Harmony in Motion: How Hien Made 16 Years at ISHCMC Count

As graduation approaches for the Class of 2025, one student who truly stands out is Hien Vu from Grade 12.2. Having been part of the ISHCMC community for nearly 16 years, Hien was recently awarded The Balanced Learner at this year’s Learner Profile Awards - a title that perfectly reflects how she has stayed focused on academics while also embracing life beyond the classroom.

Hien receiving The Balanced Learner at Learner Profile Awards 2025.

Hien’s secret? Perseverance.

“There were times when everything felt overwhelming. But ISHCMC taught me how to keep going, even when things got tough,” Hien shared. “That perseverance shaped not only my academic success but also my personal growth, helping me become more confident, balanced, and self-aware.”

At school, Hien is passionate about math and science. She enjoys sharing ideas and helping others see how exciting these subjects can be. Outside the classroom, she finds joy in music - especially in how it brings people together, helps them relax, and makes them happy.

Hien performed in the Primary Production in 2017 - already showcasing her passion for music.

One of her proudest moments at ISHCMC was hosting two inter-school math competitions. This experience pushed her outside of her comfort zone, encouraged collaboration with teachers and peers, and allowed her to take on a leadership role. She remembers how inspiring it was to see students from different schools come together to celebrate problem-solving. “It was incredibly rewarding to gather young people who shared the same passion for math,” she said.

Looking back on her journey, Hien reflected:

“I’m proud not just of what we accomplished, but of how much I grew as a person through the experience. It reminded me of the joy that comes from collective effort and the impact we can make when we work together with purpose.”

When asked to describe her ISHCMC journey in three words, Hien chose: Engaging, Inspiring, Perseverance.

For her, learning at ISHCMC was never just about grades. It was about curiosity, deep thinking, and making real-world connections.

“What made ISHCMC special was that learning often went beyond the classroom,” she explained. “It taught me how to use what I learn to help others and create positive change, no matter how small.”

One project that made a lasting impact on Hien was her Grade 10 Personal Project. It allowed her to explore a topic she deeply cared about and sparked her love for academic research - something she hopes to continue pursuing in the future.

“Looking back, the Personal Project wasn’t just an academic task - it was an experience that helped me understand who I am, what excites me and what direction I want to take in the future.”

Poster of Hien’s Personal Project in Grade 10: An Alternative to Pesticides.

Looking ahead, Hien is excited to face new challenges and study in a more advanced academic environment. If she could give a message to her future self five years from now, she would say:

“Always be open to new opportunities and continue to have a thirst for knowledge no matter the obstacles life may present.”

To her classmates, she shares this message of encouragement: “Good luck in whatever you choose to pursue - and always have faith in yourself.”

And to ISHCMC, Hien says:

“Thank you for becoming a second home and nurturing my love for learning.”

Hien’s story is a powerful reminder to all students: when you learn to balance your time and energy, you can truly enjoy school life to the fullest. It’s not always easy—but with perseverance, anything is possible.