A painful memory
On quiet nights, lying in her dormitory at Jilin University, Cam Tu often dreamed of her difficult childhood. Without resentment, Tu was grateful for the challenging beginnings that had made her more resilient and stronger. Cam Tu was born and raised in a poor family with many siblings. Wanting their children to have the opportunity to study, her father worked various jobs, struggling everywhere before returning to their hometown to drive a taxi. Like her father, Tu's mother worked tirelessly year-round. Finally, due to declining health, her mother discussed with her father borrowing money to open a small clothing stall in the market near their home.
 |
| Cam Tu (standing furthest right) participates in an exchange program with international friends - Photo: Provided by the interviewee. |
From a young age, Cam Tu was accustomed to a hectic and stressful life. Out of love for her parents, Tu always shared their burdens. During the days when her parents were away working, she acted as both sister and mother. "Seeing my parents working tirelessly to ensure their children could get an education like their peers, I understood that if I wanted to change my future, I had no choice but to work five or ten times harder," Cam Tu confided.
In high school, while her friends had many big plans and ambitions, Tú had only one goal: to get into university. For Tú, it was both a personal dream and a desire to change the impoverished reality of her family. This studious girl also wanted to set an example for her three younger siblings to follow and move forward.
 |
| Cam Tu achieved her dream through her own efforts - Photo: Provided by the interviewee. |
Holding her acceptance letter from the University of Foreign Languages - Hue University in her hands, Cam Tu felt as if a "heavy burden" had been lifted from her heart. Initially, Tu chose Chinese as her major for the very practical reason of making it easier to find a job and help her parents sooner. However, months of diligent study in the lecture halls gave her a completely new perspective. Tu understood that foreign languages were not simply dry characters and structures, but a whole world of culture that could lead her to horizons she had never dared to dream of.
Reach for your distant dreams.
Understanding the importance of learning a foreign language also led Cam Tu to dream bigger. She wanted to go abroad to see and learn from the best of humanity. This was the motivation that pushed Tu to overcome her own doubts. Many nights, she diligently studied, erasing and rewriting her essay dozens of times to create the most satisfying scholarship application.
Then, after so much waiting, joy finally arrived. The notification of her acceptance for a Chinese government scholarship, offering her the opportunity to pursue a master's degree at Jilin University, a prestigious institution, brought overwhelming joy to Tú and her family. For the first time, Tú saw tears of happiness rolling down the cheeks of her parents, eyes already marked with wrinkles. In the corner of the rural market, where the clothing stalls were deserted due to dwindling customers, laughter returned.
 |
| Cam Tu poses for a commemorative photo with her new friends - Photo: Provided by the subject. |
Studying at a school that brings together students from many countries around the world , Cam Tu increasingly understands the value of the saying: "Learn another language, live another life." From a girl who grew up in the poor rural area of Quang Tri, in a family that never ceased to worry about food and clothing, Tu today is confidently striving, connecting with friends everywhere, and absorbing new knowledge... Foreign languages have given her independence, confidence, and an open mind.
Looking back on her journey, Cam Tu still feels like she's dreaming. Through her own story, Tu wants to send a message to young people, especially students in Quang Tri: “Don't be afraid to start learning a new language. At first, you might face difficulties. But all your efforts will be rewarded.”
Cam Tu revealed that after settling into her life and studies abroad, she opened online classes to teach Chinese to young Vietnamese people. This is also how she trains and hones her skills. Cam Tu hopes to become an educator in the future, nurturing young minds right in her homeland, so that from old houses and rural markets, more boys and girls will walk to international universities.
Quang Hiep
Source: https://baoquangtri.vn/giao-duc/202605/tu-goc-cho-que-den-giang-duong-quoc-te-0e47ae2/
Comment (0)