Tran Van Bao's story is a beautiful testament to the will to overcome adversity and the unwavering determination to persevere in the face of difficulties.
When the list of successful candidates for the 10th grade at Tran Phu Specialized High School for the 2026-2027 school year was announced, many were moved by the name Tran Van Bao, a student from Le Loi Secondary School (Hai An ward), who ranked as co-valedictorian of the specialized history class with a total admission score of 46.5 (Mathematics 9.5, Literature 8.5, English 9.75, Specialized History 6.25). Behind this achievement lies a journey of overcoming hardship and determination for a student who once didn't know who he was, where he was born, or where his hometown was.
Bảo was abandoned when he was very young. His earliest memories are of wandering and begging on the streets. No one knew his real name, age, or where his family was. When he was taken in and cared for by the staff at the Hoa Phượng Social Work and Children's Protection Center, his age had to be determined using a bone X-ray. Only then did he receive a birth certificate, the name Trần Văn Bảo, and the opportunity to attend school like other children.
Bao's educational journey has never been easy. Due to starting school late, she is much older than her classmates. This year, upon completing junior high school, Bao is 20 years old. The age difference and the stigma of being an orphan have caused her to withdraw many times. In 8th grade, Bao even considered dropping out of school to work because she felt she was no longer suited to the school environment.
Fortunately for Bao, throughout that journey, he always had teachers who silently supported him. Teacher Le Thi Thu, who was with Bao throughout grades 6, 7, and 8, recognized his diligence, responsibility, and exceptional aptitude for history. Their encouragement, free tutoring sessions, and unwavering belief helped Bao change his mindset and determined him to stay at school to continue his studies.
Living up to those expectations, Bao made steady progress. She consistently won first prize in the history competition at the school and ward levels, and third prize at the city level. These achievements became the motivation for her to enter the 10th grade entrance exam with the highest determination.
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Immediately after learning the results of his joint top-scoring exam in history, Bao's first action was to call and write thank-you letters to each teacher who had supported him. In his letter to Le Loi Secondary School, Bao recalled the uniforms, encouraging gifts, donated books, and even the laptop that his homeroom teacher gave him during the COVID-19 pandemic to help with his studies. "The score I achieved today is the sweet fruit of the patience, understanding, and unconditional love that my teachers have sown in me," Bao wrote.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, Bao's literature teacher in 9th grade, shared that achieving the top score in the history specialization at Tran Phu High School for the Gifted is a well-deserved reward for her student's tireless efforts.
According to Ms. Thuy, what teachers appreciate about Bao is not only his academic achievements but also his willpower to overcome seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Bao is a very gentle, affectionate, responsible, and exceptionally determined student. Throughout his studies, Bao not only demonstrated diligence, a desire for self-improvement, and a particular fondness for history, but also, in literature, he always strived to complete any assigned task to the best of his ability. “Today’s success is the result of a persistent effort. I believe that with that determination and spirit, Bao will go even further in the future,” Ms. Thuy expressed.
Speaking about his results, Tran Van Bao said he was very surprised to learn that he had become a co-valedictorian of the specialized history class at Tran Phu High School for the Gifted. “I am so happy and grateful. This is a result I never dared to dream of before. I am grateful to the staff at the Hoa Phuong Social Work and Children's Protection Center for raising me, and grateful to the teachers who have always encouraged, helped, and believed in me throughout my years of schooling. Without their love and support, I would hardly have achieved what I have today,” Bao expressed.
From a boy who didn't know his name, his parents, or where he was born, Tran Van Bao has written a beautiful story of perseverance in life. The journey ahead is long, but with a will forged through the harshest challenges, this history-specialized student from Tran Phu High School for the Gifted has every right to believe in even bigger dreams waiting for him.
TRANG NGANSource: https://baohaiphong.vn/ky-tich-cua-thu-khoa-chuyen-su-545755.html
