Bao Anh, a student at ISHCMC International School – American Academy (ISHCMC-AA), has drawn a three-year journey filled with effort and perseverance to overcome fears, opening the gate to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – one of the most prestigious universities in the United States – to gradually realize her dream of becoming a director.
Born into a family with a mother who worked in film production, Do Bao Anh was exposed to the film set early on. Instead of choosing to become an actor, after practical experiences during her studies, Bao Anh was attracted to the role of director, the person who decides on the camera angles and lighting to fully express the emotions and storyline of a film.
“Since 10th grade, in a school film project about climate change at school, when I had to take on the roles of director, screenwriter, and set designer… I realized that I loved the work of someone behind the camera. I participated in a summer program at UCLA to experience the learning environment there, and that was when I confirmed my direction,” Bao Anh shared.
Realizing the importance of the AP (Advanced Placement) program when preparing for the American dream – the cradle of the film and entertainment industry – Bao Anh proactively transferred to study at ISHCMC-AA, the leading international school in Ho Chi Minh City that teaches this program systematically and diversely with a team of experienced and highly specialized teachers.
Here, Bao Anh set her sights on achieving the AP Diploma, a prestigious certification awarded by the College Board to students who excel in AP courses. With determination and focus, she became one of the first students in Vietnam to be on the list of candidates to receive the AP Diploma. .
However, Bao Anh knows that for UCLA, a school in the top 20 best universities in the US, scores or degrees are not the only deciding factors. Instead, it is the diverse personal experiences from academics to social activities, clear direction and true passion that will make the difference.
The process of pursuing advanced classes, working as an assistant at a career counseling office, participating in Model United Nations, being an MC, organizing events… sometimes makes Bao Anh feel overwhelmed. But instead of avoiding it, she learned to accept the pressure as an inevitable part of growing up. The valuable thing is that, even when she is most stressed, Bao Anh still maintains a positive spirit and always ensures that she completes all assigned tasks in a thorough and responsible manner.
Bao Anh is quite fond of the line “Fear is the mind-killer” in her favorite movie Dune because “Everyone has fear, and so do I. But if I let fear stop me, I will never have the chance to grow up. I choose to act even though I am still afraid, because only when I move forward, the door can open.” Bao Anh affirms that it is the practical experiences, from leading a Home Team with many students in the school to helping friends orient their future… that have helped her develop both her skills and independent thinking.
According to Ms. Nguyen Phuoc Bich Thao, University & Career Counselor at ISHCMC-AA, Bao Anh is not only an excellent student in academics but also an emotional and courageous soul. ” She is a true “Sun Bear”: shining with positive energy, sincere care and a spirit of constant dedication. I see In you there is a loving heart, a strong will, even in the most difficult times .
For Bao Anh, the guiding principle in her journey of learning and growing up is to understand what she wants and courageously pursue it. “I don’t think we need to know everything from the beginning. But if there is something that really interests me, I will go all the way. For me, learning is to understand myself, not to become a copy of someone else .”
Sharing more about herself in the next 5-10 years, Bao Anh hopes to become a film director or producer, contributing to the Vietnamese film industry. The female student confided with much enthusiasm: “I hope I can create opportunities for the young generation of filmmakers, and contribute to bringing positive films that inspire audiences .”
For Bao Anh, UCLA is an important stop on the long journey to conquer the dream of cinema. With all her determination, creative curiosity, and passion for art , the young girl is gradually preparing for a professional path ahead, where she conveys positive values through each film. Not choosing an easy path , but her journey is worthwhile and inspiring.
International School of Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy (ISHCMC-AA) is the leading international high school in Ho Chi Minh City for students aged 11 to 18, achieving prestigious accreditation from the Association of International Schools (CIS) and the Council of International Schools and Colleges in the United States (NEASC). ISHCMC-AA is proud to be a member of Cognita schools, a group of leading international schools in Vietnam and around the world. With outstanding strengths in the AP program and currently an international school in Ho Chi Minh City teaching and granting AP Diplomas, nearly 2 decades old, a team of experienced teachers with nearly 75% having a Master’s degree or higher, ISHCMC-AA is a place to nurture passion, develop personal capacity and pave the way for the journey to the future with a rate of 100% of graduates being admitted to the top 3 university wishes, including prestigious universities around the world.
Source: Thanh Nien
