The unyielding journey of the 'tiny' female student who was specially invited to stay by the university

Orphaned from a young age, Phuong suffered from a congenital disability that left her with the stature of a kindergarten student. When she entered university, Phuong's mother passed away. The loss became a driving force, making her determined to study to change her fate.

Nguyen Thi Phuong, from Ninh Binh , is a tiny female student who just graduated with honors in Information Technology from the University of Water Resources. Born with many disadvantages, her father died early, Phuong also suffered from articular cartilage disorder and growth hormone deficiency. For many years, her figure was only that of a kindergarten student.

During high school, her mother and grandparents took turns taking her to and from school. Despite the hardships, the family always hoped that Phuong would be able to go to school so that she could find a job and support herself.

From an early age, Phuong understood that only knowledge could help her stand on her own two feet and change her destiny. Therefore, despite her poor health, the female student always tried twice as hard as others.

But when Phuong was in 10th grade, tragedy struck when her mother suddenly suffered a stroke and lost the ability to care for herself. The little girl then became her mother's support.

Nguyen Thi Phuong on the day she received her graduation certificate. Photo: Hanh Nguyen

After finishing grade 12, Phuong registered to study Information Technology because she realized this was a job that required little travel and was suitable for her health.

The day she received the news of her admission to the University of Water Resources, the female student was both happy and worried. Living far away from her family meant she would have to be independent and walk on her own.

“I was afraid that if I went to Hanoi to study, I wouldn’t be able to integrate with my friends and wouldn’t be able to take care of myself,” Phuong recalls. But then, overcoming her self-consciousness and inferiority complex, Phuong gradually persevered and made an effort to study.

In the classroom, Phuong sets herself a strict study discipline. For theoretical subjects, she takes careful notes and studies each day. Near exams, Phuong reviews all the knowledge at once to compile an outline. For practical subjects, the female student perseveres in practicing every day. Thanks to this way of studying, Phuong both ensures her health and remembers the lessons deeply.

It seemed like things were getting better, but after a while, Phuong collapsed again when she received the news that her mother had passed away after a second stroke. Her mother's passing was such a shock that Phuong wanted to drop out of school.

Thanks to the encouragement of her grandfather, aunt, teachers and friends, Phuong struggled to get up and return to school.

Determined to overcome fate

During her studies, in order to not have to depend too much on her relatives, Phuong tried to win a scholarship and cover her own living expenses in Hanoi. Without her parents' support, Phuong did not allow herself to fall.

“If I fall, there will be no one to pick me up.” That thought makes the little girl stand up strong in any situation.

During her time at university, Phuong was arranged to stay in the dormitory, was exempted from 100% of tuition fees and was a special case up to now when she was twice awarded the Le Van Kiem scholarship by the school - a scholarship of high value and only awarded once per student during the 4 years of study.

Professor Nguyen Trung Viet, Principal of Thuyloi University, gave a gift to Phuong. Photo: NTCC

Thanks to her efforts, after 4 years, Phuong graduated with a GPA of 3.39/4.0, becoming one of more than 300 students receiving an Excellent degree from the University of Water Resources this year.

Although she felt sad when she saw her friends on their graduation day with their parents by their side, with the care of her teachers and friends, Phuong said she did not feel alone. “I believe that her parents far away will also be very happy and proud of their daughter,” Phuong said.

In response to Phuong’s determination, Professor Nguyen Trung Viet, Principal of the University of Water Resources, said that although Phuong received a Good degree, to her teachers, Phuong was an excellent student. Despite her health and difficult circumstances, she still overcame her fate to shine in a demanding major like Information Technology.

With her achievements, right after graduation, the school's Board of Directors decided to specially accept Phuong to stay and work at the school.

The female student said she was very touched and grateful when the school gave her this opportunity. “I plan to stay at the school to work and contribute more to the school’s development,” Phuong said. In the future, Phuong hopes to continue studying for a master’s degree to develop her expertise.

She also said: “Don’t let physical disabilities or circumstances become barriers. We may not be lucky in terms of physical condition, but our intelligence and will are always intact. If we persevere, we will certainly be able to do things that seem impossible.”

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Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nu-sinh-ti-hon-duoc-truong-dai-hoc-dac-cach-moi-o-lai-2438383.html