Nguyen Xuan Son was well-known among students of 93 – 96 school year with two consecutive Silver Medals in International Competition in Physics: 94 - 95 in Australia and 95 – 96 in Norway.
That was the story of ten years ago. The boy named Son – a brilliant student of class L1 those days – has graduated from Polytechnique, a renowned university in France, and is currently having job in finance sector in London.
After 7 years of living and studying in France, Son decided to leave this country and challenge himself in another environment- London. The road from Vietnam to France, and then to London certainly is not a plain o­ne. We now turn back the clock hands to when he was trying to make up his mind.



Interviewer: Hello, Son. We know that you are a post-graduate from Polytechnique University in France. So what led you to that country?

Xuan Son: Hello. Actually, it happened rather accidentally, because of my achievements and a “serious” period of studying English, I first thought of going to Australia or America. However, life holds much surprise. Professor Dao Trung Dam granted me an application document to Polytechnique University in March, 1997. With the encouragement and help from both my professor and my family, I decided to take the opportunity, which ultimately led me to France. Not being able to communicate in French fluently, I made a bold choice to carry the admission interview in English with French professors from the university. Although I felt anxious, the professors turned out to be “easy to talk to” (smiles). Preparation time for the journey was not much. Along with studying both languages, English and French, I also had to keep improving my science knowledge. While not very confident with my language skills, I was o­n the plane for France o­n 19th July, 1997.

Interviewer: Could you tell more about the years spent studying in France?

Xuan Son: Luckier than many other Vietnamese students being abroad, I did not have to work while studying. Every of my expenditure was sponsored by the French government. The early days in the country of wine and perfume could be expressed in two words: “amazing” and “impressive”. I remembered o­n the first morning, I had to get up at 7 and run in the chilly forest in my shorts. Fortunately, I did not catch cold (smiles).

Interviewer: What about your curricula?

Xuan Son: After some trips to get students to know each other, we started to study. After the first day of class, I was stunned looking at a pile of A4 paper, heavy and unsteadily high. This is a trait of Polytechnique; students are expected to absorb a full load in a short period. The schedule was strictly tight, so the time for outside reference was actually limited, especially during general study period. Perhaps, I was young and poised to achieve at that moment. As I looked back o­n those days, it was quite surprising how hard I did try (smiles).

Interviewer: The time of studying at Polytechnique, as you mentioned, earned you much experience. Could you clarify it? I guess that the school’s curricula were… tough.

Xuan Son: The time there was unforgettable. Having to absorb a huge amount of knowledge, I had no other way but to do my best. I managed my time and arrange priorities. After 2 years, the disciplinary life I absorbed has made me feel more confident dealing with new challenges.

Interviewer: How about entertainment and relaxation?

Xuan Son: When I got some free time, I train or practice useful skills that I don’t have. For instance, I often play sports because it not o­nly helps me forget my job, but keep me healthy and determined. Through sports, you can learn much about your body. I partook in Astronomy Club and Viet-kungfu, sometimes participate in evening courses of foreign languages. I regularly walk; sometimes stopping by a park, a restaurant, a bar, a museum or theater. When wishing to “clear up my head”, I hang out with friends.

Interviewer: To talk about your love for Physics, what indulges you in this subject? And… what subject do you feel you are worst at?

Xuan Son: About Physics, I should thank much to Mr. Nghia and Mr. Don, a professor at ‘Tong Hop’ school. Mr. Nghia was the o­ne that “stimulated” me and the o­ne with liberal style when debating. And Mr. Dam Trung Don was fundamental in methodology; his teaching style as well as experience in researching and applying physics was really lively. He also taught me how to “live and dream”.
The subject I am “behind” the most is Music. Occasionally, I got mark 9; however, I understand … nothing actually. Though I am behind in this subject, I have never thought of cheating at all. (Grinning)

Interviewer: A private question, while you studied abroad, is there any ‘pink figure” waiting for you back home?

Xuan Son: Talking about love affair, I don’t understand whether I was fortunate or unfortunate to have no attachment o­n my departing. Years later, I still got none due to the hectic life with all the work loads. Also, what I observed from my friends’ experience and have trust o­n it 99% of the time is that long distance relationships are likely to be broken.

Interviewer: Have you faced times of boredom and depression?

Xuan Son: Facing with obstacles and seduction, perhaps, a strong will is of extreme importance. In such cases, I would think of my aspirations, think of the bloodstream flowing in my veins, of the pride of the home country, think of parents and their difficulties that I wanted it ease. I set three standards for myself: “Do not muse upon failure too much, so not to degrade myself”, “Finding a solution is necessary” and “Life is a lesson and always have my own goals.”

Interviewer: Do you plan to return to Vietnam afterward?

Xuan Son: I have never wondered about coming back and contributing; I have clearly determined that upon my returning, I will not ask for anything special, but “fight” as everyone else. The moment I come back is when I feel ripe enough to make my contribution to the country. And from now to that moment, I can o­nly tell you that there is much effort to take o­n.

Interviewer: Why did you decide to work in England after studying in France?

XuanSon: There are many reasons, most importantly is the desire for a change in environment, however not too much of change that will brings me out of this European continental. Although London is quite harsh in terms of working pace, job certainty, insurance condition, it is among the most renowned financial center in the world. After more than half a year living in London, I found that London is a good fit for dedicated individuals.

Interviewer: You have been overseas for a long time. If a young person ready to go abroad asks for your advices, what would you say?

Xuan Son: I think the purpose of studying abroad is to bring back something new to the home country, so you should consider yourselves as a knowledge aspirant. o­nce o­ne starts, and he should try to reach his goals. When o­ne feels to gain enough, he should trust in his ability to make contribution to the country. Away from home at a distance of enormous oceans, there are even dangers waiting, I can o­nly wish you the best of luck and hope you can achieve the victory of your life.

Interviewer: Thank you, Xuan Son, for this talk today. I hope you will have much more success in the future.

Every year, there are plenty of Vietnamese students winning scholarships to study overseas; many international prizes are brought home and bring fame to our country. But after those prizes and glory, where do the roads lead you? 10 years, 20 years later what will you be? Where will you be standing? It’s a question with numerous answers. And the story about the student of class L1 93 – 96, named Nguyen Xuan Son, above is o­ne answer to it. He always ponders about how to live a worthy life, tries harder to make his existence not commonplace.
Each o­ne of us has our own choice: some like stability, others prefer adventures. But surely without perseverance, there will be no success. Thanks Brother Son for his short conversation. We wish that Xuan Son of 37 or 47 will achieve more glorious success than he did at the age of 17 or 27.

Translated by Ngo Hong Vu A1 02-05
Edited by Quang Nguyen T1 00-03