Every student has a unique story behind their university applications. For Le Gia Nghia, a student of class 12A2 (High Quality Pathway) at Greenfield School, that journey began with a fascination for the tech world and a persistent question: How can digital systems be shielded from cyberattacks?

"Like many Gen Z kids, I was exposed to digital platforms early on - from watching videos and gaming to tinkering with basic code," Nghia recalls. "I was fascinated by technology but lacked a clear career path for the future."

As college applications approached, "Cybersecurity" stood out among various fields due to its challenging nature and increasingly vital role in the digital age. Without hesitation, Nghia set his sights on Monash University, ranked among the top three in Australia and a national leader in Information Technology education.

Nghia noted that Monash, a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), is the only institution in the group to host a dedicated Faculty of Information Technology. The faculty is world-renowned for its research, ranging from social impact to cutting-edge technical solutions.

Nghia’s strategy was clear: prioritize academic quality over scholarship hunting. Once his target was set, he meticulously researched admission requirements. Unlike U.S. universities, Australian institutions place heavy emphasis on academic transcripts.

In Grade 10, Nghia’s GPA was merely "above average." However, from Grade 11, he committed to a steady upward trajectory. Through sheer perseverance, his GPA climbed consistently, reaching a stellar 9.0 in the first semester of Grade 12. Simultaneously, he focused on the IELTS exam, quickly achieving the required score.

"I always prioritize academic performance. It’s crucial to distinguish between what is a top priority and what is just 'nice to have.' In reality, universities aren't necessarily looking for the 'best' candidate, but the most 'suitable' one. They want to see a journey of effort and growth, not just raw numbers," Nghia shared.

Regarding his study "secrets," Nghia remains humble: "I don't have a special formula. I try to absorb as much as possible during class. When doing homework, I learn from my mistakes so I don't repeat them. I learn from teachers, friends, and YouTube. For tough problems, I discuss them with peers or seek direct guidance from teachers".

The hard work paid off in December 2025 when the acceptance letter from Monash arrived. "I had to read the email several times to believe it. Then, I just screamed in joy and shared the news with everyone," he recounted.

Despite receiving offers and 20% scholarships from Swinburne and Deakin, Nghia remained true to his original goal: a Bachelor of Computer Science majoring in Cybersecurity at Monash University.

Nghia observes that in an era where digital knowledge is easily accessible, a student with a computer and self-study skills can take two paths: creation or destruction.

"There have been cases of high schoolers spreading malware to steal millions of accounts. The line between a 'white hat' and a 'black hat' hacker is very thin. I want to be fully equipped with the right knowledge to protect my country's national cybersecurity," Nghia stated.

Reflecting on his nine years at Greenfield School, Nghia recognizes a natural transformation from a Grade 6 boy to a Grade 12 graduate ready for the global stage. Here, he learned more than just theory; he learned to embrace trial and error, handle pressure, and, most importantly, believe in himself.

"There were times I felt insecure because my peers were so talented. But teachers like Ms. Ninh (9A2's Homeroom Teacher), Ms. Thanh (12A2's Homeroom Teacher), and Ms. Huong (Teacher Physics) were always there to encourage me to aim high", he said.

As he prepares to step out into the world, Nghia carries with him the beautiful memories and invaluable lessons from Greenfield. Congratulations to Gia Nghia on his academic success. May he soon achieve his dream of becoming a cybersecurity expert and find happiness on his chosen path!