Is it possible to prepare a U.S. study abroad application in one month? Is it achievable to pursue a major outside your comfort zone? The answer is a resounding YES. Not only is it possible, but you might also even secure a significant scholarship. Phan Thùy Linh, a former Math major from Lê Hồng Phong High School for the Gifted in Ho Chi Minh City, is a testament to this. Through an exceptional personal essay and a cohesive record of academic and extracurricular achievements, Thùy Linh was offered admission to Gettysburg College, complete with a scholarship and financial aid package worth $65,000 per year—a well-earned reward for this bold and resilient individual.

FIGHTING WEAKNESS HEAD-ON

There must have been moments when we feel disheartened and doubtful, questioning our ability to overcome a challenge. If it were you, would you opt for a path that plays to your strengths or persist in conquering the obstacle? Everyone has a unique perspective, and Thùy Linh’s story is no exception. Let’s explore how she tackled her weaknesses and achieved remarkable success.

Initially, Thùy Linh planned to pursue a major aligned with her strengths, specifically Digital Marketing at RMIT University in Vietnam. This decision made sense to those familiar with her experience, from contributing to Mực Tím magazine to obtaining “Marketing in a Digital World” certification from the University of Illinois. However, during her six-month gap year awaiting RMIT's February intake, her experiences—including doing research, part-time work, and networking with mentors—broadened her perspective. These encounters not only changed her views on her career path but also her choice of university.

Thùy Linh used to harbor an intangible fear of studying abroad. “Living in a foreign, bustling country, being independent in every way, far from family and friends, adjusting to a lifestyle I’ve never tried before…” she envisioned. While her initial perceptions weren’t wrong, her interactions with various people reshaped her mindset. She pondered, “Why limit myself by listening to hearsay when I can step out and experience it firsthand?”

Meanwhile, her interest in her field began to evolve. A Math major with a budding passion for technology, Linh joined her friends in forming a team to compete in Hackathons. While she gained valuable knowledge, she also felt an unsettling frustration. Limited coding skills confined her to non-programming roles, leaving her unable to contribute technical insights during team discussions. Despite this weakness, Linh chose not to shy away but instead embarked on a serious self-study journey in programming.

Recalling her early coding attempts, Linh shared: “I spent hours debugging as error messages ‘Error,’ ‘Error,’ ‘Error’ flooded my screen every time I pressed RUN. But after persevering, seeing a program run successfully brought me immense joy.”

This epiphany sparked a bold question: “Why not study Computer Science in the U.S.?” With determination and her newfound passion, Linh veered off her familiar path to tread an unfamiliar, challenging road, one that would help her overcome her own limitations. Along this journey, she not only demonstrated her dedication to Computer Science but also expressed her authentic self in her college application.

REFLECTING ON EDUCATION AND VIOLENCE

In her extracurricular journey, two themes stood out: education and violence. Behind Linh’s optimistic demeanor lay deep empathy for victims of societal issues, particularly violence.

Drawn to Vietnam Youth Alliance, a project focusing on sexual education and LGBTQ+ issues, Linh applied to the Media team during her 11th-grade year despite limited experience. Listening to the stories of individuals in the project, Linh resonated with their experiences of body shaming, discrimination, and violence. Inspired, she launched her own initiative: Voice Up Organization, which addressed sexual abuse and mental health among students nationwide.

Linh emphasized that Voice Up wasn’t about achieving grandiose numbers but rather fostering empathy in her community. “The biggest success wasn’t just reaching a few individuals—it was also about me opening up to myself and spreading positive energy,” Linh reflected.

“THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME BE STRONGER”

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Through Voice Up, Linh formed close bonds with a few members, offering heartfelt support to help them overcome their long-held emotional scars. She fondly remembered staying up late to console peers, sharing her own experiences, and encouraging them to open up. The greatest reward came in heartfelt messages like: “Thank you for helping me be stronger.”

Her volunteer teaching stint with Sugar Vietnam during 10th grade also left an indelible mark. Initially struggling to connect with a reserved child, Linh gradually fostered a bond through patience and empathy. The student’s English grades improved dramatically—from 3.75 to 8—after six months of Linh’s guidance. Beyond academics, their shared moments playing games and chatting strengthened their connection. These simple, heartfelt experiences formed the basis of Linh’s Eisenhower Scholarship essay for Gettysburg College, where she articulated how seemingly small changes can make a significant difference. This touching narrative secured her the highest scholarship ($40,000 annually) offered by the college.

NO PERFECT FIRST DRAFT, BUT IT’S HER STORY

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Linh’s journey to studying abroad began late. Missing the Early Decision 1 (ED1) and Early Action (EA) rounds, she had to pin all her hopes on the ED2 deadline. Initially entrusting her application to a budget-friendly service, Linh realized too late that they prioritized schools suiting their affiliations over her preferences. Determined to take control, she started her application from scratch in mid-December, relying on her own perseverance.

To best represent herself, Linh decided to write about a deeply personal story she had kept hidden. For weeks, she poured her heart into crafting a compelling essay. The first draft was over 1,000 words, completed in three hours. Refining it into a polished narrative took nearly a month, thanks to a supportive friend and selfless mentors who guided her without expecting payment.

Clicking “submit” on her application marked a pivotal moment for Linh. She found strength and growth in finally confronting her emotions and sharing her truth. From this journey, Linh emerged more confident, open, and ready to embrace new challenges.

Sometimes, a child’s maturity stems from unexpected moments. For Thùy Linh, it came with that one decisive click—a moment marking the culmination of her efforts and the beginning of her dream.

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