Ngo Minh Hieu carried his friend to school for 10 years

The student from Thanh Hoa province has quickly adapted to the new circumstances at the new school. Hieu said he is happy as he now can study medicine, a discipline that can help many people.

When Hieu was five years old, he visited a hospital with parents to see a relative, and he saw the words ‘cam hut thuoc’ (no smoking) on the wall.
A doctor complimented Hieu, saying that it was so wonderful that a little boy like him could read and asked what he wanted to be when he grew up. He replied that he wanted to be a doctor.

Later, when carrying his friend every day to school, Hieu once again nurtured the plan to become a doctor.

Hieu won Vietnamese hearts this year not only because of his moving story of helping his disabled friend, but also for his behavior in special cases.

After the story about him appeared in local media, many people called on Hanoi Medical University, one of the most prestigious schools in Vietnam, to admit Hieu.

But his high school exam scores were 0.25 below the required admission scores set by the school.

People still believed that a man with a good nature like Hieu should be helped to study to become a doctor.

However, Hieu pointed out that he carried his friend, Nguyen Tat Minh, to school because he felt sorry for him, and did not pursue a friendship out of self-interest. He does not want to obtain a seat at Hanoi Medical University just because he helped his friend, he said.

Hieu later decided to study at Thai Binh Medical University as his scores were higher than required to enroll in the school.

The student from Thanh Hoa province has quickly adapted to the new circumstances at the new school. Hieu said he is happy as he now can study medicine, a discipline that can help many people.

HIeu told reporters that there have bern changes in his life as a university student. He has to live in an unfamiliar environment with no parents and has to be more independent.

“Previously, parents woke me up and hurried me to school. They also prepared meals for me. But I now have to do everything myself: go to market, prepare meals and learn how to balance my budget,” he said.

It was lucky for Hieu that when he and his father turned up at the school to register, they were picked up by a local resident who offered a room for free where HIeu can live until he finishes school. The room is just 400 meters away from the school.

“The man read my story in a newspaper and wanted to help. We are really grateful to him,” he said.

Hieu has also received sympathy and support from other people throughout the country.

“They grant scholarships and donate books. Even unknown people also call and encourage me. Some have written to me,” he said.

“I helped my friend naturally. And now I am helped by others,” he said, adding that helping each other makes life full of love.

Hieu plans to take a job after he gets used to his study at university. The owner of a glass shop has offered him a job to cut glasses. If he takes this job, he will work two hours a day, from 5pm to 7pm.

Hieu keeps in contact with Minh, who is now a student at Hanoi University of Science and Technology. They call each other once every two days to talk about life and their studies.

Sometimes Hieu catches a bus from Thai Binh to Hanoi to meet Minh. He is pleased that Minh is doing very well now. 

Le Huyen

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