With a strong multitasking ability and a growth mindset, Phạm Quốc Hùng (Johnny), a Class of 2025 student at the International School Ho Chi Minh City – American Academy (ISHCMC–AA), has been successfully admitted to the prestigious Monash University in Australia, majoring in Communication & Media.
Monash’s Communication & Media program, from a university ranked 37th globally in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, not only opens new opportunities but also allows Quốc Hùng to fully pursue his creative passions. Constantly challenging himself to find the right path, Quốc Hùng discovered his future direction starting from something as simple as a school assignment.
A transformative journey…
Full of energy upon joining ISHCMC–AA, Quốc Hùng still faced a “big question” in life: among his many passions and ambitions, what truly excites him and what does he want to pursue? Which door would genuinely open the path to his future? As an enthusiastic young man, instead of waiting for answers, Hùng embarked on a journey of self-discovery and future exploration.
“I started participating more in school activities to make up for the uncertain years before, from hip-hop to volleyball, from filmmaking to event organizing, from academic research to supporting the Marketing department. Every experience helped me understand myself better and refine my skills to find what I am truly passionate about,” Quốc Hùng shared.
He also took part in the Student Assistant program, an initiative that allows students to try real work across different departments and learn from experienced professionals. Through this unique and effective program, every ISHCMC–AA student gains skills to help define their future career path while still in school.
…To a turning point in finding his passion
“In Grade 10, our teacher asked us to create a documentary. At first, I thought it was just a fun assignment, but once I started working on it, I realized I had never enjoyed a school task so much. That’s when I discovered that I wanted to pursue a future in media or filmmaking,” Quốc Hùng enthusiastically recalled.
Through this experience, Quốc Hùng gradually discovered a better version of himself—living with passion and purpose. He became a multi-talented and energetic student, participating in numerous activities: serving as a school ambassador, founding the first student-led club at the school, joining the Student Council, creating content, filmmaking, and more.
Without the pressure to conform too early, the school’s activities gradually revealed his future path. Every new experience helped clarify the road ahead.
“The greatest teacher is yourself”
Quốc Hùng believes that no one inspires him more than himself. Growing from past mistakes, we learn to rise after falling and understand what is best for us. He added, “I believe that without the support and guidance from those around me, I would have faced more challenges in defining myself. However, personal resilience is the key to seizing and maximizing opportunities effectively.”
Confident in his chosen path, Quốc Hùng demonstrated that in the right environment, students with different starting points can achieve impressive results and fully leverage their strengths. Looking back on his journey at ISHCMC–AA, he hopes to inspire future generations: “Always give your best in whatever you do, and be ready for surprises. No matter the outcome, you won’t regret your effort.”
Principal Nathan Swenson praised Johnny: “He is always optimistic and strives to improve himself. His ability to take feedback to better himself and those around him has made him a true leader and change-maker.”
Creative, ambitious, hardworking, and positive—these are the words teachers and friends use to describe Quốc Hùng. These qualities will accompany him as he embarks on his university journey at Monash University, helping him turn his passion for creativity and the arts into reality. The road to overcoming challenges and self-mastery is never easy, but with optimism and a mindset of “Anything is possible,” Quốc Hùng has achieved his dream of studying abroad, with new horizons opening before him.
