For many, higher education is a “straight path,” but for some students such as Le Thanh Hieu, it’s a “winding” road.

Le, who was among the TROY graduates of the largest-ever graduating class at the University of Economics and Business at Vietnam National University, spoke to her classmates during commencement exercises in Hanoi during November.

“I started this journey at 34, married, raising kids, and decided to take a step that felt both exciting and daunting,” she said. “There were times, especially early on, when I asked myself ‘Is this really the right choice.’ I remember the first days … wondering how I would fit in among a group of younger people who were, in many ways, so different than me,” she said.

She finished her business administration degree with the highest grade-point average of any student in the 96-member graduating class.

On hand to present diplomas were TROY Chancellor Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr. and Senior Vice Chancellor Sohail Agboatwala, in addition to leadership from UEB and VNU.

“I became a part of this vibrant and dynamic group – almost without realizing it. Together, we’ve shared countless late nights discussing homework, tackling group projects and working against many tight deadlines,” she said. “Throughout all the classes, I found connections, friendships, and developed a deep sense of belonging. I treasure the bond we’ve created.”

Le’s story is similar to other adult learners who have found TROY to be supportive and flexible enough to meet the demands of non-traditional students.

“Today, I can proudly say that this journey has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I leave this program with so much more knowledge; I leave with lasting friendships and a sense of confidence I never have had before,” she said. “I’ve learned to embrace challenges, to trust in my abilities, and to appreciate the power of determination.

“Above all, I’ve learned that it’s never too late to pursue what matters to you, and it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Do not let age, circumstance or doubt hold you back,” she added.

Now employed with a pharmaceutical company, Le said it was the COVID pandemic and the shuttering of a family business that propelled her to pursue a business degree, and chose TROY’s program at UEB because of its good reputation.

“I had wanted to pursue a degree in business for quite some time because I always felt I lacked knowledge after spending a few years working at my family’s company. Work and family responsibilities had always gotten in the way,” she said.

When her husband made the decision to close the business after the first year of the pandemic, Le said it was the perfect opportunity to act on her desires. Encouragement from her father, an economist himself, and her husband moved her to apply to the TROY-UEB program.

“During the courses, my classmates often asked me how I managed to balance family, work and studies, and the answer was simple: my family’s constant support,” she said. “My dear father was the one who gave me tremendous encouragement when I was unsure about enrolling in this program. Once I began the program, (my family) always encouraged me when I felt overwhelmed, took on extra responsibilities at home when I needed time for my studies, and celebrated every small victory of mine along the way.”

“My children grew up watching me study late into the night, and I hope they have learned as much from my persistence as I have learned from this journey,” she said.

In addition to the UEB commencement ceremonies, the TROY contingent presided over commencement exercises at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, where TROY provides a computer science degree.

TROY was also visited Da Nang’s Duy Tan University, where a ribbon cutting was held on the DTU’s “TROY floor,” a floor of their building dedicated to teaching TROY courses, and met with officials at Saigon Technical University, where talks are underway to provide a graphic arts degree program in the future.