10 Years on Mother's Shoulders, Disabled Girl Achieves University Dream

Nguyen Thi Hien, a 19-year-old from Quang Ngai province in central Vietnam, has achieved her dream of university admission after overcoming significant challenges. Hien was born with a sacrococcygeal tumor that led to mobility issues, and subsequent complications after surgery left her legs severely impaired. For over a decade, her mother's shoulders have served as Hien's "second pair of legs," carrying her to school daily. Her mother, juggling work to support a large family, prioritized Hien's education. The family faces financial hardship, making it difficult to afford Hien's schooling and living expenses. Despite these adversities, Hien dedicated herself to her studies. She recently achieved an excellent score of 25.84 in the university entrance exams, making her long-held aspiration of attending university a reality. Her story highlights the strong will towards education in Vietnamese society and the crucial role of family bonds. Ensuring educational opportunities for children from impoverished backgrounds and rural areas remains a persistent challenge in Vietnam. However, cases like Hien's offer hope to those with limited access to education and can potentially foster a greater societal push for improved educational standards.