The ups and downs of the 30-year-old valedictorian's academic career

Hanoi Parents left, unable to afford tuition, To Gia Can dropped out of school to become a tutor to make ends meet and save money, hoping to return to school.

During the 8 years of studying and then dropping out due to lack of money, trying to return again and then having to give up, Can patiently persevered step by step. When life gradually stabilized at a modest level with a wife and a child, the desire to study and worry about the future brought him back to school and achieved sweet, excellent results.

To Gia Can finished his last tutoring session of the day at 9 p.m. After dinner, he played with his 6-year-old daughter and put her to bed before preparing for the next day's lessons. On October 10, at the age of 30, he was honored as the valedictorian of Hanoi Capital University at the Temple of Literature, with an average score of 3.77/4.0. His wife and children were also present.

"When I saw my dad wearing the same bachelor's gown as me at my kindergarten graduation, I knew it was a special day. He really liked the sparkling poinsettia wreath, certificate of merit and medal that dad brought home," Mr. Can said happily. After more than ten years and several times thinking about interrupting his studies, he finally achieved his goal.

Mr. Can is currently a contract teacher at a secondary school in Long Bien district, Hanoi. Photo: Provided by the character — Mr. Can is currently a teacher at a secondary school in Long Bien district, Hanoi. Photo: *Provided by the character*

When Can was in middle school, his parents no longer lived together. The two brothers lived with their mother and always took the initiative in their studies. In 2011, Can passed the International Bachelor's program at the National Economics University, but after the first year, he was forced to postpone because his mother's job was difficult and she could not afford the tuition. Later, his mother also got married, and the two brothers went to live with her in a communal house in Hoan Kiem district.

During his time off school, Can tutored Math and English for primary and secondary school students to earn money to cover living expenses and save up to go back to school. After returning to school for almost the entire second year, financial pressure made Can decide to quit to focus on teaching. During those difficult years, Can was always accompanied by his high school girlfriend, who later became his wife. His girlfriend's family also loved Can and introduced many students to study with him. At the age of 23, he got married.

"At that time, I had nothing. I am always grateful to my wife's family for their protection and support," said Mr. Can.

The couple moved back in with the wife's parents to save money and continue to maintain the extra classes. With the trust of the parents, the couple's class grew in number of students, helping them make a living from their profession.

After his daughter was born, Mr. Can thought about having a stable job to take care of his family. If he had a formal degree, teaching would be easier. But it wasn’t until 2019, when his daughter was 2 years old, that he decided to retake the university entrance exam.

"That year, my younger sister was also studying for university. Can both supported her and studied on his own when the exam was only 2-3 months away," said Tran Thi Hanh, Can's wife.

According to Ms. Hanh, when he was still studying at Tran Phu High School, Can was an excellent student in the school's Math class. He was also good at natural sciences and English, so he was admitted to block D07 (Math, Chemistry, English) to the Mathematics Pedagogy major, Faculty of Pedagogy, Hanoi Capital University. Of the three subjects, Can was weakest in Chemistry.

"I have difficulty reviewing because of my age. Moreover, the exam format has now changed from essay to multiple choice, different from when I studied," said Mr. Can.

Anh Can (holding a commemorative medal) at the ceremony honoring valedictorians at the Temple of Literature on October 10. Photo: Provided by the character — Anh Can (holding a commemorative medal) at the ceremony honoring valedictorians at the Temple of Literature on October 10. Photo: *Provided by the character*

The extra classes were held in the evening, so during the day, he studied by himself and practiced with online materials. Ms. Hanh also helped her husband collect materials and consolidate his knowledge. Every day, he regularly took practice tests in Math and English. For Chemistry, he reviewed the theory and occasionally did practice tests. As a result, he got 7.8 in Math; 6.26 in Chemistry and 9 in English, a total of 30.85/40, enough to pass the school entrance exam.

However, when he started studying with friends 8 years younger than him, Mr. Can felt shy and self-conscious. He realized that it was difficult to make friends, so in the beginning, he just went alone and sat in one place.

"Seeing how old I am, everyone was curious and took the initiative to chat and get to know me. They were friendly and open, helping me gradually integrate into the class," said Mr. Can.

His goal was to have a solid education and not have to retake exams to save money. He studied seriously during his time at school. He was busy teaching at night, so he hardly had time to review his lessons. He didn't have a private room at home, so during exams, he had to wait until his wife and children went to bed to study.

After achieving excellent academic results in the first semester and winning a scholarship, Mr. Can was motivated and maintained this achievement until graduation.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Hong, Head of the Department of Mathematics Education, is Mr. Can's thesis advisor. Ms. Hong is impressed with her student's will to improve, to be progressive and always hard-working.

"Can is not afraid of difficulties, always tries hard in studying and training," Ms. Hong commented.

In the department, Mr. Can is loved and known by the teachers. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Vinh, a lecturer in Mathematics, said she admires Mr. Can's spirit and learning ability.

"Can is a very good student. The results he achieved are worthy of his efforts during his four years at school," said Ms. Vinh.

After graduating, Mr. Can was recruited as a Math teacher at Viet Hung Urban Secondary School in Long Bien District and is currently teaching on a contract basis. After more than a month of working, he has gradually become familiar with the environment, colleagues and students.

"I hope to have the opportunity to stay at this school for a long time," Mr. Can shared.

In the future, Mr. Can wants to improve his teaching skills and if he has the opportunity, he will study for a master's degree to improve his expertise. What he has learned is that no matter what adversity you face, you should try to study. If you cannot study culture, you can learn a trade, and gradually new opportunities will come. If you do not study, you do not have the right to choose.

"I am so lucky to have the support of my wife's family, which has given me the conditions to secure my life, start a family and continue my studies. I owe my wife's family a lot," said Mr. Can.