How winning a scholarship made my dreams come true
By Thu Trang Do, January 2026
Hello everyone! My name is Thu Trang Do, and I'm from Hanoi, Vietnam. Since childhood, I've always dreamed of studying abroad, but financial realities often made that dream seem distant. I completed my Bachelor's degree in International Business Administration at the Vietnam National University of Economics.
When I decided to pursue a Master of Marketing at Nottingham Trent University (NTU), I knew I had found the perfect environment to thrive. I was drawn to NTU because the university integrates sustainability and responsibility into its community and future vision. As I learned more, I felt a sense of belonging, a place that encourages critical thinking, ethical action, and applying knowledge to real-world change.
Like many international students, cost was a significant barrier to entry. That's when I saw the scholarship opportunity. The path to applying was fraught with self-doubt. I remember browsing the NTU website, looking at the profiles of previous scholarship recipients, and feeling incredibly small. I told myself that there were thousands of students with higher grades, more impressive CVs, and more fluent English than I had.
For weeks, I had even hesitated to start writing my draft, fearing rejection. I struggled with the idea that scholarships were only for the "elite" and that someone like me wouldn't stand a chance in such a competitive environment. However, a little voice in my head kept asking me what I would miss if I didn't try. I realised that the only way to fail was never to apply.
My scholarship top tips
Once I overcame that mental barrier, the real work began. I spent nearly two months perfecting my scholarship application. Instead of writing a generic statement listing my accomplishments like a machine, I decided to treat the essay like a conversation with a friend. I focused on the "why" behind my passion. I wrote about the experiences I had and what I had learned from them, which ultimately shaped my resilience.
The hardest part was summarising my experiences and aspirations as honestly and concisely as possible, ensuring the essay was neither too long nor too short, but still included all the necessary points. I spent many nights refining my writing, sometimes word for word, to ensure my authentic voice stood out from the academic tone. I even contacted my teacher to review the draft, not to change the story, but to ensure my message was clear and impactful.
If you are currently struggling with your scholarship essay, as I did before, here are some tips that genuinely worked for me:
● Start Early and Reflect: Don't rush. I gave myself time to reflect deeply on my journey before writing a single word.
● Be a Storyteller, Not a Robot: Instead of listing achievements like a CV, focus on the "why" behind your passion rather than just the "what."
● Embrace Experiences: Write truthfully about your experiences and what you gain from them. Your unique points are why you decide to do that, so don't be afraid to show them.
● Seek "Ruthless" Feedback: Ask someone you truly believe in and who can help you review your draft to ensure your authentic voice is coming through loud and clear.
Great news!
The journey to receiving the final result was an emotional rollercoaster that I was entirely unprepared for. Initially, I received notification that I had been awarded a £5,000 scholarship. Although incredibly grateful for this support, I couldn't help but feel deeply disappointed.
I began to doubt my efforts again, thinking, "Maybe my story wasn't convincing enough," or "Maybe I'm not good enough to make it into the top group." The insecurity I thought I had overcome during the application process suddenly returned, making me feel that, despite my best efforts, I hadn't yet achieved my goal.
But then, something unexpected happened. A short while later, I was on my way to the gym when I received a new email with the subject line about my scholarship upgrade. My hands were shaking so much I could barely believe this was real. When I opened the email and saw the words "50% Scholarship Awarded," the world seemed to stop for a moment.
My earlier disappointment instantly vanished, replaced by an intense mix of relief, surprise, and overwhelming pride. It wasn't just increased financial support, but it was also like an affirmation that I truly deserved to be here. I immediately told my mother and sister, and hearing their joyful cheers was the greatest reward. In my community, winning a scholarship like this is a symbol of hope; it proves that dedication can bridge the gap between humble beginnings and international opportunities.
Tell your story
Looking back, the most valuable lesson I learned is that winning a scholarship doesn't just depend on getting the highest grades; it depends on having the courage to tell your story. If you were a student in my position a year ago, feeling uncertain and anxious, I want to tell you that you are good enough. The university isn't looking for a perfect person; it's looking for a genuine individual with a clear vision. Take the first small step of writing your story, and don't let the fear of competition stop you from pursuing your future at NTU.
Today, as I prepare for life at Nottingham Trent University, I feel incredibly grateful. This scholarship has helped me pursue a degree that will support me in achieving my future goal of becoming a marketing strategist, driving sustainable growth. My journey to NTU has only just begun, but the application process for this scholarship has had a profound impact on me. It taught me to believe.
Winning a scholarship is about more than just the financial reward; it’s about believing in your own potential. It’s a validation of your past efforts and a vote of confidence in your future. Don't be afraid to tell your story. You have so much to offer, and NTU wants to hear it.
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