The determined teacher despite his "round feet".

Our legs are the primary means by which we explore and overcome challenges on every journey through life. Teacher Dang Hoang An, a former lecturer in the Psychology Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, despite having only "round legs" (a wheelchair) to get around, remains actively involved in bringing compassion to the community. His resilience and beautiful spirit have inspired generations of students.

Learn to appreciate and yearn for life from the fall.

Teacher Dang Hoang An was born in 1991 into a poor family in the rural area of ​​Can Duoc, Long An province, and experienced a childhood filled with hardship. From his school days, An was aware of his responsibilities, working hard day and night to help his family. Growing up in poverty, his difficult childhood forged his willpower and motivation to strive for success and a fulfilling career. His efforts paid off; in 2009, Dang Hoang An passed the entrance exam to the Psychology Department at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education.

Hoping for a better life for their son, his parents worked tirelessly to provide him with an education. In 2013, after graduating from university, he continued his studies to earn a master's degree. He was then retained by the university as a lecturer in 2016.

The initial success after his efforts further motivated the young teacher. However, a cruel and ironic truth struck one afternoon in late April 2016: while descending from the upper floor of his rented apartment, he fell and suffered severe injuries due to a calcium deficiency. The spinal cord injury caused his legs to progressively atrophy and lose their original function.

Teacher Dang Hoang An.

Before his fall, Mr. Dang Hoang An was a university lecturer and a popular speaker at many psychology programs. Originally an extrovert and energetic person, Mr. An gradually withdrew due to feelings of inadequacy over his once healthy legs becoming disabled. From being a healthy, financially independent individual who shared the burdens of his family, he suddenly became a burden, at times falling into utter despair. However, the encouragement of his parents helped him awaken, and from then on, he yearned for and cherished every breath of life.

Undeterred by the difficulties of his circumstances, young teacher Dang Hoang An strives to rise above his challenges using only his own "round legs," continuing to bring positive energy to others. Through his efforts, both in thought and action, the wheelchair is no longer an obstacle but has become an important part of Mr. An's life, a part of his uniqueness, a personal mark.

I vividly remember my first meeting with Mr. Dang Hoang An, with his bright, clear, and warm eyes and gentle smile. What first impressed me wasn't his wheelchair, but the confidence and enthusiasm in the way he shared and conveyed positive energy about resilience, as if he were giving me strength from his own person.

Dang Hoang An will participate in the Ca Mau Marathon in 2024.

Overcoming adversity, continuing the journey of compassion.

Not only did he start a business growing oyster mushrooms, but since 2019, teacher Dang Hoang An has also utilized his knowledge as a master's degree holder in psychology to collaborate with Vinh Long Television Station on psychological counseling programs such as "Family Stories".   “School Lens,” “Accompanying Your Child.” In his free time, he often writes articles for newspapers on educational issues and issues related to gender and human psychology. Many of his works have won high prizes in writing competitions such as: “Living Beautifully” (Season 4, Thanh Nien Newspaper); “My Favorite Brand” (Tuoi Tre Newspaper); “Digital Tet” (Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper), “The Beauty of Water” (Ho Chi Minh City Women's Newspaper)…

Teacher An is someone who always encourages and motivates those less fortunate, telling them that " disability is not an obstacle, but just a small challenge in life." The activities he organizes are always filled with laughter, and the songs and games he invents are all aimed at helping people become more confident in themselves.

My teacher always reminded me: " Help doesn't necessarily have to be material. Sometimes, just a word of encouragement or a smile can work wonders." That's why Mr. An often participates in charitable activities, helping disabled children, the elderly, and families in difficult circumstances.

Ms. Huynh Thi Ton (a member of the Women's Association of Hamlet 2, Long Dinh Commune, Can Duoc District, Long An Province) shared: "I admire An for her unwavering spirit and compassionate heart. Despite being in a wheelchair, An still helps many people, so whenever An needs help, I will do my best to assist her."

Speaker Dang Hoang An and students from Dong A University (Da Nang City).

Seated in a wheelchair, his body weakened by illness, Mr. Dang Hoang An's heart and spirit remain as strong as ever. He never gives up hope, never lets difficulties defeat him. On the contrary, he transforms those challenges into motivation to live better each day, to continue contributing to society in one way or another.

Teacher An established the Charity Fund to help people with disabilities, orphaned children, lonely elderly people, and patients in difficult circumstances. Over the years, he has mobilized donations to provide 30 wheelchairs for people with disabilities, organized Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations for children in the hamlet, visited and given gifts to poor and near-poor households in the locality; and provided milk and food for mental health patients at the Long An Provincial Social Protection Center.   and Da Lat; visiting and giving gifts to people in some neighboring provinces such as Soc Trang, Ca Mau, Dong Nai…

With his strong will to succeed and his efforts for the community, Dang Hoang An was honored to be one of 50 exemplary young people with disabilities recognized in the "Shining Vietnamese Resilience" program in 2022, organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Union in collaboration with several partner organizations.

The story of Mr. An's life has inspired countless generations of students. He has been invited to share his experiences at numerous seminars and forums on education and disability for students at several universities, colleges, and high schools such as: Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Van Lang University, Dong A University, Hoa Sen Secondary and High School...

Teacher Dang Hoang An (seated in the middle, front row) at the 2022 Ceremony honoring outstanding young people with disabilities - Shining with Vietnamese resilience. Photo provided by the subject.

He once shared with me, "When we lose something, life will give us something else in return. The important thing is whether we know how to appreciate and use it. Disabilities are just inconveniences, not misfortunes; the greatest strength to overcome adversity lies within ourselves," Mr. An shared emotionally.

He lived his life without ever complaining about fate, always seeking ways to rise above his circumstances and share good things with others. Each time he appeared, he delivered a simple yet profound message: "Knowledge is our legs." He proved that even with his legs no longer intact, thanks to knowledge, he could still walk, continue his journey, and bring good things to life.

Teacher An, with his wheelchair, has proven that human limitations lie not in the physical body but in the soul. Each day, as he rolls along on his "round legs," it's not just a personal journey anymore, but a journey of sharing love, encouragement, and motivation for those around him. His life is a living example of resilience, fortitude, faith, and optimism that we can all learn from. He has shown us that limitations only exist in the human mind. If we can overcome fear and self-doubt, nothing can stop us from achieving success.

Even though he is no longer teaching, Professor Dang Hoang An remains a teacher, a flame that shines brightly in the hearts of countless generations of students and many others in society.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/phong-su-dieu-tra/cuoc-thi-nhung-tam-guong-binh-di-ma-cao-quy-lan-thu-16/thay-giao-nghi-luc-tren-doi-chan-tron-828820