We met Tú Anh during the final days of her 9th grade year, when she was busy preparing meaningful gifts for her teachers. She shared that she has a habit of writing heartfelt letters to the people she loves. To mark the end of her final year of junior high school, she wrote over 30 letters to the teachers who had cared for, loved, and nurtured her from 4th to 9th grade, expressing her deep gratitude and appreciation. Ms. Nguyễn Thị Kiều Oanh (born in 1982, Tú Anh's mother) emotionally shared that it took Tú Anh more than a month to complete this "project" because her hand is quite weak, she writes slowly, and it takes her more time than her classmates.
Tu Anh (center) receives the promising talent award at the "Melodies of Youth" competition in 2023. |
She emotionally recalled that Tú Anh was their second child. Because she gave birth prematurely before she was 7 months old, the baby was very weak and suffered from many illnesses: motor neuron disorders, heart valve problems, blood disorders, etc. The doctors honestly advised them to think carefully, because if she survived, she would have difficulty having a normal life. But the family was determined to save her. Her father, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Tình, confided: "Even if it means taking care of her for the rest of my life, I will do it. As long as she is alive and breathing!" Throughout her early years, from 1 to 4 years old, Tú Anh had to undergo 6 life-threatening surgeries. It wasn't until she was 3 years old that she learned to speak, and then at 4 that she took her first steps. Initially, she could only crawl on her hands, groping her way along with her friends. Later, her parents took Tú Anh to Ho Chi Minh City hoping for surgery so she could walk normally. However, they were devastated when the doctor informed them that there was a high risk of paralysis after the surgery, so they should reconsider. Taking their child home, they were determined to participate in physical therapy with him—a journey that was painful both physically and mentally.
"Yet, Tú Anh is surprisingly brave and resilient. In first grade, during recess, she would just sit on a park bench, and if she needed to go anywhere, her teacher or parents would carry her. This made her even more determined and eager to run and jump like her classmates. Later, even though her gait was uneven, with one leg longer than the other, she still learned to ride a bicycle and cycled to school on her own. Although we love her very much, the family always wanted her to be independent in her daily life and studies so that she wouldn't face too many difficulties or feel lost when she entered the real world. Therefore, from a young age, she has been very confident and independent, never seeing herself as disabled, but only wanting people to treat her like a normal person," Ms. Kiều Oanh shared.
Tú Anh's two greatest passions are music and literature, so even though she often falls ill when the weather changes, especially in the cold season, with her hands and feet cramped, making it difficult to hold a pen and move around, she still tries her best to go to school. Tú Anh confided that writing essays helps her express her thoughts and feelings, share her emotions and ideas, so she really enjoys writing. In the 2024-2025 school year, Tú Anh won first prize at the city level and second prize at the provincial level in the second "Initiatives to ensure school order in preventing and combating school violence and preventing illegal child labor" competition.
Tú Anh, along with nearly 30 handwritten letters, expresses her gratitude to her teachers. |
The letter, which she completed in two weeks, shares her own story of childhood experiences of discrimination and prejudice due to her disability, and how she overcame her insecurities and confidently moved forward. Tú Anh hopes her story will spread a positive message, helping others in similar situations continue their journey towards their dreams, and helping the community, especially other students, better understand the difficulties faced by students with disabilities so they can empathize, support, and share their experiences.
As for music, it's a long journey of igniting dreams. At the first "Melodies of Youth" competition in 2023, organized by the Provincial Children's House, no one can forget the image of a special little girl who needed someone to lead or carry her onto the stage, yet she confidently shone with the impressive song "Vietnam in My Heart." Ms. Kieu Oanh shared: "She was very confident, even though she had only been learning to sing for a few months, she still asked her mother and teacher to let her participate. Watching her sing on stage, I couldn't hold back my tears, remembering the arduous journey she had gone through and happy for her courage to overcome her insecurities and shine. At the competition, she won the promising talent award."
Ms. Le Thi Hong Thanh, homeroom teacher of class 9/2 at Thuan Duc Primary and Secondary School, shared that despite her weak health and mobility difficulties, Tu Anh is a very determined and hardworking student, excelling in her studies and daily life, and is confident and sociable with her classmates. In particular, she is very studious and strives to improve every day. For many years in a row, she has achieved the title of excellent student and is recognized as a "Good Child of Uncle Ho". |
Teacher Pham Quang Vinh, who inspired Tu Anh's love of music, said that when Tu Anh first came to study with him, her singing was unclear and she lacked confidence in showcasing her talent. After a period of study, the teacher and student supported each other through many difficulties, so that today she can confidently sing and continue to nurture her dream of becoming a singer. Tu Anh's determination and daily efforts to achieve her singing dream are the biggest impression on him. He also frequently encourages her and shares inspiring stories to help her strive even harder.
Tú Anh shared: “I want to study at the Vietnam National Academy of Music in the future, become a singer to share my story and inspire others in similar situations. If I can do it, they can do it too. Every day, I try a little harder, and I'm sure I'll improve and achieve my dreams. In the near future, I plan to use my savings to help underprivileged children and donate my long hair to young cancer patients. Since I was little, I've kept my hair short because I was hospitalized for long periods and didn't have time to take care of it. Recently, my health has improved, so I've let my hair grow long again and now I want to donate it to others!”
Mai Nhan
Source: https://baoquangbinh.vn/giao-duc/202506/hanh-trinh-viet-tiep-uoc-mo-2226940/
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