Dare to dream, dare to act

When the light suddenly left his life, Thanh thought the door to the future had closed...

But in the midst of that darkness, he found another source of light - from his undying determination and faith.

At the age of 30, Bui Nhat Anh Thanh (30 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) fell into the abyss of despair when glaucoma took away the light in his eyes. But instead of giving up, he chose to stand up, groping his way through the darkness to open a new path for himself.

Family support

At the age of 18 - when many young people open the door to the future, Thanh faced eternal darkness. Since childhood, his eyesight was weak. Doctors diagnosed him with glaucoma - a disease known as "the silent thief of sight". By the time he was in 12th grade, his eyesight was only dim. "Once the teacher called me to read the lesson, but I couldn't see the words. I wanted to speak but my throat was choked" - he recalled.

Bui Nhat Anh Thanh (second from left) is an enthusiastic speaker at many events for young people. (Photo provided by the character)

That year, Thanh had to use a magnifying glass to read the exam questions. He tried his best, but after only the first semester at Thu Dau Mot University (electronic engineering), he was forced to drop out because he could no longer see. At that time, everything collapsed. I could not go out, could not drive, could not even take care of myself. I felt like I was gradually separating from this world , like I had no place here anymore" - Thanh recalled.

Mr. Thanh (left cover) enthusiastically participates in social activities, contributing many practical things to the community.

In the first days after losing his sight, Thanh mostly stayed at home, listening to the radio and limiting his contact with the outside world. Each day that passed, each meal was like a mandatory duty, nothing more, nothing less. At that time, his family became his only support. His parents were always there to encourage and care for him, despite all the difficulties. However, that very care made him feel uneasy, afraid that he would become a burden to his loved ones.

Two years later, realizing that he was being held back by negative thoughts, Thanh asked his parents for permission to go out and start life over. He went to the Association for the Blind of Binh Duong Province (formerly Binh Duong) to learn Braille and basic living skills to become independent. Through the introduction of friends, he went to Thien An Shelter (formerly Tan Phu District, Ho Chi Minh City) - where the visually impaired are instructed to use smartphones and computers. Here, he began to learn how to connect with the world, gradually becoming more confident in life.

Spread positive energy

In 2016, Thanh decided to study Japanese at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. Without Braille textbooks, he had to study by himself by listening to audio, looking up the internet and asking friends to read for him. "There were times when I was sad because no one took the initiative to help me. But then I realized that they didn't know I needed support. So, I took the initiative to ask for help and was grateful for what I received," Thanh shared. Although he still failed a few subjects in his second year, Thanh did not give up. Gradually, Thanh achieved N2 level of Japanese, just one level away from the highest level. In 2021, after 5 years of hard work, he graduated from university.

Mr. Thanh impresses everyone with his calmness and emotional nature.

However, Thanh's life is still full of thorns. He has sent more than 30 applications for jobs, from translation to teaching Japanese, but all were rejected. Thanh understands that, with his limited vision, his productivity is difficult to compare with that of normal people,

Undaunted, Thanh opened an online Japanese class. At first, he taught for free, but gradually students came to him, seeing his dedication.

After more than 2 years, Thanh's class has become more and more known and trusted by many people. There are students who used to be discouraged and lost, but when they entered the class, they found motivation and joy again. For him, the greatest happiness is when he sees others find meaningful joy again. Teaching also helps him feel more clearly his own value.

In addition, Thanh is also a veteran member of the No Distance Club (Ho Chi Minh City University of Education) - a place that connects disabled students with the community. Every month, the club organizes activities or conducts volunteer trips for members to meet and share. Thanh also participates in the Sunflower Club, regularly giving away meals and organizing regular charity activities on major holidays such as Tet and Mid-Autumn Festival for the disadvantaged.

The biggest lesson Thanh learned was knowing how to accept. "Accept that you have flaws, accept that there will be times when you will be rejected, accept that you are different. But only when you accept, can you change and grow as a person" - he shared.

Having gone through despair, Thanh has now become a source of inspiration for those who are in a state of uncertainty. His light is no longer in his eyes, but radiates from his heart that dares to dream, dares to act and desires to contribute to society.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/dam-uoc-mo-dam-hanh-dong-196251101202905086.htm