In the technical environment, often considered a domain dominated by men, Lê Thị Kim Lệ, a female student in the Information Technology program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Danang, has embarked on an inspiring journey. Not only is she a standout name, but she is also a living testament to the ability to conquer academic peaks in a field often regarded as a "territory" of men. As the female student with the highest academic achievement in the graduation review of September 2024, Lệ has not only proven her extraordinary personal abilities but also affirmed that limits are not defined by gender, but by vision and willpower.
Lê Thị Kim Lệ – The Only Female Student with the Highest Achievement in the September 2024 Graduation Review
The First Steps into the Technical Field – Starting with Logical Thinking
Lê Thị Kim Lệ, an Information Technology student at HCMUTE, previously studied at Phan Bội Châu High School in Cam Ranh, Khánh Hòa. She shared the reason for choosing Ho Chi Minh City University of Danang: “I learned about the school through my older brother, an alumnus. My first impression was very positive, especially the student support policies, the friendly learning environment, and the university's reputation.”
With a strong foundation in Math and English from high school, Lệ decided to pursue Information Technology, a field considered a male stronghold. However, this did not deter her; rather, it became a powerful motivation for her to strive for her goal. “Since childhood, I’ve loved logical thinking and have been passionate about exploring software. When faced with choosing my major, I didn’t hesitate even though there were many male students. Instead, I saw it as motivation to prove that women can excel, even in fields traditionally seen as suited for men.”
Challenges Like Strong Headwinds – Where Resilience Shines
Entering a competitive academic environment, especially in a technical field, Kim Lệ often felt insecure when comparing herself to male students who were smarter and more agile. However, with unwavering determination and continuous learning, she gradually closed the gap and even overcame the toughest challenges.
The "Introduction to Programming" course – famously known as the “filter” for technical students due to its high failure rate – was one of the challenges Kim Lệ faced. Instead of retreating, she turned it into an opportunity to shine. With tremendous effort, she passed the course with perfect marks, proving her strong determination.
Mentors Who Contributed to Success
Behind Kim Lệ’s success is not only her personal effort but also the dedicated guidance from her professors. Among them, two mentors had the most significant influence: Professor Huỳnh Xuân Phụng and Professor Lê Vĩnh Thịnh. “Professor Phụng and Professor Thịnh always inspired me with their in-depth and passionate approach. Professor Phụng was strict with high research expectations, while Professor Thịnh helped me expand my foundational knowledge through object-oriented programming.”
The days spent working on the graduation project under their patient guidance are cherished memories. Thanks to their mentorship, Kim Lệ and her group completed their project excellently, achieving high results while gaining in-depth knowledge and strong practical skills.
Kim Lệ’s Success Formula
When asked about the secret behind her consistently high grades, Kim Lệ humbly shared: "My secret is actually very simple and traditional. The most important thing is investing time in each subject. I dedicate a lot of time to researching materials, reading textbooks thoroughly, and most importantly, continuously practicing."
Kim Lệ always believes that learning should not stop at understanding concepts but must also delve into real-world applications. Whenever faced with a difficult problem, she perseveres, willing to try and make mistakes to gradually grasp the essence of the issue. “Practice is the key to turning theory into experience. I always strive to do assignments multiple times, gradually gaining experience and understanding the knowledge better.”
In addition to investing time in her studies, Kim Lệ also maintains patience and discipline in her learning. When she truly dedicates herself to each subject and understands the essence of every exercise, high grades become an achievable goal. It is the result of a process of perseverance and persistence.
Balancing Study and Passion – Kim Lệ’s “Cool” Secret
Despite the heavy academic pressure, Kim Lệ knows how to enjoy the colorful student life. She participates in numerous extracurricular activities such as MasterChef, English competitions, and group performances, not only to relieve stress but also to hone her soft skills. This versatility, balancing study and recreation, helps her maintain high motivation in her studies.
“I believe women have many strengths that are sometimes not fully recognized. We tend to be meticulous, have multi-dimensional observation skills, and good communication skills. Because of this, I can easily work in teams and solve problems more effectively.”
Kim Lệ also offers sincere advice to other female students: “Be confident in yourself, persistently pursue your passion, and never shy away from challenges. No matter how unclear the path ahead may seem, the efforts you put in will always be the light that guides you.”
With a clear career plan, Kim Lệ is currently working as an Automation Tester and is striving to achieve a salary goal of 20 million VND per month. She also hopes to have the opportunity in the future to share practical experiences and inspire other female students, encouraging more women to join the technical field.
Lê Thị Kim Lệ: A Symbol of Determination and Resilience
Lê Thị Kim Lệ’s story is not just about succeeding in a challenging environment; it is also a story of perseverance and self-belief. Among male technical students, she shines brightly, proving that women can succeed in any field they choose, as long as they continue to trust themselves and face great challenges head-on.
Lê Thị Kim Lệ is not only an outstanding student but also a living inspiration for those pursuing their dreams in the technical field. Kim Lệ represents the new generation of female students – strong, courageous, and ready to break down barriers and move forward.