In the student community of the School of International Education (SIE), individuals who manage to stay on track with their demanding academic journey while making brilliant extracurricular marks are always a source of powerful inspiration. One such person is Nguyen Ba Hoan, a student from class 64CNK2, who has dedicated two years of his youth to the TLU football team and recently returned with a prestigious Silver Medal from the 2nd International Student Football Tournament. For Ba Hoan, football is more than just matches; it is where character is forged through every challenge: “It was truly a memorable experience. The international students have very different physiques, stamina, and playing styles, so every match helped me learn many new things. Initially, there was a bit of pressure, but the more I played, the more confident I became, viewing it as an opportunity for self-development.”
However, behind the glory on the pitch is a process of relentless effort to maintain academic pace in one of the most demanding training programs. With high requirements for foreign languages and specialized knowledge in the Advanced Program, balancing time is a real challenge for Nguyen Ba Hoan. He shared: “The program has quite high demands, especially in foreign languages, so I always try to manage my time reasonably. I often create a clear study plan, taking advantage of free time to review lessons and prepare in advance.” Throughout this journey, the understanding from faculty at SIE has been the motivation for him to pursue his passion with peace of mind: “The teachers are very supportive, helping me with flexible scheduling during tournament periods, which allows me to both study well and pursue football.”
What is interesting about this winger is the contrast between a fierce athlete on the field and a quiet, sociable Nguyen Ba Hoan in everyday life. After the fiery moments under the stadium lights, he chooses to recharge his energy through music, watching football, or meeting friends to rebalance his spirit. Looking toward the future, Hoan’s top priority remains successfully completing his major subjects while continuing to upgrade his personal skills to be ready for greater challenges in both the lecture hall and on the pitch.
Closing this inspiring story, Nguyen Ba Hoan sends a message of perseverance to fellow students: “I believe that every door will open for those who always strive and have desire. With enough passion and effort, you will realize your dreams; make your youth as memorable as possible… The important thing is knowing how to organize your time and maintain persistence. If you are truly serious, you can absolutely do well in both. Do not give up too soon, because sometimes just a little more effort will lead to worthy results.” This story once again affirms the value of effort—a precious quality of SIE students on the path to asserting themselves.