Pathway to Success | Vu Trieu Vu (8HS1): When Discipline Becomes a Foundation

In the Pathway to Success series, let’s meet Vu Trieu Vu (Class 8HS1)—a student who stands out not only for his strong academic performance but also for his image as a “multi-talented hotboy” who brings energy to every sports field at Hanoi Adelaide School.

With a bright appearance, solid academic results, and impressive athletic ability, Trieu Vu is a familiar face in many school activities. From Math classes that require logical thinking to football, badminton, and basketball courts, he consistently shows seriousness and a never-give-up spirit. Behind that dynamic image, however, is a clear transformation—from a student who once… did not truly know what he was good at.

A new beginning through changing the way of learning

Before joining Hanoi Adelaide School, Vu described himself as a student without a clear direction. At that time, studying was mainly about completing tasks. He had not yet identified his strengths or developed a genuine interest in any particular subject.

The turning point came when a Math teacher guided him to rethink his learning approach. Through classroom performance and continuous observation, the teacher recognized Vu’s strong logical thinking, quick comprehension, and suitability for reasoning-based problem-solving.

From then on, he was guided to focus on understanding concepts rather than following fixed patterns. Learning goals were broken down into smaller targets for each type of problem, accompanied by a clear study plan and a consistent daily practice routine.

This shift gradually changed Vu.

He no longer studied based on mood or inspiration, but began learning with clear plans, defined goals, and a proactive approach to managing his own progress. From a student without clear direction, Vu gradually built a stronger academic foundation and gained a deeper understanding of his own strengths.

When discipline replaces inspiration

If Vu’s learning once depended heavily on motivation, preparing for competitions like TIMO required him to completely change how he maintained his study habits.

Instead of studying broadly, Vu broke down all content into specific problem types and set daily targets for each. Each self-study session lasted around 1–2 hours, focusing on mastering each group of problems in depth rather than studying more without efficiency.

“The hardest part is not studying more, but staying consistent every single day.”

There were days when he came home late from sports practice or felt exhausted after long school hours, yet Vu still kept his routine—completing his planned study tasks before resting. Problems he had not fully mastered were carefully noted and revisited in later sessions with guidance from his teachers.

Alongside his studies, Vu continues to maintain a consistent sports training schedule. Rather than letting academics and athletics overlap or interfere with each other, he actively manages his time, ensuring that each activity is approached with focus and discipline.

During exam periods, Vu is willing to temporarily reduce his training time to prioritize studying. Once the exams are over, he returns to his usual training routine. This balance—flexible yet structured—has helped him maintain strong performance in both academics and sports.