"Special" teachers spread the will to live

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - Unfortunately, despite their physical disabilities, many disabled people have overcome all barriers, made efforts, and risen to become dedicated, exemplary teachers. The stories of these “special” teachers not only inspire students but also spread the message of a positive life in the community.

Teacher Le Thanh Tung guides students during a computer practice session.

With 23 years dedicated to the profession of "nurturing future generations," teacher Nguyen Thi Que has spent 22 of those years working at Thanh Hoa Agricultural College. Whenever she talks about her journey to becoming a teacher and her childhood memories, she can't help but get emotional.

Born with a disability in her right arm, Nguyen Thi Que faced many difficulties in her daily life. During her school years, she often felt self-conscious and insecure, fearing how others would perceive and judge her for being different from everyone else. However, with the support of her family and her own efforts, Que gradually regained her confidence and always strived to study well to fulfill her dream of becoming a teacher. Not only is she a girl full of positive energy, but Que also surprised many people by being accepted into two universities simultaneously.

In 2002, after graduating from the Department of Political Education at Hanoi Pedagogical University 1, Nguyen Thi Que was assigned to work at Yen Dinh 3 High School, and later transferred to Thanh Hoa Agricultural College. Regardless of the environment, she always performed her duties well. To create interest for students in her lessons, she always combined theory and practice, actively applying science and technology to each lesson, thereby helping students acquire knowledge quickly and effectively.

Not only is she a highly qualified teacher, but with a desire to provide everyone with delicious, nutritious, and safe food, she has also built the "Que Food" culinary brand, which regularly provides employment for 5 workers.

"For an average person, rising from nothing is not easy, but for a person with a disability, it is many times more difficult, requiring willpower, perseverance, and determination. I always take the initiative in everything I do, not wanting to be dependent, so I am determined to do my best to create the best version of myself," teacher Nguyen Thi Que confided.

At Thanh Hoa Vocational School for Disabled and Disadvantaged Youth, teacher Le Thanh Tung has become a beautiful and inspiring figure of overcoming adversity. Despite his disability, which makes walking very difficult, he never complains, becomes pessimistic, or discouraged. Instead, he remains optimistic, spreading positive energy to his students and everyone around him. Tung's childhood was filled with daily therapy and acupuncture treatments. The needles were excruciatingly painful, but Tung never complained, always striving to continue treatment in the hope that his legs would eventually be normal like his peers. However, Tung's condition did not improve. Watching his friends play and run around, Tung couldn't help but feel inferior, sad, and self-conscious. In a conversation with us, teacher Le Thanh Tung shared: “Perhaps I was unlucky with my legs, but God was kind enough to give me normal intelligence. Growing up, realizing my differences, I always strived and was determined to excel in my studies. Because only through education can I have a better life.”

In 2009, after graduating from Vinh Pedagogical University, Tung worked for two years at a private company, and in 2011 he applied for a job at the Thanh Hoa Provincial Vocational School for Disabled and Disadvantaged Youth. Being disabled himself, Tung saw a reflection of his own past in the students from the very first day – the feelings of inferiority, self-doubt, and lack of courage many of them had. Therefore, in addition to teaching academics, Teacher Tung always stayed close to them, encouraging and motivating them to strive for a better future.

To quickly adapt to the job, for the past 14 years, teacher Le Thanh Tung has strived every day, improving his knowledge, learning new skills, and developing innovative teaching methods. He has transformed seemingly dry knowledge into stories and situations, thereby conveying useful information that students can easily remember and understand.

Nguyen Thi Huyen, a student from Yen Truong commune, said: “The teacher usually uses different teaching methods for each student, guiding them individually until they understand the lesson. He is a shining example for us to learn from and emulate in terms of optimism and perseverance in life.”

The stories of teacher Nguyen Thi Que and teacher Le Thanh Tung are just two examples among many teachers with disabilities. Driven by their love for their profession and their students, they have been diligently working every day to impart knowledge, igniting in their students a thirst for learning, helping them overcome their limitations, and pursue their dreams and aspirations to live meaningful lives.

Text and photos: Trung Hieu

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/nhung-nguoi-thay-dac-biet-lan-toa-nghi-luc-song-254861.htm