Female student learns by ear and heart, reaping two perfect scores of 10 on the graduation exam.

Despite having only about 1/10 of her eyesight, Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, a female student from Le Huu Trac High School in Dak Lak province, still achieved two perfect scores of 10 in the 2025 high school graduation exam.

Despite having poorer eyesight than her peers, Huyen was always determined to study and achieved very high results - Photo: MINH PHUONG

On the day she received her graduation exam results, in her small house in Hiep Hung village, Ea M'droh commune ( Dak Lak ), Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen was speechless when she saw two perfect scores of 10 in history and geography, along with an 8 in literature. This was the greatest reward after a challenging academic journey for the young student.

Female students learn with their ears and their hearts.

Recounting her learning journey, Huyen said that in class, she always sat in the front row, listening attentively to every word the teachers said. When she returned to her rented room, Huyen diligently reviewed the lessons she had memorized.

Without using special glasses or magnifying glasses, Huyen chose to prepare thoroughly at home and then concentrate fully in class. Her learning method didn't involve many tricks, just patience, day by day.

"My eyesight is weak, I can't look at things for long periods or read as much as my classmates. So I have to study in my own way. I listen carefully, remember thoroughly, and don't let my attention wander for a single moment. For history and geography, I don't memorize by rote, but I remember the dates, events, and understand their meanings. For literature, I practice each type of question and hone my skills in developing ideas coherently," Huyen shared.

Huyen and her geography teacher, who inspired her to choose the teaching profession - Photo: V. DAT

Huyen's house is more than 20km from the school. Since the 10th grade, she has lived alone in Quang Phu town (formerly Cu M'Gar district, now Quang Phu commune) and rented a room to attend school. Her parents are farmers and run a small business at the market, with an unstable income. Knowing their daughter suffered from congenital nystagmus, the family took her to various places for treatment. But hope faded when doctors concluded that not much could be done.

"There were days when my daughter's eyes hurt so much she couldn't bear it, and she'd call home saying she wanted to skip a class. But then the next day she'd come to class as if nothing had happened. Once, I asked her why she was studying so late, and she just said softly, 'I can do it. I have to do it.' It broke my heart to hear that," said Mrs. Ho Thi Trang Hong, Huyen's mother, her voice choked with emotion.

Despite the difficulties of living away from home, Huyen took care of herself, studied on her own, and constantly reminded herself not to give up. Her classmates recounted that whenever Huyen had eye pain but still came to class and diligently took notes, it was like giving the whole class extra motivation.

"She doesn't talk much, but every action she takes earns our admiration. Once, it was raining heavily, everyone was staying home from school, but Huyen was still in class, her raincoat soaking wet. She sat and studied as if nothing had happened," recalled Tran Pham Mai Huong, a classmate.

Dreaming of becoming a teacher and inspiring learning.

Huyen with her parents in their small family home - Photo: MINH PHUONG

At school, Huyen was an exemplary student. For three consecutive years, she achieved the title of all-around excellent student, winning two gold medals in the traditional March 10th Olympic competition, one silver medal in the April 30th Olympic competition, and two second prizes at the provincial level.

But the most valuable thing, according to Huyen, is the belief that her teachers instilled in her.

"I used to be very insecure, but thanks to the constant encouragement from my teachers, especially Ms. Khuyen, my geography teacher, I gradually felt that I could also do something meaningful. She instilled in me a love for the subject and a positive outlook on life," Huyen said emotionally.

When asked about her dreams, she answered without hesitation: "I want to study geography education and become a teacher. I want to return to disadvantaged areas, teach students like I did in the past, and inspire them to learn. I believe I can do it."

Knowing their daughter wanted to take the university entrance exam, the family was happy but also worried. Huyen's father, Mr. Nguyen Tuong, shared: "Since she's so determined, my wife and I have to do our best. No matter how difficult it is, we must let her study until she finishes. We'll have to borrow money if necessary."

In the eyes of her homeroom teacher, Mr. Phan Van Thuong, Huyen is no ordinary student. "She studies not just to pass exams, but to overcome adversity. If willpower had a physical form, it would be Huyen. She is a bright flame among the children in this underprivileged rural area," Mr. Thuong said.

MINH PHUONG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nu-sinh-hoc-bang-tai-va-bang-trai-tim-gat-hai-diem-10-thi-tot-nghiep-20250717080739497.htm