Nguyen Quynh Anh secures billion-VND Fulbright scholarship with "heartfelt" Personal Essay

Nguyen Quynh Anh shares the inspiration behind her essay that won the prestigious Dean’s Scholarship (valued at over 1 billion VND) from Fulbright University Vietnam, and her vision for community impact.

An impressive Portfolio of extracurricular excellence

Dynamic and approachable—these are the immediate impressions one gets upon meeting Nguyen Quynh Anh, a Grade 12 student in the Global Citizen Bilingual Program at Greenfield School Ecopark Campus.

Beyond her stellar academic record-boasting an IELTS 7.0 and a consistent GPA of 9.4 or higher - Quynh Anh is a seasoned debater with three consecutive first-prize finishes. However, her true passion lies in leadership and community service.

"I am someone who loves volunteering and projects that create a tangible impact," Quynh Anh shares. To turn that passion into reality, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives at school to support disadvantaged communities. Her leadership trajectory is a testament to her dedication: Vice House Head of Blue Dolphin (2024–2025): Leading nearly 400 secondary students in major events like the Greenfield Olympics and seasonal festivals; President of the Greenfield Volunteer Club (2025–2026): Rising from a committee member to President, a journey she describes as one of "responsibility and high expectations" rather than just a casual experience.

Her portfolio also includes serving as the Lead Organizer for the "Donut Bully" anti-bullying campaign and a Mentor for the "Talktopus" student speaker contest. Most notably, as a Youth Champion (Lead) for UNICEF East Asia & Pacific’s "Fix My Food" initiative, she and her team achieved remarkable results: reaching nearly 30,000 people via social media; collecting 400 surveys on youth food environments; organizing a Video Challenge that garnered 16,000 views. For these efforts, Quynh Anh was ranked 1st among 210 members across seven participating communities.

"Working for the common good has helped me grow and feel a deeper connection to society," she says. "These experiences have shaped my future goal: pursuing a career where self-development and social contribution go hand in hand".

An essay that struck a chord

Driven by a desire for a liberal arts education, Quynh Anh applied to Fulbright University Vietnam in late 2025. She was particularly drawn to the school’s curriculum, which allows students two years to explore various disciplines before declaring a major.

While her academic credentials were solid, she poured her heart into the personal essay. Refined over four months, her essay contrasted the "privilege of choice" at her own family dinner table with the meager meals of children in Vietnam’s highlands.

This observation led her to a profound realization: What is the true purpose of charity if it only focuses on short-term donations?

In her essay, she argued for sustainable empowerment. Instead of just donating books to fill a library, she curated essential titles to help children "imagine their own futures." She also proposed introducing STEM models, such as water filtration systems, so children could learn to create their own clean water.

"I hope that the future of these children isn't just a 'pre-set menu' handed to them, but something they create with their own hands," she wrote. 

Reflecting on her nine years at Greenfield School, Quynh Anh credits the school’s balanced environment for her growth. "The practical nature of the subjects and the encouragement from teachers to 'step out into the world' gave me a solid foundation," she notes.

The billion-VND scholarship recipient is currently considering a double major in Economics and Vietnam Studies. However, her immediate focus remains on the upcoming National High School Graduation Exam.

Congratulations to Quỳnh Anh on this remarkable achievement. We look forward to seeing her continue to create meaningful value for the community!

Share: