After four years of hard work at university, Nguyen Dinh Khang, 22, Phan Thiet Ward, Lam Dong Province, graduated as the valedictorian of the Public Relations program at Van Lang University with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.76/4.0.

Khang had previously received a 100 percent scholarship for three years and participated in several exchange and study programs in Indonesia, Macao, Taiwan, Malaysia, and France.

His achievement filled his mother, Minh Duc, 56, with pride. Khang recalled that when he first told his family he had graduated as valedictorian, his mother, who has spent years making a living as a petty merchant in Phan Thiet, did not even know what the title meant.

Instead of celebrating immediately, she went around asking people, "What is a valedictorian?" and "How important is this achievement?"

Once she understood, she was overwhelmed with pride for her youngest son.

"My mother attended my graduation ceremony. Sitting in the audience, she listened as I spoke about completing four years of university with strong academic results, and she was so happy.

"Afterward, she told me she wanted to organize a small celebration and invite our relatives and neighbors. I was a little surprised, but I know what my mother is like, so I supported the idea," Khang said.

The celebration was held on August 12. A banner hanging at the front gate read: "Congratulations to Nguyen Dinh Khang on graduating as valedictorian. You are the pride of our family."

“Honestly, looking at the party she organized, I felt both happy and amused," Khang laughed as he recalled.

At the party that day, Duc invited 100 relatives, neighbors, and close friends. Instead of serving traditional family-style banquets, she hosted a buffet with over 10 dishes, allowing everyone to select their favorite items.

The menu ranged from rustic to lavish offerings, such as spring rolls, fried rice, grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves, beef stew, grilled beef, grilled shrimp, grilled scallops, and cream puffs, all homemade by his mother and aunts.

"The party lasted from 6 PM to 9 PM. Everyone took commemorative photos, enjoyed food, sang, and had a wonderful time. It felt like a family reunion, so both my mother and I were thrilled.

“During the feast, my mother led me to every table to introduce me to everyone. Seeing the joy and pride on her face made me happy as well. My mother even asked me to order a separate graduation gown set so she and my aunts could wear it for photos during the party," Khang recounted.

A video capturing the vibrant and bustling atmosphere at the celebration has gathered over 800,000 views online, nearly 60,000 "likes," and thousands of interested comments.

A special background

Khang was born into a family with special circumstances. His parents divorced when he was 4 years old; at that time, his eldest brother studied abroad, his second elder sister lived with their father, and he lived with his mother.

Because his mother had to work dozens of kilometers away from home, leaving early in the morning and returning late at night, Khang was placed in the care of his aunt's household through elementary school.

In his emotional graduation speech, Khang shared that during his childhood years, he was often home alone with both doors and gates locked while his aunt was away at work.

Instead of running around and playing outside with friends, he frequently sat alone, gazing out the window. Back then, he constantly wished for the freedom to explore new lands, a desire that later fueled his passion for adventure and discovery.

"I achieved what I wanted: setting foot in several countries, seeing new places, and experiencing new cultures, the things I always dreamed of as a child," Khang said.

Throughout his upbringing, Khang was accompanied by his mother, aunts, and siblings. His mother, despite her busy livelihood, always stood by her son at important milestones.

While Khang researched and decided most of his life choices independently, it was his mother's support and trust that provided him with the confidence and motivation to forge ahead.

"My mother is a shining example for me in terms of effort and perseverance. I realized that if my mother's life was so hard and she still remained optimistic and determined, I have no reason to give up," Khang said.

Thanh Minh