HCMC teen with IELTS 9.0 and top English awards for gifted students chooses teaching career

Nguyen Tuan Phong, once an English major at a distinguished high school in Ho Chi Minh City, has set his sights on a teaching career. Phong, who is currently pursuing a degree in English language teacher education, first considered a teaching path during his sophomore year of high school. This career decision was influenced by his impressive achievements in English competitions and his desire to emulate the supportive and inspiring teachers who guided him.

Phong's passion for teaching stems from his early exposure to English at age four and his subsequent immersion in the language through various classes and materials. He credits his teachers for nurturing his love of learning, both in English and other subjects. As a result, he aspires to be a friendly and knowledgeable instructor who encourages his students while sharing his own enthusiasm for the subject.

After excelling in national English competitions, Phong took the IELTS test during his junior year to bolster his university application. He was astounded to receive a perfect score of 9.0, a result that surpassed even his own expectations. Phong attributes his success to regular practice with native speakers and classmates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and maintaining a balanced approach to learning.

Tran Kim Duyen, Phong's former foreign languages department head, lauds him as a well-rounded student with creative thinking skills, independent learning abilities, and a willingness to learn from others. Phong's dedication to his students and fellow educators extends beyond the classroom, as he assists teachers in organizing extracurricular activities.

As he embarks on his university journey, Phong plans to engage in a variety of activities while maintaining strong academic performance, with the ultimate goal of becoming an English teacher at the high school level.