For Johnny Nguyen, Class of 2021, graduating with a Bachelor of Property still feels a little surreal.
“When I was younger, graduating from university was so far away from reality,” he reflects.
Today, that distant goal has become a significant achievement. But like many graduates, Johnny’s path to get there wasn’t a straight line.
He began university studying engineering before realising it wasn’t the right fit. Inspired by other Dilworth Old Boys working in the property industry, he decided to change direction.
“I tried to study everything to find out what I liked,” he says. “I don’t regret changing my course.”
Alongside his studies, Johnny was supported by the Staples Education Scholarship, an experience he says became integral to his university journey. More than financial assistance, it provided mentorship, connections and a community of people striving towards their own goals. The experience challenged him to make the most of every opportunity and gave him valuable perspective about what was possible beyond university.
Looking back, Johnny credits much of his early growth to the people around him at Dilworth.
“I always felt inspired,” he says. “The boys around me were studying hard, getting involved in activities and pushing themselves. It pushed me to be more outdoorsy and get involved, too.”
Asked to describe Dilworth in just three words, Johnny doesn’t hesitate:
“Strong, foundation, growth”
To him, Dilworth is “something that you lean back on” — a place that helped shape who he is and continues to influence who he wants to become.
Among his favourite memories is being in Dungannon House and winning the House Cup.
“It was an amazing collective effort,” he recalls. “A strong bond and everyone achieving the goal together.”
That sense of belonging and shared purpose remains one of his strongest memories from school.
While graduation marks the end of one chapter, Johnny is already thinking about what comes next. Although he has built a future in property, he is also drawn to the idea of entrepreneurship.
“I like the idea of opening a café — owning something of my own.”
It is a dream that reflects the same curiosity and willingness to explore new opportunities that led him to discover his passion for property in the first place.
For current Dilworth students, Johnny’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Be optimistic. Focus on your own goals and find something you care about”.
At the heart of Johnny’s outlook is a belief that growth matters more than accolades:
“It’s not important what you achieve. It’s important how you learn.”
It’s a philosophy that has guided his journey from Dilworth student to university graduate - one built on persistence, growth and a willingness to embrace every opportunity along the way.
As he looks ahead, Johnny hopes to continue learning, and eventually back to others, just as others invested in him. In his words, he wants to be “someone who stands on conviction” and to make a difference through actions rather than words alone.
For current students and fellow Old Boys, Johnny’s story is a reminder that success rarely follows a perfect plan. Sometimes the most important step is simply being open to change, staying true to what matters, and continuing to grow when opportunity comes your way.