In the conversation below, Đan Thư shares about the journey of a young person daring to place themselves in great challenges, daring to build a future with determination and long-term vision.
"Titles only reflect one aspect of oneself, but the journey truly determines who I am."
She was once known to the student community in Southern California as the Inter-School Beauty Queen. For many people, it was a major milestone. But what about her?
I see titles as a beautiful memory. They help me recognize the power of confidence and presence. But I have never allowed myself to stop there. A title does not define the entirety of who I am. What feels more meaningful to me are the things I am building in education and the positive impacts I can bring to the community.
Specifically, which journeys are you referring to, ma'am?
It’s more than 10 years in the teaching profession, days of nonstop learning and research, and the establishment of VietEdTech to bring bilingual education and educational technology closer to the Vietnamese people. I want to create a modern learning environment while still preserving the depth of Vietnamese culture. For me, that is the true value.
From the classroom to the research lab: a journey of continuous innovation
She started as a teacher and then moved into educational research. Why did you choose this path?
When I was teaching, I clearly saw the limitations that learners faced. From there, I wanted to find a way not only to teach better but also to design a system that is more suitable for my community. That is why I continued to pursue a EdD in Educational Leadership. I want to gain a deeper understanding of how education operates, how to develop policies, and how to create new models.
And VietEdTech was born from that experience?
Yes. I noticed that bilingual education for Vietnamese children and families abroad lacked a platform that was authentically Vietnamese, scientifically sound, and engaging enough. Technology helps solve most of that problem. VietEdTech is an effort to connect the Vietnamese language heritage with modern learning methods, so that young generations can still preserve their roots.
“I always believe in small but steady steps.”
She is often mentioned as a young person with a clear sense of direction. What shaped that mindset?
Part of it comes from the academic environment I live in, where everyone is proactive in shaping their own future. The rest comes from personal experience. I have learned that a sustainable path cannot rely on momentary inspiration. It is built from small but consistent steps. I always make clear plans, set measurable goals, and evaluate each stage myself.
Many young people say that they want to do many things but don't know where to start. Do you have any advice?
Start with something very small. Anything is fine. You will never know what suits you if you don't try. The most important thing is to be honest with yourself and persistent with what you choose. And don't be afraid to listen to feedback. I have grown thanks to very frank advice.
When beauty lies in proactivity and intellect
In the eyes of the community, she is not only a successful person but also an image of a modern, confident young woman who knows how to take charge of her life. Do you think that describes you?
I believe every woman carries a unique kind of strength. For me, it is proactivity. I trust in the power of self-determination. I enjoy learning, challenging myself, and I am not afraid to start over. Perhaps that is what creates the charm people see.
Can you share what you consider the most important value in your personal development journey?
It is the balance between gentleness and determination. I want to maintain the softness of a Vietnamese woman but also hope to be strong enough to pursue long-term goals. I always remind myself to be confident but not arrogant, steadfast but not rigid. That is how I preserve my identity.
A brave and globally integrated young Vietnamese generation
Looking back on the journey so far, what makes you the most proud?
It is that I have not lost myself. Even living in a multicultural environment, I have maintained Vietnamese values and brought them into my work. I am proud to be able to serve as a bridge between modern education and national identity. I hope my journey will inspire many other young Vietnamese.
What awaits her ahead?
It is completing her EdD dissertation, expanding VietEdTech, and continuing to accompany the Vietnamese community abroad in preserving their language and culture. I have many projects in the works, but all are related to education and the development of the young Vietnamese generation worldwide.
Alongside her research and operation work at VietEdTech, Đan Thư currently also serves as a talk show producer for a program created by herself and her friends—speakers and experts from various fields who collaborate on it. Not stopping there, she has also tried her hand as a presenter for Vietnam Television, as a way to broaden her experience, develop communication skills, and connect more deeply with the Vietnamese community worldwide.
At the end of the conversation, it’s easy to understand why Phạm Nguyễn Đan Thư is considered a role model for a generation of confident Vietnamese women who are intelligent and dare to live by their ideals. She embodies a blend of academic knowledge, personal courage, and a desire to create lasting value. Her beauty comes not from titles, but from the journey of building her future in her own unique way.
Contact:
Website: VietEdTech
Link: Danthu Nguyen Pham | LinkedIn
Link: Dawna Danthu Nguyen Pham | Instagram, Facebook | Linktree
Link Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danthup
