'Lifebuoy' saves poor female student from unfinished study journey

Continuing the seemingly unfinished learning journey

Thinking that she had to end her dream of studying at the age of 18 to go to work to support her family, Nguyen Thi Thuong (21 years old, student majoring in Business English, Ho Chi Minh City College of Industry and Trade) is now preparing to graduate and embark on a new journey.

At the SAL scholarship award ceremony on October 18 of the National Housing Organization Joint Stock Company (NHO), Nguyen Thi Thuong shared about her difficult journey to continue her studies.

Recalling about 3 years ago, when she was preparing for her high school graduation exam, Thuong said that she faced the risk of having to stop studying and work as a factory worker to support her family.

Thuong's parents have been separated for about 10 years now, and Thuong lives with her mother and younger sister. The family's livelihood depends on her mother's unstable and meager income from farming. Therefore, Thuong's continued schooling at that time was like a burden on Thuong's mother's shoulders. However, she still nurtured the dream of continuing to go to school.

Thuong recounted that when she decided to apply for university, both she and her mother were under pressure and had a "cold war" for quite a long time.

Student Nguyen Thi Thuong emotionally shared at the SAL scholarship award ceremony

After taking the high school graduation exam and not getting the expected results, not getting enough points to enter her favorite school, Thuong was disappointed and planned not to continue studying and would work as her family wished. However, in the midst of despair, Thuong learned about the SAL Scholarship Program through a fellow countryman.

Thuong said that Ms. Bich Ngoc, a member of the SAL scholarship committee, called at that time to share: "If I don't pass this school, I will look at my score and consider studying at another school, as long as I continue to go to school. Because only by continuing to go to school will I have the opportunity to change my future, help my family and do the things I truly love."

Immediately after that, Thuong chose to apply for the Business English major at Ho Chi Minh City College of Industry and Trade. About 2 weeks later, she received news that she had received the SAL scholarship.

The SAL scholarship program has supported Thuong’s tuition fees for the past three years, helping to ease her family’s burden. “The scholarship is the lifebuoy that saved my sinking dreams,” Thuong emotionally shared.

After 3 years of hardship, student Nguyen Thi Thuong is now preparing to graduate and embark on a new journey. Thuong is also the first student in the SAL Scholarship Program to graduate.

Thuong's sharing contributed to inspiring and motivating 6 students who received scholarships on the morning of October 18 from the University of Science and Technology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Pham Ngoc Thach Medical College, and University of Economics and Law.

6 students received SAL scholarships on the morning of October 18

Received scholarship and expert support

Starting from 2020, the SAL Scholarship Program has brought many benefits to students studying at universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City.

Not only providing financial support, the scholarship also opens up opportunities for students to learn and grow. Each student is supported with tuition fees throughout their university or college studies (up to 5 years) and is also accompanied by an expert throughout the scholarship period. Every month, students meet with experienced experts to discuss and receive advice on many issues in study and life. In addition, students can participate in life skills and future career training courses through social activities, seminars and field trips.

Also at the ceremony, Mr. Yang Myung Chul Paul, representative of the NHO Board of Directors, said that despite many difficulties, the company still maintains the SAL Scholarship Program. "You are our hope. We hope that in the future, you will continue to develop. When you encounter difficulties, we are always here to accompany you," Mr. Yang said.

Mr. Yang Myung Chul Paul, representative of NHO Board of Directors

Scholarship applicants:

Students are preparing to graduate from high school and plan to study at universities and colleges in Ho Chi Minh City.

SAL scholarship criteria:

• Grade 12 GPA from 7.0 or higher.
• Actively participate in volunteer activities.
• Have strong moral character.
• Family annual income.
• Priority is given to special circumstances (single-parent families, orphans, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, etc.).

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chiec-phao-cuu-vot-co-sinh-vien-ngheo-truoc-hanh-trinh-hoc-tap-do-dang-185241018170005265.htm