Students’ Speech for the Opening Ceremony, School year 2024-2025

Dear esteemed guests, parents, teachers, and students of the Vietnam-Finland International School,

My name is Pham Khanh Tuong Duy, and I'm from class 12B. 

First of all, on behalf of Vietnam - Finland International School (VFIS), I would like to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation to the leaders of Ton Duc Thang University, School Boards and dedicated teachers who make up the VFIS community. Besides, I would like to thank all of VFIS students for your unity and effort in creating vibrant learning and training experiences under the school of happiness - VFIS. 

Dear VFIS teachers and students!

Five months ago, I stumbled across VFIS and realized that VFIS could serve as a perfect launching pad for me with my desire to go to Finland for university. I immediately applied for VFIS scholarship at that time. Luckily enough, I got it and has become a part of VFIS. 

I still remember vividly when I first arrived at VFIS, most people were curious about why I decided to move into a different school now that I’m already in grade 12. And all that curiosity has led me to date back to when I was 4 years old, I would draw all over the walls, my parents saw my potential so they put me into art schools, made me compete in art competitions and that ultimately became my passion. 
This morning, as we gather to celebrate the start of a new academic year, we also take pride in the vibrant atmosphere that defines our school. At VFIS, every student is encouraged to explore their own passions and to grow academically, and personally. When I first stepped foot into this school, I was surprised to learn that scores are not the only priority, but also the ability to play sports, create arts, and solve problems in the real world. 

VFIS has always looked into its future, constantly asking questions like: What’s next? How should we? and Why is it important? This mindset ensures that we’re not only prepared for today but also for the future. To our youngest people in our room, the elementary schoolers, School is not just about going to classes and doing homework; it’s also about discovering what you love, having fun, and asking lots of questions – even the ones that make our teachers question the whole life choices. We will have to overcome our fear of rejection and make it part of our journey. Because almost all of the best things in life require a level of embarrassment or at least the possibility of it. Our time here as a student will not be remembered only by our grades or by our popularity, but by the type of person we choose to become and the relationships that we created.

And for all of my peers — the 12th graders, this year will be challenging, not only in terms of studying but also in the realization that we will soon be on our own and have to make our own decisions of what to do and what not to do, and to decide what risks to take and what habits to let go off. 

Finally, I would like to conclude my speech with one of my favorite sayings from Ellen DeGeneres, who said, “Follow your passion. Stay true to yourself. Never follow someone else’s path unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path.”

I firmly believe that VFIS can help us define our values and have future orientation. And together we can make VFIS a more dynamic, creative, peaceful and happy learning environment.

Wishing respected guests, teachers, and students a new academic year 2024-2025 filled with health and peace. 

“Together, we can”

Thank you very much.