Năng Khiếu High School, has received an acceptance letter from the prestigious Mount Holyoke College (ranked #36 LAC). Not only that, she has successfully secured substantial financial aid (100% tuition coverage and living expenses) to support her educational journey over the next four years.

However, her path to studying in the faraway United States was not without significant personal challenges and a determined effort to break through the "invisible wall" of traditional thinking passed down through generations.

Breaking Free from Life's Routines

When asked to describe herself in three words, Nguyên Khanh confidently chose “bold, exploratory, and self-defining.” These qualities, which she credits with helping her achieve her dream school acceptance, were not innate but shaped through a journey of overcoming societal norms and prejudices.

Hailing from a remote area in Đắk Lắk province, Nguyên Khanh faced the weight of long-standing cultural expectations and social standards. She shared:

"I used to be trapped in familiar paths, societal prejudices, and rigid norms. I lived by what those around me deemed ‘right,’ so much so that I couldn’t see other ways to explore the world or myself."

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Open Mindset: Unlocking New Horizons

Despite the simple life in Đắk Lắk offering her diverse and valuable experiences with people from various backgrounds, her real transformation began when she decided to move to Saigon for high school.

This determination was sparked in 9th grade, her one chance to participate in a gifted student competition. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of the contest, making her months of preparation seem futile. The pandemic also disrupted her other plans. Yet, instead of being defeated, this setback became the catalyst for her self-discovery and growth.

“I believed there were challenges beyond my imagination out there, like how COVID-19 unexpectedly hit. If I only followed a predefined path, I wouldn’t be able to adapt to sudden obstacles in life.”

Attending Phổ Thông Năng Khiếu High School, an environment that encouraged holistic growth, further fostered her open mindset. Over two years in bustling Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh began to shape her unique perspective, realizing that societal norms aren’t always right or suitable for everyone. She developed her own voice, proving that persistence and willingness to break barriers could open up new doors of opportunity.

“Be Resourceful”: Harnessing Available Resources

During her time at Phổ Thông Năng Khiếu, one pivotal lesson that marked her academic journey was the importance of being resourceful.

“Being resourceful is vital in learning and personal development. It emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and skill in leveraging available resources to achieve goals. I learned this invaluable lesson from my teacher, Hoàng Ngọc Hùng.”

This approach became her key to tackling challenges. Recognizing the fierce competition and trade-offs required for national gifted student competitions, she sought a safer, more sustainable path that balanced her GPA and college ambitions.

In 10th grade, she discovered a scientific research program through MiYork Education and eagerly applied. This became one of her most cherished high school experiences, connecting her with amazing peers nationwide and offering knowledge beyond the traditional classroom setting.

“I felt like I had found my life’s purpose. Instead of vying for a spot on the national gifted team and using the awards for direct university admission, I turned to research. It brought me closer to studying abroad while maintaining strong academics and extracurriculars.”

Though her initial research project on the impact of elephants in Bản Đôn tourism didn’t succeed due to external factors, it enriched her knowledge and confidence in her chosen path.

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Can a $10k Budget Support Studying Abroad in the US?

Absolutely!

Nguyên Khanh’s study abroad journey wasn’t easy, as her family could only afford $10,000 annually—a modest amount for the expensive United States. She knew she needed a full scholarship or substantial financial aid to make her dream a reality.

Simultaneously, she faced another significant challenge: deciding on her future major.

As an English major, she had many options but struggled to pinpoint the right path. Through extensive research and a mentoring session, she became intrigued by Economics, which initially felt unfamiliar. She and two friends, Kiều Thanh and Hoàng Nguyên, launched a project to translate complex English economics articles into accessible content for youth. This venture fueled her passion for the field.

“I kept challenging myself in different areas. Gradually, the word ‘Economics’ formed in my mind without me realizing it. Everything I did—from extracurricular activities to my college essays—centered around Economics. I knew it was my calling.”

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Persistence in Breaking Norms

Nguyên Khanh’s boldness and willingness to overcome prejudices awakened her passion for learning and firm belief in her study abroad dream. Through determination, she secured significant financial aid and confidently embarked on her educational journey at Mount Holyoke College, proving that courage and an open mindset can transform challenges into stepping stones to success.

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