The achievement is considered exceptional in a discipline where sustained success requires maturity, depth of thought and extensive life experience. Tam Anh previously earned a consolation prize at the national competition and a silver medal at the 30-4 Traditional Olympic Competition in Literature during 10th grade.
Although she specializes in English, Tam Anh said her passion for Literature grew from inspiring lessons and support from her teachers. She chose Literature as her second competitive subject, describing it as a “personal space” that allowed her to think deeply about people and life. The more she read and wrote, she said, the more naturally she felt drawn to the discipline.
Reflecting on her selection for the national Literature team, she said the opportunity brought pride but also pressure, particularly because she did not come from a specialized Literature class. Her training in English, she added, strengthened her logical thinking, close-reading skills and sensitivity to language, abilities that helped her refine each detail in her writing and articulate emotions with nuance.
Her teacher, Ha Thi Hoai Phuong, Head of the Literature Department at Hung Vuong High School for the Gifted, said Tam Anh demonstrated creativity and distinctive expression from grade 10. “She is diligent and well-read, and her essays consistently offer fresh, profound perspectives on social issues and literary works,” Phuong noted, adding that the student’s three-year record reflects persistent, disciplined effort.
The school has produced similar success before. In the 2024–2025 academic year, student Kieu Xuan also achieved a “hat-trick” of national Literature awards, reinforcing the department’s role in identifying and nurturing talent.
For Tam Anh, the recent award is less a trophy than a milestone of personal growth. She said the national team experience offered lasting values: friendships, teacher-student bonds and deeper insights into literature and life. The three-year journey, she added, taught her resilience and gratitude. “Sometimes, the greatest value is not at the finish line, but in the journey we have taken with seriousness and dedication.”
Addressing younger students, she encouraged them to study “with a pure love for learning,” noting that while awards matter, lasting achievement lies in intellectual and emotional growth.