When she entered university, her mother had passed away and she faced other losses. But those obstacles became a driving force for her, pushing her to study hard.

Phuong, from Ninh Binh, graduated with distinction in Information Technology from Thuy Loi University. Born with many disadvantages, losing her father in early age, she suffered from a cartilage disorder and growth hormone deficiency. 

Throughout her general school years, Phuong was brought to school by her mother and grandparents. Despite difficulties, her family always hoped she would receive an education and be able to earn a living on her own.

Phuong realized that only knowledge could help her stand on her own and reshape her future. That’s why she always worked twice as hard as others.

But in grade 10, tragedy struck again: her mother suffered a stroke and lost the ability to care for herself. The small girl became her mother’s caregiver.

After finishing grade 12, Phuong chose to study information technology, believing it to be a field that required minimal physical movement, suitable for her condition.

When she received her university acceptance letter, she was filled with both joy and worry. Living far from home meant she would have to take care of herself for the first time.

“I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to fit in or take care of myself in Hanoi,” Phuong recalled. But she overcame her insecurities and pushed forward with her studies.

She held herself to a strict academic routine. For theoretical subjects, she took notes meticulously and reviewed lessons daily. Before exams, she consolidated all her notes into detailed outlines. For practical subjects, she practiced consistently. This approach allowed her to balance her health and absorb lessons deeply.

Just as things began to settle, Phuong was hit with yet another devastating blow: her mother passed away after a second stroke. The loss overwhelmed her, and for a time, she considered quitting school.

But with encouragement from her grandfather, aunt and uncle, teachers, and classmates, Phuong found the strength to return.

Determined to rise 

During university, Phuong worked hard to earn scholarships to support herself in Hanoi, minimizing dependence on her family. Without her parents’ support, she told herself she couldn’t afford to collapse.

“If I fall, no one will be there to lift me up.” That thought pushed her to keep standing strong, no matter the circumstance.

Throughout her university journey, Phuong was offered accommodation at a dormitory, received 100 percent tuition exemption, and became the only student to receive the prestigious Le Van Kiem scholarship twice, normally granted only once per student over four years.

Thanks to her relentless effort, Phuong graduated with a GPA of 3.39/4.0 and was among more than 300 students awarded distinction degrees at Thuy Loi University this year.

Though she felt a twinge of sadness watching her peers celebrate graduation with their parents, Phuong found comfort in the care and support from her teachers and friends. “I believe my parents, wherever they are, must be proud and happy for me,” she said.

Recognizing her remarkable resilience, Nguyen Trung Viet, rector of Thuy Loi University, said that Phuong graduated with distinction, and in teachers’ eyes, is truly an exceptional student. In spite of her health conditions and difficult circumstances, she rose above and thrived in a rigorous major like information technology.

In recognition of her accomplishments, the university board made a special decision to offer Phuong a job at the university right after graduation.

Phuong shared that she was deeply moved and grateful for the opportunity. “I plan to stay and work at the university so I can contribute more to its development,” she said. In the future, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree to deepen her expertise.

She also conveyed a message: “Don’t let physical limitations or difficult circumstances become your barrier. We may not be fortunate in terms of health, but our intelligence and willpower remain intact. Keep moving forward and you can achieve what once seemed impossible.”

Thuy Nga