From Hesitation to Commanding the Stage

In 2022, during a national online English speaking contest, Dieu Linh reached the Top 3 of the Grade 6–7 category. However, the moment the camera turned on, she was overwhelmed by dizziness and anxiety, failing to deliver her prepared speech. It was a staggering realization of the depth of her fear of public speaking.

"I felt ashamed of that silence and began to doubt if I was ever meant for the stage," Linh recalls. Seeking a fresh start, she transferred to Greenfield School in the second semester of Grade 7, hoping for an open environment where she could challenge herself and find her voice.

Initially, her inhibitions remained. During her first debate competition at the school, she sat in the audience, silently admiring her peers' confidence. While she possessed a wealth of ideas, the words would catch in her throat whenever she stood before a crowd.

The turning point came in Grade 8. Encouraged by her homeroom teacher and guided by subject mentors, Linh decided to face her fears by entering the "Speak Out" English debate competition. She defied expectations by winning both the Team First Prize and the Best Speaker award for Grade 8. That small stage served as a springboard, teaching her that she could stand under the spotlight without trembling.

Over the next three years, Linh became a serial winner in debating and speaking circuits. Most recently, she represented Greenfield School at the provincial level—the largest high school debate competition in Hung Yen—where her team secured a brilliant Second Prize against the region's strongest competitors.

“The competition was more than a trophy; it was a chance to showcase the logical thinking and argumentation skills I’ve honed at school,” Linh shared. “Every time I speak more fluently, I know I’ve outgrown my former self.”

Resilience Forged in Self-Belief

Linh’s path hasn't been without setbacks. At Greenfield Talks 2023, high expectations led to disappointment when she was eliminated in the preliminary round. Rather than giving up, she used the "stumble" as fuel for future success.

Her mantra throughout her academic journey has been: "If you’re scared, do it scared." After every competition, she proactively seeks feedback from judges, meticulously noting areas for improvement. "I believe that no matter the prize, there is always room to grow. The real victory is being better than I was yesterday," she says.

Her secret to success lies in consistent accumulation rather than last-minute cramming. As a student in the Global Citizen Bilingual Program, Linh stays informed by reading international news, engaging in critical thinking exercises, and debating current events with peers. The school’s curriculum, which emphasizes real-world application, has provided her with the maturity and composure required for high-stakes academic arenas.

"I knew I would grow up, but I never imagined I could change this much," Linh reflects. At 16, she has already set clear objectives for her future, including mastering the IELTS and SAT exams and targeting top-tier domestic universities.

The girl who once stood paralyzed on stage can now speak her truth with conviction under the bright lights. As she continues her journey at Greenfield School—which she describes as her "second home"—Dieu Linh stands as an inspiration for the power of perseverance.