Life is full of adversity and illness, the male student is afraid of not being able to go to school anymore.

At the age of 19, when many of his peers had finished grade 12, Nguyen Thanh Nghia was only in grade 9 at Ly Van Lam Secondary and High School, Ca Mau City (Ca Mau). Nghia's journey to class is a story of overcoming adversity, full of determination, becoming a source of inspiration for teachers and friends.

19-year-old Ca Mau male student overcomes adversity to pursue his dream of studying - Photo 1.

19-year-old male student Nguyen Thanh Nghia, grade 9, overcomes adversity

PHOTO: GB

Incomplete childhood

Nghia was born into a poor family. When he was only a few months old, his mother left. His father soon had his own life, and Nghia was sent to his grandparents to be raised. In 7th grade, Nghia's grandmother became ill and could not walk, so she sent him back to his father. However, because Nghia's father already had his own family, he did not receive much attention and was even forced to drop out of school.

19-year-old Ca Mau male student overcomes adversity to pursue his dream of studying - Photo 2.

Male student Nguyen Thanh Nghia always tries hard and has no inferiority complex even though he is older than his classmates.

PHOTO: GB

At the age of 14, not accepting his fate, determined to earn money to take care of himself and pursue his dream of going to school, Nghia left his hometown for Ho Chi Minh City to do many jobs such as construction worker, waiter...

In the bustling urban area, doing many different jobs to have meals, working hard but Nghia always wanted to go back to school, to continue studying like his friends of the same age. After 2 years in Ho Chi Minh City, Nghia saved a little money but his health declined, he decided to return to his hometown to continue studying even though no one in his family supported him.

"I realized that if I kept working as a worker, my future would be bleak. Only studying could help me change my life," Nghia confided.

Struggling to find the words again and facing a big shock

At the age of 16, Nghia returned to Ca Mau and knocked on many schools’ doors but was rejected due to his long absence from school and inappropriate age. Luckily, Ly Van Lam Secondary and High School welcomed him after hearing about his situation.

At the age of 19, Nghia is the oldest student in grade 9. He rents a room near the school, lives frugally by waiting tables at parties, and working in the school cafeteria for 15,000 VND/hour and gets lunch provided.

19-year-old Ca Mau male student overcomes adversity to pursue his dream of studying - Photo 3.

To earn money to pay for his studies, Nghia works at the school canteen.

PHOTO: GB

"Although it's hard, I feel warm because everyone cares and shares with me. At school, I feel a sense of camaraderie that I've never felt before," Nghia said emotionally.

When life gradually stabilized, and it seemed like the future had some hope, Nghia faced a big shock. The constant fevers of unknown origin led to a suspected diagnosis of blood disease. Hearing the doctor's announcement, Nghia was speechless, and quickly took a bus to Ho Chi Minh City for a medical examination.

I'm not afraid of serious illness, I'm just afraid of not being able to go to school anymore.

Nguyen Thanh Nghia

In Ho Chi Minh City, Nghia was also diagnosed with a blood problem by doctors, requiring specialized testing to determine the specific disease. Currently, he is still waiting for the results from the hospital. After many blood tests, the money he had saved while studying and working, as well as the support from some benefactors, has gradually run out.

Nghia confessed that before, when I was on the bus from Ca Mau to Ho Chi Minh City, I could only cry. When I got to the clinic, my eyes were swollen. Because I used to think that if I was diagnosed with cancer, I would commit suicide because I would have no money for treatment and no relatives to take care of me. But now I think more carefully and have an optimistic spirit. "I am not afraid of serious illness, I am only afraid that I will not be able to go to school anymore. Because then, my dream of working in a government agency will end," I said in tears.

Need a miracle

During the days he was hospitalized, he had no relatives to take care of him. Friends and teachers took turns visiting and supporting Nghia. Ms. Nguyen Thi Xieu, a literature teacher who has always accompanied Nghia since he entered school, said: "Nghia was in the provincial hospital for treatment for many days but had no relatives by his side. Seeing this, teachers and classmates also assigned people to come and go to support him. The times he went to Ho Chi Minh City for examination and testing, he went alone, without a companion." Ms. Xieu shared: "I just hope for a miracle to happen to Nghia. He deserves to live and pursue his dream."

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Yen, the canteen owner where Nghia works, said that despite his poor health, Nghia still goes to work regularly and is very diligent. "Seeing that he is often sick, I do not let him do heavy work. If the ladies here and I cook delicious food, we always invite Nghia to eat together. Here, everyone loves and respects Nghia like a family member," Ms. Yen said.

I just wish for a miracle for Nghia. He deserves to live and pursue his dreams.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xieu

Mr. Phan Thanh Van, Vice Principal of Ly Van Lam Secondary and High School, said that Nghia is a good student, studious, exempted from tuition fees and always on the priority list to receive scholarships. For two consecutive years, he won prizes in the city-level excellent student competition. Nghia is not only a poor student who overcomes difficulties but also an example of perseverance with a strong desire to rise up. However, to overcome difficulties and illnesses, to continue on the road ahead, more than ever Nghia is in great need of love, sharing and helping hands from people around him.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/cuoc-doi-day-ngich-canh-benh-tat-nam-sinh-chi-so-khong-con-duoc-di-hoc-185250405110901173.htm