Final answer:
Maya Lin, an architecture student, was especially interested in the Vietnam memorial competition and created the now accepted V-shaped wall tribute.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maya Lin, a university student studying architecture, was particularly interested in entering the memorial competition. She submitted her proposal to a nationwide competition seeking designs for a new memorial to honor Vietnam veterans. Unlike traditional memorials, Lin's design was a V-shaped wall of granite, etching the names of those soldiers who either fell or were missing in action. This controversial wall has now been embraced as a poignant tribute to the veterans of a divisive war.