VIEIn a world where students are often swept into the race for grades, extracurriculars, awards, and standardized expectations, one essential question is too often overlooked: “Who am I – beyond what’s written on my transcript?”
And if the honest answer is, “I’m not entirely sure,” then you are far from alone. Discovering your uniqueness – your personal identity – is a journey that takes time. No one is born fully knowing who they are. But that doesn’t mean it cannot be explored, uncovered, and nurtured.
Uniqueness Is Not About Extraordinary Talent
Not everyone is a musical prodigy, a national athlete, or a startup founder by the age of 16. Your uniqueness lies in what makes you you—the way you think, learn, choose, and act.
- A student may never step onto a Debate stage, yet have a natural gift for listening and connecting with others.
- Another may not lead a school club, but quietly dedicate two years to a personal project.
- Some are not afraid to ask bold, unusual questions – the kind most people overlook.
Uniqueness doesn’t have to be something “grand.” It is something authentic and deeply personal.
How Do You Discover It?
- Stop the comparisons – start observing yourself.
Comparison is human nature. But if you only look left and right to measure yourself against others, you’ll always be chasing someone else’s path. Instead, ask yourself
- What am I most curious about?
- When do I feel most valuable?
- When was the last time I truly felt like myself?
- Write it down – to see yourself more clearly
Your writing doesn’t need to be perfect – just honest. Journals, blogs, or even short notes on your phone can become mirrors that reflect the parts of you often overlooked.
- Accept that uniqueness takes time to surface
Sometimes it’s only through many experiences – successes and failures – that your true self begins to come into focus. And that’s perfectly normal. What matters most is staying open, observant, and willing to learn.
Sharing – Not Showing Off
When students truly understand who they are and what makes them unique, sharing is no longer about boasting – it becomes a way to connect.
A strong university application is not built on a long list of achievements, but on a story that is clear, authentic, and personal.
And if you are fortunate enough to meet the right mentor – someone patient enough to see the potential within you and skilled enough to draw it out – your journey of self-discovery can go further and deeper.
Mentors14 and the Journey of Uncovering Uniqueness
At Mentors14, our goal is not to produce identical applications. Instead, our mentors act as personalized companions – helping students reflect, discover their own identity, and gradually express it through academics, activities, and future aspirations.
Because at the heart of it all: “Every student is a story. And only when you tell your true story will others truly listen.”
📖 Read the Vietnamese version here.