After graduating from college, Tran Duong Chi Tam—a student from class 22LC45SP2C, majoring in Automotive Engineering Technology, intake of 2022—decided to continue his academic journey by enrolling in a part-time undergraduate program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Education (HCMUTE). At the graduation ceremony held in June 2025, Chi Tam was honored as the top graduate of the part-time program.

Currently working as a staff member in the Department of Political Affairs – Student Affairs at his alma mater, Tam has become a shining example of perseverance, discipline, and ambition in balancing both academic pursuits and practical work.

"At the beginning, right after graduation, I had to get used to a professional working environment while restarting my studies in a new academic setting—it was definitely not an easy challenge," Tam shared.

Discipline as the Key to Overcoming Limitations

Balancing a full-time job with a demanding academic schedule often placed Tam under considerable pressure. However, these challenges fostered in him a strong sense of discipline, self-initiative, and continuous learning—all factors that have shaped his growth both professionally and intellectually.

Unlike full-time students with more structured study schedules, Tam had to make the most of his evenings and weekends for studying, research, and completing assignments—especially during his graduation thesis project.

One of the most memorable milestones was when he and his team devoted their weekends to building a technical model to support students’ practical training—a product that required not only solid technical knowledge but also teamwork and effective time management.

"Though it was exhausting, it was during that time that I truly felt my personal growth and deep passion for the field I was pursuing," he said.

Throughout this process, Tam not only gained practical skills from his teammates—many of whom were already experienced in the automotive industry—but also honed his ability to solve real-world problems, work in groups, and manage unexpected challenges within tight deadlines.

From Shy to More Confident Each Day

For Tâm, the most rewarding part of his educational journey wasn’t his grades, but his remarkable improvement in soft skills—particularly communication, planning, and time management.

"I used to be quite reserved, but gradually I became more confident in discussing with lecturers, collaborating effectively in group work, and especially in presenting ideas clearly and persuasively," he shared.

Additionally, having to self-study specialized subjects that were not covered in his college program pushed Tam to develop the habit of proactively seeking resources, studying online, and constantly pushing himself beyond his comfort zone.

Growing as Class Monitor

Beyond being a hardworking student, Tam also took on the role of class monitor throughout his studies. He viewed this position as an opportunity to spread positive values while developing himself more comprehensively.

"I’ve had experience as a class officer since high school, and I’ve always believed that life is about contributing and learning to give. As class monitor in this part-time program, I didn’t just manage the class—I tried to serve as a bridge, connecting lecturers and students, fostering unity to build a strong collective," he said.

This role helped him develop crucial skills such as time management, communication, work organization, and, above all, a sense of responsibility. He also learned how to care for, listen to, and support his classmates—experiences that helped him grow into a more mature individual with clearer goals and consistent motivation throughout his journey.

As a result, class 22LC45SP2C achieved a graduation rate of 88.89%—not a perfect number, but a clear reflection of the determination, unity, and hard work of the entire group.

"For me, being class monitor wasn’t just a duty—it was a chance to grow, spread positivity, and help create a more effective learning environment for everyone," he said.

Heartfelt Memories in a Humanistic Learning Environment

One of Tam’s most touching memories during his studies was the empathy and support from his lecturers—especially in understanding the challenges of part-time students.

"Our teachers didn’t just teach—they listened, shared, and empathized with our circumstances—when time was short, when work and study pressures overlapped. There were times when we had to ask for deadline extensions because we couldn’t finish assignments on time due to work, and the teachers always responded flexibly, giving us reasonable schedules to complete our work without overwhelming pressure."

That understanding and respect created a truly humanistic educational environment, where every student felt accompanied and never left behind.

"I’m truly proud and grateful to have studied in an environment with such dedicated, empathetic, and inspiring lecturers. These aren’t just memories—they’re motivation for me to keep striving every day," Tam shared.

Open Mindset and Lifelong Learning Aspirations

Tam’s time at HCMUTE brought about positive changes in both his mindset and career direction. He learned how to analyze and approach problems flexibly, logically, and always with a proactive attitude in seeking optimal solutions for every situation.

With an open mindset, Tam is always ready to embrace new knowledge, learn from colleagues and friends, and continually work to improve himself.

In an era of constant technological and knowledge advancements, Tam’s journey is a testament to the spirit of lifelong learning—a valuable quality not just for students, but for anyone pursuing their academic dreams alongside practical work.

"Every day is a chance to be a little better than yesterday." “Don’t be afraid to start—because only by starting do you have the chance to create results,” Tam concluded with a modest smile but eyes full of determination.