Let MiYork share a story with you... The journey to pursue a dream is often an endless tale for many people. There are highs and lows, challenges, failures, discouragements, and all the emotional colors in between, but at its core lies the joy and happiness of finally reaching one’s dream. Nguyễn Thị Quỳnh Như, a student at Châu Thành High School in Bà Rịa Vũng Tàu, has just begun her journey by receiving a full-tuition scholarship from Franklin & Marshall College. Sit down, grab a cup of tea, and listen to today’s inspiring story.

A Complex Yet Passionate “Romance” with Research

‍

Unlike many who see research as dry and complicated, Quỳnh Như found it her passion and "fell in love" with it as early as middle school.

"Right in front of my school was a massive signboard saying: ‘Green - Clean - Beautiful.’ But just beneath it was an overflowing trash bin, always reeking. While waiting for my parents to pick me up, my friends and I stood as far away as possible, yet we still had to hold our noses. On the ride home, a single thought kept spinning in my mind: ‘I have to do something! Something bigger and more environmentally friendly.’”

Quỳnh Như recalled this moment, which sparked her passion for research and led to the idea of creating an underground automatic trash bin. For her, these ideas often came randomly but ended up achieving remarkable results. With the support of her parents, who are experienced engineers, and her loyal companion, she successfully created innovations such as a pesticide sprayer, an underground trash bin, and an automatic school bell. Two of these projects earned her provincial-level awards: Encouragement and Third Prize in Science and Technology competitions.

To Như, research is a challenging endeavor, but the more daunting it is, the more determined she becomes to conquer it. She vividly remembers reading through dozens of research papers to refine her ideas, repeatedly tweaking models until they worked, and drafting thorough reports to present her creations to skeptical judges.

Recently, Như ventured into behavioral research, a field entirely different from her technical projects. Studying human behavior required her to step outside, observe people, and immerse herself in real-life societal issues. For a project analyzing "Extracurricular Opportunities for Specialized vs. Regular School Students," Như faced significant challenges in finding participants from specialized schools. Leveraging her connections and enlisting help from her network, she managed to interview 30 individuals, meeting both qualitative and quantitative criteria.

Despite the exhaustion and frustration, witnessing her work’s impact on society made it all worthwhile. Reflecting on her journey, Như realized she had gained more than she had imagined—learning to think critically, articulate ideas persuasively, and view life through diverse perspectives.

From Kimchi Entrepreneur to Multi-Talented Leader

‍

During high school, Quỳnh Như demonstrated her versatility, actively engaging in extracurriculars such as STEM and Science clubs, an internship at a startup, and meaningful pursuits like charity work and entrepreneurship.

Her entrepreneurial journey began unexpectedly when her mother’s exceptional kimchi-making skills inspired her to sell it online. Starting a business was new territory, but her meticulous approach to preparation, marketing, and customer service earned her a reputation as a trustworthy entrepreneur among her peers.

As the leader of three school clubs, Như embraced the responsibilities and challenges of guiding her teams. Without the advantages of a specialized school, significant funding, or professional resources, Như and her team relied on sheer grit.

Recalling her time leading the badminton club, Như shared, “In previous years, we only participated in inter-school exchanges without organizing tournaments. At our school, students had to fundraise or use their own money for events. This year, due to the pandemic, we couldn’t travel to compete, which left the club stagnant.” Determined to provide members with competitive opportunities, Như organized an unprecedented in-school tournament. Taking charge of finances, logistics, and promotion, she successfully pulled off the event, inspiring her teammates and setting a new standard for the club.

Drawing Inspiration for Essays from Simple Experiences

Badminton, a sport integral to her childhood, also became a key theme in her college application essay. Reflecting on how athletic achievements are often undervalued compared to academic ones, Như shared her disappointment at not being publicly recognized for winning a Provincial Gold Medal in sports.

“While academic achievements are celebrated, sports accomplishments seem fleeting and often forgotten. People don’t realize the sacrifices—late practices, injuries, and exhaustion—that athletes endure to earn those medals,” she said.

Như’s dream is to build a community where athletes are acknowledged and can maximize their potential while finding camaraderie. Resolving conflicts within her badminton club, such as bridging skill gaps among members, gave her a glimpse of her future mission: to create inclusive spaces where people feel valued and supported.

Does Early Decision Acceptance Mean No Struggles?

‍

For many applying to U.S. colleges, being accepted during Early Decision (ED) is a dream come true. For Như, Franklin & Marshall College’s acceptance was a pivotal moment, accompanied by financial aid that made her dream a reality. But behind this success lies a history of rejections and setbacks, from scholarships like ASEAN and UWC to financial and academic challenges.

Như’s resilience and refusal to give up defined her journey. “If you don’t try, how will you know? Even if it’s just a 1% chance, it’s worth pursuing,” she said. “The only thing we can do is give our best, improve ourselves, and stay aligned with our dreams.”

For Như, the college application process wasn’t just about receiving an acceptance letter but discovering her identity, valuing her contributions, and understanding her purpose in life.

‍