Female student who 'studied for her sister' became university valedictorian

The day Vo Mong Hoai Tam learned that she had achieved the title of valedictorian of the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, the little girl from the border land of Tan Hung (formerly Long An) was moved to tears.

Student Vo Mong Hoai Tam during a volunteer activity - Photo: NVCC

The tears of the female valedictorian are not because of the halo of glory in front of her, but because behind it is a journey woven from sweat, from the silent sacrifices of her parents and sisters - those who have never once stepped through the university gate.

Female student was given the opportunity to go to school by her whole family

Born in a poor rural area bordering Cambodia, Hoai Tam’s childhood was associated with cracked rice fields in the dry season and muddy fields in the rainy season. In that place, the family’s effort to have children finish 9th grade was a great effort. Tam’s older sisters had to drop out of school early to work for hire, helping their parents take care of their lives.

Hoai Tam is the youngest of four siblings and her family gave her the opportunity to go to school. And from that day on, the 6th grade girl promised herself: she will study instead of her sisters, study to fulfill the sacrifice of her parents.

During her high school years, Tam always maintained the title of excellent student, as a way to silently thank her parents who worked hard, saved every handful of rice, every penny to raise her to study.

"I study for my sisters, so I always promise myself to always try to study well and live a life worthy of my parents...", Tam choked.

"The family's beacon of hope" becomes valedictorian

When Tam received the news that she had been accepted to the Business Administration program at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry four years ago, her joy had not yet fully subsided when worry came. The first semester's tuition was more than 11 million VND, an amount that was too much for a farming family in a time of economic hardship due to the pandemic.

There was a time when the little girl thought about giving up her dream of going to university to ease the burden on her parents. But then, it was Tam's father, who worked hard all year round in the fields on the border, and her hard-working mother, who held her daughter's hand and said: "You are the beacon of hope for the whole family."

From that saying, a journey full of determination began, a female student from the border area with bare feet stepped out into the city, carrying with her all the silent hopes of a family that had never known the light of a lecture hall.

The little girl entered the lecture hall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, armed with determination and deep gratitude.

"The first days of school were online during the pandemic, I was both worried and uncertain. But gradually, thanks to the dedicated teachers, the dynamic learning environment, and the companionship of my friends, I have matured day by day," Tam shared.

During four years of university, Tam constantly made efforts: maintained an excellent GPA (student grade point average), received a full scholarship every semester, and became a "5 Good Student" at the school level.

In addition to her studies, she tutored to cover her living expenses and actively participated in volunteer activities. And then, that journey ended with a noble title: university valedictorian.

"I have been to places my parents have never been, learned things they never had the chance to learn. And I understand, every step I take today is saved from the money my father earned working under the scorching sun, from my mother's hard work at the market…", Tam shared in tears.

Vo Mong Hoai Tam (standing in the middle of the front row) with friends after the university graduation thesis defense ceremony in August 2025 - Photo: NVCC

"Knowledge helps us fly far, but gratitude helps us fly high"

Tam said: "I am grateful to the teachers and friends at Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry, where my dreams were sown, where my determination was nurtured, where I was taught that knowledge helps us fly far, but gratitude helps us fly high. I am not the best, but I have always lived with gratitude in my heart."

Closing her university journey, Tam said she is ready to embark on a new journey with unknown aspirations and challenges, and possibly bright rays of hope.

"Deep in my heart, a flame of aspiration still burns persistently: to continue studying for a master's degree, to one day return to the lecture hall, to stand on the podium not only to teach, but also to inspire and share knowledge with future generations.

That dream is not simply my personal echo, but also a secret hope conveyed through the sad eyes and devoted hearts of my parents - the people who have watched day and night, silently nurturing that dream.

My parents, living in a poor countryside, always believed that letters were the magic key that opened the door to a new life," Tam shared.

The most beautiful story about gratitude

Dr. Nguyen Trung Nhan - Head of Training Department of Ho Chi Minh City University of Industry - emotionally shared: "There are students who make teachers remember them forever not only because of their academic achievements but also because of their determination and heart. Hoai Tam is the most beautiful proof of the value of education : helping a disadvantaged female student to go far, but still keeping the source of love and deep gratitude.

Many times I wrote emails asking for scholarships, without complaining about difficulties or hardships, just saying: I will try my best to not let down my parents and teachers. And in fact, I have proven it with impressive academic results. That spirit has touched all of our hearts."

TRAN HUYNH

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nu-sinh-hoc-thay-phan-cua-chi-da-tro-thanh-thu-khoa-tot-nghiep-dai-hoc-20250904182045268.htm