The old roof shelters a big dream
Nestled at the foot of the hill, Nhung’s family’s old house has long been accustomed to the sound of wind whistling through the torn palm leaves and the rain streaking down the floor. The house was built in 2015 with a 50 million VND government grant, but the kitchen is still just a few temporary bamboo panels, and the thatched roof is full of holes.
In that kitchen, Nhung’s study table is placed against a corner of the wall. Here, the study lamp is still lit every night, even though it is raining outside. When she closes her book, she is busy helping her father sweep the yard, cook rice, take care of her younger brother, or go to the garden to pick tea leaves.
Understanding her family's situation, Nhung always tried her best and was an excellent student for 12 consecutive years.
The family was already poor and was surrounded by illness. Her mother, Ngo Thi Tam, had epilepsy since 2015, her health gradually declined and she was almost unable to work. Her father was weak and illiterate, the whole family depended on more than a sao of rice field, a few bundles of fresh tea to sell and a monthly allowance of 750,000 VND for her mother. Frugal meals throughout the year consisted of only vegetables and roasted peanuts; meat and fish were rare luxuries.
Nhung understood that she had no right to give up. Throughout 12 years of school, she quietly nurtured her dream and believed that only by studying hard could she change her fate. The image of a little girl walking more than 10km to school, rain or shine, has become familiar to the people here.
"My father was illiterate but he still cycled to take me to school in the early years. My parents' love is the biggest motivation for me to try my best every day," Nhung's eyes lit up with gratitude as she shared.
The joy is not complete
In the recent exam, Nhung scored 28.25 points in block C (Literature 9.5; History 8.75; Geography 10). That joy spread throughout the family, making the father's eyes, which were dark from the wind and rain, also light up. But besides the smile, the mother still could not hide her tears.
The kitchen was covered with bamboo thatch but after many years it was damaged.
"My child studies well and gets high grades, and my parents are very happy... but also worried because they are afraid they won't have enough money to send him to school," Mrs. Tam choked up. For the past few nights, she has been unable to sleep, because she knows that the path to university is full of challenges. Many times, she has tried to advise her child to stop, afraid that he will have to shoulder too many worries.
Understanding her family's situation, Nhung chose Primary Education - where she could both fulfill her dream of standing on the podium and receive free tuition. She planned to stay in a dormitory and work part-time right from her first year to support herself. "As long as I can study and pursue my dream, no matter how hard it is, I will not give up," Nhung said, her voice full of determination.
Nhung wants to become an elementary school teacher.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ha - homeroom teacher of class 12A3, Cu Huy Can High School ( Ha Tinh ) shared that Hong Nhung is a good and polite student, always receiving the affection of teachers and friends. In her, teachers see a shining example of self-study spirit, determination to overcome difficulties to excel in studying. Despite her poor family background, the long way to school, and difficult travel, Nhung has never missed a class, never complained or given up.
"Nhung is a good, polite, and determined student. Despite her lack of resources, she still enthusiastically participates in all class and school activities. I just hope that there will be people who will join in so that she can continue her studies," said head teacher Nguyen Thi Ha proudly.
Nhung's family life is very difficult, they are among the poor households in the locality.
Mr. Tran Van Mai - Secretary of the Party Cell of Long Thuy village, Kim Hoa commune - said that as soon as they heard the news that Nhung had achieved high scores in the exam, the villagers came to her house to congratulate and encourage her family. Despite being born into poverty, she still studied hard, nurturing the dream of changing her life through letters.
"The family is one of the poor households in the village, struggling economically , without a stable source of income. The most valuable asset is only a cow. The whole family lives in a dilapidated house, built with support from the State, and people contribute their labor. Life is still full of hardships, but the children are very obedient, studious and always eager to improve themselves," Mr. Mai confided.
Before Nhung, there is still a long distance between dream and reality. But in that little student, people see a persistent belief that one day, from the dilapidated house at the foot of the hill, there will be a teacher who brings letters to poor students like herself in the past.
Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/giac-mo-geo-con-chu-cua-co-hoc-tro-ngheo-ha-tinh-202508151614409.htm
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