The perseverance of a Khmer girl who topped her Master's degree in Law.

On the day of their Bachelor of Administrative Law graduation, the entire class was allowed to graduate, but Le's university degree was withheld because she didn't have enough points in English...

Forget all your fatigue when you immerse yourself in the Khmer dances.

If you have the opportunity to attend the ethnic cultural festival in Ho Chi Minh City, you will easily spot Trinh Thi My Le (born in 1992), a confident, graceful, and charming Khmer girl, standing out in the dance troupe showcasing Khmer ethnic culture.

“Dancing is an indispensable part of Khmer festivals and celebrations. As both a dancer and choreographer for the program, I have to convey the spirit and unique characteristics of Khmer culture in each dance. Whenever the music, imbued with Khmer culture, plays, I feel completely immersed in it, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to leaving the most memorable impression on the audience,” Ms. Le proudly stated.

Ms. Trinh Thi My Le (right in the photo) – Vice President of the Khmer Literature and Arts Branch, Ho Chi Minh City Literature and Arts Association

In the final days of the year, her schedule of work and community activities seems packed. She said, "I usually get back to my rented room at 10 PM. After personal hygiene, I just want to have a good night's sleep so that I have enough energy to face a busy but meaningful new day tomorrow."

In her role as Deputy Chief of the Office of the Union of Literature and Arts Associations of Ho Chi Minh City, and Vice-Chairwoman of the Khmer Literature and Arts Branch, outside of her regular working hours, she works as a translator and interpreter of Khmer and teaches the Khmer language.

“After my regular office hours, I teach Khmer at the Foreign Language Center (established by the Central Committee of the Vietnam-Cambodia Friendship Association) in the evenings, from 2018 until now. In my free time, I tutor Khmer at home for Khmer children living and working in the city,” Ms. Le recounted.

Thinking about the classroom atmosphere with both adults and children wanting to learn the Khmer language, Ms. Le forgot all her fatigue.

“There are days when I feel tired and want to rest. But thinking about the atmosphere of the classroom with adults, children, and even Cambodians who want to learn the Khmer language waiting for me, I try my best. Or when I immerse myself in the lively music and familiar melodies of Khmer dances in preparation for upcoming cultural performances, I feel energized and my spirits lift, forgetting all my fatigue,” Ms. Le enthusiastically shared.

I worked multiple jobs to earn money for my studies.

Trinh Thi My Le was born and raised in the poor rural area of ​​Hoa An commune, Cau Ke district, Tra Vinh province. Lệ comes from a family of three generations of illiterate farmers. Her parents worked odd jobs and did various odd jobs to raise her and her two sisters. Lệ shared: “My parents worked day and night, but we only had enough to eat. For many years, our house lacked any valuable amenities. As the eldest sister, with two younger siblings (one boy and one girl), I only knew to strive to study hard to set an example for them, encouraging them to go to university so they could have stable jobs and escape the hardships our parents faced.”

As the eldest sister, My Le worked hard in her studies to set an example for her two younger siblings, hoping to escape the hardships their parents had endured.

That year, Le was a first-year student majoring in culture at Tra Vinh University when she was accepted into the Law University in Ho Chi Minh City. Seeing their daughter's decision to study far from home, her parents only advised her: "We won't stop you from studying in Saigon, but remember, 'even in poverty, maintain your integrity.' Don't do anything wrong or fall into temptation that would harm yourself and your future. If things get too difficult, just come back to us."

Leaving her hometown for the bustling, unfamiliar city of Saigon, Le inevitably faced initial difficulties and felt overwhelmed trying to adapt to the expensive and vibrant metropolis. Wanting to help her parents support her two younger siblings studying back home, Le took on part-time jobs to cover her living and educational expenses in Saigon. “Besides school, I worked part-time as a waitress, dishwasher, and sales assistant… Sometimes I even volunteered at a temple. There was no pay there, but at least I had something to eat each day,” Le recalled, her voice choked with emotion.

"However, my biggest challenge is learning a foreign language. I can try to do well in all other subjects, but English is still a huge challenge for a Khmer ethnic minority like me," Ms. Le recounted.

Trinh Thi My Le participated in introducing Khmer ethnic culture to the people.

On the day of her Bachelor of Administrative Law graduation, the entire class graduated, but Le's degree was withheld because she didn't have enough points in English. Amidst the regret, there was also a sense of helplessness and self-pity. She said, "I felt I couldn't stop; I had to continue studying for a second degree in English to repay my debt to the university, and at the same time pursue a master's degree in law."

However, she had already faced financial difficulties during her university years. Pursuing two degrees only increased those difficulties. “There was a time when I worked various part-time jobs but still didn’t have enough money for tuition. I missed my parents and considered returning to my hometown to find peace and give up my dream. Luckily, a classmate who knew about my situation lent me money to pay for tuition…” – Le recalled the most difficult and challenging period of her life with a choked voice.

At the time, the Khmer girl was the smallest in her class and lacked the professional experience of her fellow graduate students. But with unwavering determination and effort, in 2020, she became the valedictorian of the master's program in Administrative Law. Simultaneously, she also graduated with honors in English, earning the pride and admiration of her teachers and friends.

Family and relatives congratulated her on being the valedictorian of the Master's program in Administrative Law and graduating with honors in English Language.

“The journey to fulfill my father's dream felt like a dream to me, but it was a dream come true. On the day I received my master's degree, my parents came to Ho Chi Minh City for the first time, filled with boundless pride for their daughter. It was then that they learned I had worked various jobs over the past few years to achieve this success. They hugged me tightly, tears streaming down their faces, and said, ‘Why didn't you tell us when you were going through tough times?’” – Le recounted, her voice trembling.

Driven by her passion for the culture and art of her homeland, My Le has gradually established her name and pursued her career in Ho Chi Minh City. Every year, she actively participates in disseminating information and advocating for policies and laws among ethnic minority communities in her ward and district; and in raising awareness about drug prevention and combating social evils among the Khmer ethnic minority. As a result, from 2021 to 2023, she was one of 16 individuals recognized as exemplary role models by the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union.

In her contributions to national cultural activities, she has been repeatedly recognized and commended by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports and various district and ward levels.

Ms. Trinh Thi My Le (on the right) is one of 16 individuals honored by the Ho Chi Minh City Women's Union as exemplary role models for the period 2021-2023.

“Now I can buy Tet gifts for my parents, my two younger siblings, and relatives back home, and I don’t have to worry about paying rent like before. Many of my friends my age back home have their own families, but I feel lucky to still be single. I can dedicate all my youthful energy and time to my work, contributing to spreading the cultural knowledge I’ve learned to a wider audience of Khmer people who love Khmer culture,” – the gentle face and bright smile of the Khmer girl suddenly lit up as she spoke of her long-term passion.

Source: https://pnvnweb.dev.cnnd.vn/co-gai-khmer-giup-ba-thuc-hien-uoc-mo-mong-con-co-quan-ao-dep-ngay-tet-20250110171741219.htm