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Graduating early by 4 semesters from the Pharmacy major at Nguyen Tat Thanh University (NTTU) with a cumulative GPA of 3.48, classified as Very Good, Vo Tuong Vy made her mark through a meticulously prepared study plan and perseverance toward her chosen goals. However, what the valedictorian wishes to share is not how to cram in a short period, but the secret of “moving fast without studying in haste”: deeply understanding knowledge, knowing how to apply it, and being steadfast enough to step forward on her career path.
How to graduate up to 4 semesters early?
Graduating 4 semesters ahead of schedule was a goal set by Vo Tuong Vy, a student of class 22DDS2B, to challenge herself. That achievement came alongside a cumulative GPA of 3.48, a Very Good classification, and academic encouragement scholarships she received during her studies at NTTU. Looking back at this milestone, Vy shared: “I graduated 4 semesters early not to race against anyone, but because I wanted to see how far I could go when I am truly determined about the goal I have set.”
To turn her goal into results, Vy began by building her own academic study framework, identifying the courses needed for registration in each session, and proactively arranging her roadmap. The overall plan was further broken down into monthly goals for each subject, then divided into a daily to-do list. Thanks to this, she was always clear about what content needed studying, what tasks needed completion, and what progress needed maintaining. Vy also prepared course material before class, noted down points she didn’t fully understand to discuss with lecturers, and utilized the Anki app with Spaced Repetition method to support memorization and review.
Nevertheless, a tight schedule was not what Vy considered most important. In Pharmacy, when faced with a vast volume of knowledge, she used to think that to make progress, one needed to study as much and as fast as possible. The learning process itself changed her perspective: instead of trying to memorize as much information as possible, she focused on understanding the core essence of matters, connecting separate topics into a unified system, and constantly asking how to apply them in real life. “Previously, I thought making progress meant studying a lot and very fast. But the more I studied, the more I realized that the important thing isn’t how much you know, but whether you truly understand deeply and know how to apply that knowledge. When learning a concept, I always ask myself how I would use what I’ve learned if I encountered that situation in real life,” Vy shared.
This shift in learning mindset also helped Vy understand that completing the program early did not mean rushing through every course. She maintained small daily goals, proactively solved unclear topics, and avoided letting pressure pile up during exam periods. For Vy, the value of an accelerated path lay not just in finishing 4 semesters early, but in the knowledge foundation she accumulated to prepare for the next stage. “I break big goals into smaller tasks and try to accomplish them regularly, rather than waiting for pressure to build up before starting to run. To me, ‘moving fast without studying in haste’ means taking every step firmly, so that when reaching the finish line, you have enough steadfastness to step forward on your chosen path,” Vy expressed.
With a clear study plan and a method focusing on deep understanding, Vo Tuong Vy completed the Pharmacy program 4 semesters ahead of schedule
What made the valedictorian believe she chose the right major and the right university?
If study plans and discipline helped Vo Tuong Vy proactively work toward early graduation, it was the mentorship of NTTU lecturers that inspired her with confidence during her Pharmacy journey. When asked about the person who made her feel she had chosen the right major, Vy mentioned Ms. Khanh Linh, a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacognosy. She was always dedicated to answering technical questions, whether early in the morning or late at night, helping Vy untangle unclear concepts step by step. That guidance was especially meaningful to Vy, as she always maintained the habit of previewing lessons before class and proactively engaging with lecturers regarding confusing points.
“Ms. Khanh Linh was not only a knowledge provider but also tenderly guided me throughout my studies. Whether I had questions early in the morning or late at night, she was always willing to answer and help me deeply understand issues. But what I value even more is that whenever I faced difficulties, not only in academics but also in life, she always listened, encouraged, and gave me the motivation to keep going,” Vy shared. To her, those words of guidance and encouragement didn’t just solve a difficult lesson, but also gave her confidence during high-pressure times. It was Ms. Khanh Linh’s dedication that further reassured Vy that she had made the right choice in Pharmacy and the right educational environment.
From the story of an inspiring lecturer, Vy took a broader view of her years at NTTU. According to her, the friendly learning environment emphasizing practical application along with the companionship of the Health Sciences faculty contributed to helping her grow mature, fostering discipline, self-confidence, critical thinking, meticulousness, and a spirit of perseverance. These are also qualities Vy considers essential when entering a professional environment, where learners must combine technical knowledge with a serious attitude and adaptability to real-world demands.
In addition to her studies, Vy served as a Member of the Executive Committee of Youth Union Branch 22DDS2B. Currently interning at Pharmacity, she continues to gain access to a practical work environment and apply her accumulated knowledge. From being proactive in the classroom to gaining experience at her internship placement, Vy realizes that graduating early is not the end of the learning journey. The values she absorbed from her teachers and the NTTU training environment will remain the foundation for her to refine herself on her chosen path.
Graduating early without wanting to race with anyone
Having completed the Pharmacy program 4 semesters ahead of schedule, Vo Tuong Vy plans to pursue a Master’s degree to further elevate her professional qualifications. Despite achieving a remarkable milestone in graduation timing, she does not view speed as a universal metric for all students. On the contrary, when asked what message she would like to send to junior Pharmacy students, Vy started from the challenging phases she personally experienced: long and difficult lessons, high-pressure exams, moments of fatigue where she felt like stopping, and self-doubt about whether she was capable of seeing things through.
“I also had days where I asked myself if I was smart enough or persistent enough to pursue Pharmacy to the end. There were extremely difficult lessons, stressful exams, and times I was so exhausted I just wanted to stop. But then I realized that I didn’t need to be great right from the start. What mattered was being resilient enough to get through those phases and keep trying,” Vy confided. According to her, those seemingly hardest times actually served to build perseverance, helping everyone grow through every lesson and challenge.
From her own experience, Vy hopes junior students won’t add extra pressure by comparing their academic pace to others. Choosing to complete the program early does not mean that path is suitable for everyone. What Vy emphasizes is that each person needs to understand their own goals, choose appropriate methods, and treasure even small steps of progress. “Don’t feel overly pressured when seeing others move faster. Everyone has their own pace. Just learn a bit more and try a bit harder every day. Then at some point, looking back, you’ll realize that seemingly long path has been crossed step by small step,” Vy advised.
Perhaps for that reason, when talking about graduating early, Vy doesn’t place herself in a race with those around her. Shortening her program by 4 semesters was the result of a goal she proactively selected, a clearly designed plan, and steady perseverance throughout execution. To students who are still struggling before the vast amount of Pharmacy knowledge, Vy sends an encouraging note: “Just keep going. It’s okay to go slow; rest if you’re tired, but don’t give up. Because the version of yourself you wish to become is waiting at the end of the journey.”
Nguyen Tat Thanh University warmly congratulates Vo Tuong Vy on graduating from the Pharmacy program 4 semesters ahead of schedule with a GPA of 3.48 and a Very Good classification. That achievement stands as a testament to her proactive spirit, perseverance, and determination in pursuing her goals. The university believes that with her solid foundation of knowledge, accumulated skills, and continuous learning spirit, Vy will continue to conquer new academic goals, grow professionally, and step-by-step assert herself on her chosen career path.
Text: Cam Thach
Graphics: Hong Quang
Photos: Provided by the subject
