Determination Led Dux and Semi-Dux to Master Icelandic Language from Scratch
Graduates Shine at FÁ's Ceremony: Three International Students Recognized for Academic Excellence
Iceland, May 15 - Ngan Kieu Tran, Dana Zaher El Deen, and Diana Al Barouki were celebrated for their outstanding academic achievements at the Comprehensive College at Ármúli (FÁ) graduation ceremony yesterday. These remarkable students, who have now mastered Icelandic, initially spoke only a few words of the language before their arrival on the island less than three years ago.
Ngan, 19, originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, was named valedictorian (dux) with an impressive grade point average of 9.82, while Diana earned the title of runner-up (semi-dux) with a commendable 9.38. Dana, a fellow Syrian, secured a 9.18 average and was honored for academic achievement in Icelandic, Spanish, and art.
The trio, who now share a close friendship, first met at FÁ. They reminisced about their first encounter in a sociology class, with Diana getting to know Dana through a mutual friend. "We're the best of friends now," said Diana.
The students faced a significant challenge in their education: learning Icelandic from scratch while simultaneously studying their other subjects in that language. It required great effort, with constant translation services, but they managed to overcome these hurdles and now fluently communicate in Icelandic, both with each other and at their jobs at the language school Dósaverksmiðjan.
Prior to their relocation, Diana knew little about Iceland, only that it offered good educational opportunities. She and Dana did not find adjusting to life in Iceland difficult, adding that they received ample support from their teachers and fellow Icelanders.
Ngan, the valedictorian, found the difference between the Vietnamese and Icelandic school structures striking. She was surprised by aspects such as students calling teachers by their first names and the lack of surnames among many Icelanders, a surprise shared by her friends Dana and Diana.
At the graduation ceremony, Diana played the violin, and all three delivered a speech on behalf of the graduating class. Each woman plans to further her education at Reykjavík University this fall, where they will pursue five-year degrees. Diana is interested in computer science, Dana in law, and Ngan in health engineering – fields they selected due to the university's strong support for students who speak Icelandic as a second language.
Life in their native countries contrasts sharply with the peace and security they've found in Iceland. Both Dana and Diana described the war in Syria and the loss of family members in recent attacks.
The two women came to Iceland through family reunification, and when asked if they planned to return to Syria, they expressed their love for their adopted home. "We want to stay here forever," said Diana.
Overall, the three graduates have demonstrated impressive resilience, academic excellence, and the ability to adapt to a new culture. Their success serves as a testament to the strong educational institutions and welcoming community found in Iceland.
In their pursuit of education and self-development, the valedictorian, Ngan, has chosen health engineering, showcasing her interest in learning and personal growth in this field, supported by Reykjavik University's strong academic structure. Meanwhile, Dana, the honoree for academic achievement in Icelandic, Spanish, and art, aspires to study law, reflecting her dedication to mastering diverse subjects. The news of these students' academic excellence and personal growth is definitely worthy of recognition, not just in general-news but also in education-and-self-development categories. Lastly, amidst their successful academic journey, the trio's unwavering resilience in adapting to a new culture and overcoming language barriers has significant political implications, underscoring the importance of international friendship and cooperation in our increasingly globalized world.
