Nguyen Phan Thao Nguyen, 22, from Ninh Thuan, is one of a few Ton Duc Thang University graduates with distinction this year. With a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 8.6/10, she majored in English pedagogy.

University Rector Tran Trong Dao, PhD, sat down to grant the bachelor’s degree to her on November 1, 2024.  “I am very touched. My four years as a student have been the most brilliant journey of my 22 years of life. The path I have taken has been full of hardships but also filled with so much sunshine and love,” Nguyen said.

Nguyen was born healthy, but when she turned 18 months old, illness struck. Her parents, both doctors, brought her to many hospitals. They were surprised that their daughter was diagnosed with SMA, a disease that prevented her from walking.

When Nguyen entered secondary school, she realized that her body was different from anyone else. She envied her friends who could walk, run and jump, while she was tied to a wheelchair.

Seeing that her parents were trying every possible way to encourage her, Nguyen decided not to give up. She was determined that going to school was the best way for her and studying would bring joy and help her to forget about her condition.

Four years ago, Nguyen applied to Ton Duc Thang University with a plan to become a teacher of English. Studying was never a problem for her. In the last four years at school, Nguyen always had 8.0 or higher score from tests and exams. She got 7.0 on IELTS (the International English Language Testing System) in the first attempt.

Nguyen said her student life helped her change from being timid and reserved to a self-confident person. She is grateful to her friends, lecturers and officers at the school who helped her in the last four years.

Asked about her plan, she said she has decided to return to Ninh Thuan to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher.

Le Huyen