Dưới đây là toàn bộ bài phát biểu của cựu SV Nguyễn Thị Thanh Nhàn, Thủ khoa Tốt nghiệp khóa 2019 – 2023 chuyên ngành Khoa học Dữ liệu, hiện là Kỹ sư Dữ liệu tại FPT Software.
“Good morning everyone! Faculty, staff, esteemed guests, and, of course, to the amazing new students who are about to embark on this incredible journey – welcome to your first day as part of VNUK Institute for Research and Executive Education, University of Da Nang. It’s an absolute honor to stand here as an alumni and reflect on the journey that began right there, where you’re sitting today. I know exactly what it feels like to be in your shoes – the excitement and the nerves.
I remember my first day here. I was full of excitement, curiosity, and, honestly, a little uncertainty. I couldn’t wait to explore everything this university had to offer – from the classes to the people, to the endless opportunities ahead. One of the best things about being new is that everything feels like an open door. Every class, every event, every conversation is a chance to discover something new about yourself.
During my time here, I was given opportunities to study skills outside of my major, which opened my eyes to new possibilities. I even had the chance to co-found a club, which helped me develop leadership skills and connect with an amazing community. And one of the most unforgettable experiences was my exchange opportunity in Europe – an adventure that broadened my horizons and shaped my perspective in ways I could never have imagined.
That’s the beauty of being a newbie. You have a fresh slate, and the possibilities are endless. You might not have all the answers yet, and that’s okay. What matters is your willingness to explore, to take that first step, and to keep moving forward.
Being ‘unleashed’ means embracing this fresh start as a chance to push boundaries. You are all like uncut gems, full of potential, waiting to be shaped by experiences, friendships, and challenges. Every class, every project, every late-night study session will be a step toward carving out the best version of yourself. In my time here, I didn’t just learn data science, leadership, or how to manage projects. I learned how to believe in myself, how to push past what I thought were my limits, and, most importantly, how to be okay with failure as long as I kept moving forward.
So here’s my advice from one former newbie to all of you: Be bold. Sign up for the club that interests you, volunteer for the challenging project, ask questions when you don’t know the answer. You’re not here to be perfect – you’re here to grow. University is not just about academic success. It’s about finding your tribe, the people who will uplift you, challenge you, and be there for you on tough days. Stay curious, stay open. Your education is more than textbooks. It’s about how you apply knowledge to make a difference in the world.
As you sit here today, you might be wondering how you’ll handle the next few years. My answer is this: you have everything it takes to not just succeed, but to thrive. You are the leaders, creators, and innovators of tomorrow. So, unleash your energy, your passion, and your potential. The future is yours, and it starts right here, right now. Congratulations on starting this journey. I can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve. Thank you.”
