Nguyen Duy Hai, 30, is a former student of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. He is now both a travel blogger and a digital marketing consultant for a foreign company. Looking at his current life, filled with journeys across the world, few would guess the hardship he once endured.

Only education can change fate

The second of five siblings, Hai grew up in prolonged deprivation. Because of financial hardship, his elder brother and younger brother both had to leave school early. Hai, however, held on to his studies, convinced that only education could change his destiny and open a better future.

After graduating from high school, Hai was admitted to the University of Social Sciences and Humanities under Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City. He took part-time jobs to cover his living expenses. Yet each time he returned home and saw creditors coming to demand money from his mother, he could not bear it. Instead of keeping his modest earnings for himself, he sent everything back to support his family.

Financial pressure did not push Hai to drop out. On the contrary, he worked even more to send money home regularly and ensure his two younger siblings could continue their education.

He juggled multiple jobs at once. Starting as a customer care worker at an electronics supermarket, by his third year he was recruited by a data classification company that required Spanish, aligned with his major. A monthly salary of VND4-5 million, (US$160-200), was already significant for a student at the time, yet Hai still sought additional projects.

At certain points, he earned VND9-10 million per month, (US$360-400). He also took on a night job caring for a classmate’s grandfather, earning about VND2 million (US$80), each month.

“I was skinny back then, my eyes constantly red from lack of sleep,” Hai recalled. The most intense period came in his fourth year, when he balanced part-time work, a heavy class schedule and preparation for his graduation thesis. Throughout that time, however, quitting school never crossed his mind.

Grateful for his lecturers’ compassion

What Hai remains deeply grateful for is how his university lecturers treated him during those difficult years. In his first year, he struggled just to gather enough money to pay tuition for the second semester. After making the payment, he nervously went to the student affairs office to request permission to defer tuition for the following semesters due to financial hardship.

“I was trembling and embarrassed,” he remembered. What he received in return was gentleness and a nod of approval, without being asked for supporting documents.

“My lecturer told me to register for courses as usual and that I would receive my diploma once the tuition was fully paid. That reassurance gave me peace of mind to owe tuition for six consecutive semesters,” Hai said.

Throughout those years, no lecturer mentioned his debt or treated him differently. On graduation day, because he had not completed his financial obligations, Hai assumed his name would not be called on stage. Afraid his parents would feel hurt witnessing that moment, he chose not to tell them about the ceremony.

“When my name was called, I felt both happy and saddened because my parents were not there,” he said. Even now, his mother still cries when recalling that day. For Hai, it was proof that the university had not left any student behind.

Shortly after graduation, Hai was offered a position at Google in Malaysia with an attractive salary. As his life gradually stabilized, he returned to the university to settle all outstanding tuition fees and retrieve his original diploma. Still, he carried an unspoken worry that he might be reprimanded for such a long delay. Instead, a lecturer’s words left him overwhelmed.

“While reviewing my file, the lecturer asked, ‘Is that all you owe?’ I innocently replied, ‘No, sir, I owe quite a lot - six semesters.’ He smiled gently and said, ‘That is quite a lot indeed,’ before helping me find my original diploma. My only regret is that I never had the chance to ask for his name. But I will always remember the kindness of my lecturers,” Hai said.

Today, Hai and his family no longer live in such hardship. He has traveled to many countries, yet as someone who began with nothing and carried heavy burdens, what he is most proud of is that he never considered giving up.

“I understand how difficult the path toward education can be. But I also believe that learning is the only key that can open better doors for the future,” he said.

Thuy Nga