Nguyen Thi Bach Tuyet, 22, from Thanh Son Commune, Ninh Binh Province, stands out for her unusual name. Even more distinctive is her naturally white hair and luminous white skin.

Bach Tuyet is the eldest daughter in an ordinary family in Thanh Son Commune. Her parents are self-employed workers, and she has a younger brother who is six years her junior.

Both siblings were born with congenital albinism, displaying distinct appearances from birth. Observing his granddaughter's snow-white skin, her grandfather named her Bach Tuyet (Snow White). He wished that upon reaching adulthood, Tuyet would feel confident in her unique beauty.

From childhood, Tuyet experienced weaker health than typical children, suffering from poor eyesight and skin highly vulnerable to sunlight exposure.

Due to impaired vision, Tuyet faced numerous challenges in studying and daily activities. As she grew, she learned self-care, eye and skin protection, and adaptation to her physical limitations.

To Tuyet, physical health issues proved less challenging than curious stares and public gossip.

"Entering first grade, I realized my hair color, skin tone, and eyes differed from my classmates.

“I repeatedly encountered questions regarding my unique appearance, curious glances, and whispering. Yet those proved less terrifying than constantly questioning why I was different and feeling I never belonged in a crowd," Tuyet shared.

In secondary school, her self-consciousness deepened. Tuyet avoided appearing in public spaces, constantly wishing for conventional skin and hair colors to avoid drawing attention or judgment.

"Once, during a major church festival, older girls handed me flowers to represent them in presenting to the priests. Among the attendees, someone remarked, 'Why let her present the flowers?'

“Hearing that, I quietly returned to my seat, feeling deeply saddened by being rejected solely due to my distinct appearance," Tuyet recalled.

Believing in unique beauty

In return, Tuyet received complete love from her family throughout 22 years. Tuyet recalled her mother telling her that when she was born with her unique appearance, a neighbor from an adjacent village advised her mother to "leave her outside in the yard for a while; if she passes away, let it be, but if she survives, continue raising her."

Her mother held her tightly, shielding and protecting her with a mother's total love and courage.

"My mother encouraged and comforted me, reminding me not to dwell on others' comments or stares. My father spoke less, but provided for us, serving as my emotional anchor," Tuyet recalled.

Entering university, Tuyet selected Psychology to heal herself and individuals experiencing anxiety disorders similar to her own.

Through her past experiences, she understood deeply how individuals facing psychological difficulties require listening, empathy, and companionship. She hoped to utilize professional knowledge and empathy to support mental health recovery in others.

That decision marked a turning point for the Ninh Binh native to gradually erase insecurity and integrate into the broader world. Possessing goals and aspirations, Tuyet opened herself to experiencing life despite curious glances remaining directed toward her.

Once, project members running an albinism awareness initiative invited Tuyet to participate in a photo shoot. She embraced compliments such as "you possess a unique beauty" and "a distinct appearance" positively rather than harbor skepticism as in the past. That experience enabled Tuyet to build confidence in her distinctiveness.

In April 2026, Tuyet completed a practical internship at a mental health institute in Hanoi. Having experienced insecurity due to physical differences enabled her to empathize easily with patients, listening patiently without judgment.

That experience helped Tuyet realize that physical differences can become advantages when transformed into motivation to assist others.

"Among flowers, I favor sunflowers most. Although I occasionally feel anxious about my appearance and experience moments lacking confidence, I choose to face positive things, just as that flower turns toward the sun," Tuyet said.

Thanh Minh