Six months pursuing a storytelling project: The sweet reward for three Communication students from Dai Nam University.

After nearly six months of pursuing a research topic on storytelling in brand communication, three students from the Multimedia Communication major at Dai Nam University won first prize in the faculty-level scientific research competition and went on to win second prize at the university-level Student Scientific Research Conference for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The authors of the research topic: “Application of storytelling in brand communication of Dai Nam University”.

What's remarkable is that this journey didn't begin with the goal of winning awards, the desire for achievement, or even the intention of creating a major research project. Everything started with a very simple question: "Can I do it?"

For Tran Van Chung, Ngo Hai Dang, and Nguyen Thi Kieu Anh – students of the Communication Technology 18-02 class – scientific research initially was simply an opportunity to test themselves in a new field; where the communication knowledge learned in the classroom was applied to analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving in practice.

Three students, one topic, and a lot of uncertainties. No one thought that journey would end with an award. But it certainly changed the way they viewed their careers, scientific research, and themselves.

When "storytelling" becomes the power of digital media.

Driven by their passion for their chosen field of study, the group selected the topic: "Application of storytelling in brand communication at Dai Nam University" as their research topic.

The research idea began with very familiar things: the image of the school, how educational brands connect with learners, and the power of stories in modern media.

“In this age of information overload, we realize that the public doesn't just remember brands by their logos, slogans, or images. What lasts longer are sometimes stories that are authentic enough to evoke emotions and create connections. The same applies to the educational environment. Storytelling isn't simply about telling a story; it's a way for the values, spirit, and identity of a school to reach its students,” shared Tran Van Chung.

From that thought, the group began to ask a bigger question: Can educational communication create stronger connections if it knows how to tell real stories, real experiences, and real values?

Beyond theory, the team hopes that this research can contribute a new perspective to educational communication activities; where brands are not only recognized but also trusted and loved through emotionally rich stories. This is also the practical value the team aims for after the research.

The first few days were filled with uncertainty and pressure.

Ideas can start from inspiration. But scientific research is a journey of discipline, data, and perseverance. The first few working sessions with my supervisor, PhD candidate and Master's student Do Thi Nu, were a challenging time.

From outlining the research, finding literature, conducting surveys, to processing data, everything was new. Some days, the team would spend hours debating just one approach. There were times when we revised small parts of the research paper repeatedly. And there were times when progress was so slow that the team even considered:

Should we stop?

“ There were times when we thought about giving up because scientific research really requires a lot of time and perseverance. But it was the trust and encouragement from our supervising lecturers that prevented us from stopping halfway,” Van Chung recalled.

Looking back, you'll realize that the biggest challenge in research isn't the topic itself, but overcoming your own limitations.

When instructors are more than just professional mentors

Throughout this journey, the group received support from the leadership of the Communication Department, the homeroom teacher, and especially the supervising lecturer. Not only did they provide professional support, but the teachers also became a source of moral support, helping students stay motivated when facing difficulties.

It was this shared experience that made the three students realize that scientific research is not a playground exclusively for the most brilliant. It can be an opportunity for any student who dares to ask questions, dares to try, and has the perseverance to see it through to the end.

An environment where students learn how to ask questions and find solutions.

It's not just this group of students; scientific research is increasingly being emphasized by Dai Nam University as an important part of its training orientation.

Through scientific research conferences, academic forums, practical application projects, and the guidance of lecturers, students gain early access to research; learn how to ask questions, analyze problems, and apply knowledge to real-world situations.

That is also the goal that the school pursues: to help students learn not just to know, but to understand; not just to receive knowledge, but to delve deeper into issues, find solutions, and develop research thinking during the learning process.

The greatest value doesn't lie in the prize.

After more than 6 months of implementation, the project "Application of storytelling in brand communication of Dai Nam University" won first prize in the scientific research competition at the Faculty of Communication and went on to win second prize at the University-level Student Scientific Research Conference in the 2025-2026 academic year.

However, for Tran Van Chung, Ngo Hai Dang, and Nguyen Thi Kieu Anh, the most valuable achievement after that journey was not the certificate of merit or the moment their names were called. What remained was the change in their mindset.

From students who were initially hesitant about scientific research, they learned how to persevere in pursuing a problem to the end, how to ask questions, find solutions using scientific thinking, and view their profession from a more profound perspective.

More importantly, the research journey helped the three communication students realize one thing: communication is not just about conveying information, but also about telling stories authentic enough to create connections, nurture trust, and spread positive values.

Commenting on the project, Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong - Vice Rector of Dai Nam University - highly appreciated the serious, creative spirit and the ability to connect knowledge with practice of the student group.

“The most noteworthy aspect is that the students did not stop at theoretical research on storytelling, but have applied it to ideas and proposals related to their own learning environment. The research products are practical and can serve as suggestions for the Faculty and the University's communication activities. This is also the goal that higher education aims for: not just learning to know, but learning to do and create practical value,” emphasized Dr. Le Thi Thanh Huong.

Perhaps that is the greatest reward after six months of persistently pursuing the topic. Because while the award may mark the end of a research journey, critical thinking, a spirit of learning, and professional growth will stay with you long after you leave university.

For those three Multimedia Communication students, their scientific research may have culminated in an award. But the journey of learning, creativity, and growth ahead is certainly continuing.