Tiny, orphaned female student overcomes fate to graduate with honors from the School of Water Resources

Nguyen Thi Phuong was born in 2002 in Ninh Binh . Phuong was born with growth hormone deficiency. So while her peers grew up day by day, Phuong still looked small with the height of a kindergarten student.

Family full of tears

Phuong's family situation was already difficult, and became even more difficult when her father died early from a serious illness when she was very young, leaving her mother to raise her child alone. Phuong grew up in the sadness of missing her father, plagued by illness, but she never gave up her desire to conquer knowledge.

During her high school years, Phuong was taken to school by her mother and grandparents. Her family sent all their love and hope that, despite many disadvantages, she would still have the opportunity to study, find a stable job, and stand on her own two feet.

Nguyen Thi Phuong received her graduation certificate with honors from the University of Water Resources. (Photo: NVCC)

When Phuong had just entered 10th grade, a big incident happened to her small family, her mother suddenly suffered a stroke. Since then, all the burdens have piled up on her shoulders. Her mother was paralyzed on one side, lost the ability to take care of herself, and Phuong had to take care of all her personal activities. At an age when her friends only knew about books and entertainment, Phuong had to learn to be a support for her mother, take care of her, and accompany her mother through every difficult day.

"At that time, I was very sad but still told myself to be stronger to be a support for my mother," Phuong said.

After finishing grade 12, Phuong decided to register and was admitted to the Information Technology major at the University of Water Resources. Entering university also meant that the female student had to be independent in a completely new environment.

In the early days, the new student could not help but feel bewildered and uncertain when everyone around her was unfamiliar and everything was different. If in high school, every day she went to class, her mother or grandparents would take her to and from school, now Phuong had to manage everything by herself. Everything was too much for her small stature and special circumstances, but Phuong still persevered step by step, telling herself that only knowledge could help her change her fate.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, Rector of Thuyloi University, and new graduate Nguyen Thi Phuong. (Photo: NVCC)

After a few months of entering school, Phuong collapsed once again when she received the news that her mother had passed away after a second stroke. Her mother's passing was like a knife cutting into her young heart, causing the new student to think about giving up her studies and returning to her hometown. Thanks to the enthusiastic encouragement of her aunt and uncle, the sharing of her friends, and the encouragement from her teachers, Phuong struggled to get up and return to school.

"There are times when I feel sad, especially when I see my friends being cared for by their parents. But then I tell myself, if I fall, no one will pick me up, so I have to stand up strong," Phuong confided.

Determined to overcome fate

For that little girl, hardships are no longer barriers, but become challenges to hone her willpower and build her character. "I believe that as long as I try hard every day, I can still walk on my own two feet, even if it may be a little slower than others," Phuong said.

During her 4 years at university, Phuong was cared for by the school and arranged accommodation in the dormitory, helping to ease her financial burden. The 10X was also exempted from 100% of tuition fees for the entire course. Notably, Phuong became a rare case in the school's history when she was awarded the Le Van Kiem scholarship twice in a row - a scholarship of great value and usually only awarded once to each student during their entire time at the school.

At the recent graduation ceremony of the University of Water Resources, Phuong was one of more than 300 students who received excellent degrees, with a GPA of 3.39/4.0. Such an achievement is not easy for many students, but for a girl with a weak constitution like Phuong, it was a journey of many times more effort.

"On the day I received my diploma, I felt sad when I saw my friends with their parents by their side sharing their joy. Then I realized that I was still truly happy because I always had teachers and friends by my side to encourage and love me. That helped me feel that I was not alone," Phuong said.

Sharing about her study method, Phuong said that for theoretical subjects, she always listens attentively to the teacher's lectures in class, notes down the main ideas, and then reviews them during the day to remember the knowledge. Before the exam, the 10X will systematize all the content into an outline for easy synthesis. For practical subjects, Phuong forces herself to practice diligently every day.

Phuong was given a special graduation gown by her school teacher. (Photo: NVCC)

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trung Viet, Principal of Thuyloi University, shared that Phuong received a good degree, but to her teachers and the school, she is an excellent student, because despite her health and difficult circumstances, the female student still overcame her fate to shine in a major that requires rigorous knowledge. Thuyloi University is proud to have a student like Phuong, the 10X's determination becomes an example for other students in the school.

With her achievements, right after graduation, the school's Board of Directors decided to specially accept Phuong to work in the Communications department - in charge of managing the school's Website.

"I am truly touched and grateful to the teachers and the school for giving me this precious opportunity. Thuyloi University is the place that nurtured my dream and now will be the place where I can work, contribute my intelligence and talent to the development of the school. I promise to do my best in my work to be worthy of everyone's trust and expectations," Phuong said.

Kim Nhung

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/nu-sinh-ti-hon-mo-coi-cha-me-vuot-so-phan-tot-nghiep-loai-gioi-truong-thuy-loi-ar962387.html