Vietnamese Students - From Villages to University Halls: The Journey of Nurturing Dreams for Thai Ethnic Minority Female Students

Born and raised in a remote village in Lai Chau province, Luong Thi Bich's childhood was intertwined with mountains, fields, and winding dirt roads. From a very young age, this Thai girl harbored a dream that seemed far-fetched for many children in her village: to attend university. Not to chase prestige, but because Bich believed that education was the only way for her to escape the mountains and open up a different future for herself and her family.

From her elementary school years, Bich showed a natural and persistent love for learning. The young girl from Thai province stood out with her beautiful and consistent handwriting, earning her the choice of teachers to participate in handwriting competitions from school to district level, winning numerous awards. Not only was she academically gifted, but Bich was also a top student in Vietnamese at the district level, earning the responsibility of class president for five consecutive years. Alongside her studies, Bich actively participated in extracurricular activities. Thanks to her confidence and communication skills, from grade 4 to the end of high school, Bich consistently held various roles such as Head of the Student Union, Deputy Secretary of the Youth Union branch, and MC for the school. “Those experiences helped me mature and nurtured my desire to step out, learn, and contribute,” Bich shared.

Born into a farming family, living a simple life in her village, Bich understood the value of sacrifice very well. Her father was a retired official, her mother worked tirelessly, and the family gradually transitioned to small-scale tourism to stabilize their lives. While her older brother dropped out of school early and her older sister married early, Bich was the only one who chose to continue her education. It wasn't an easy decision, as it meant leaving the embrace of her family and overcoming the familiar prejudices of her village. But it was precisely from this humble family background that Bich's aspiration to succeed through education became stronger and clearer than ever.

In the village where Bich was born and raised, university was once a foreign concept. Her peers either married early, went away to work, or stayed in their hometown to work on the farm. Therefore, when Bich expressed her desire to go to university, she faced considerable criticism. Harsh words, especially from her own family, left Bich feeling both hurt and heartbroken. However, instead of giving up, these very prejudices became the driving force that motivated the young woman to leave her village and escape the familiar confines of the mountains.

As the daughter of an illiterate mother, Bich understood the anxieties and internal struggles her mother faced when torn between her daughter's dreams and the deeply ingrained beliefs of the village. There were times when her mother wanted Bich to give up. But through perseverance, Bich gradually convinced her, proving that the educational path she had chosen was serious and worthwhile. After much deliberation, her mother finally agreed, though she still harbored many reservations.

Bich's journey to university didn't begin with ease. Few know that behind the image of the strong Thai ethnic minority student she is today lies a time when Bich faced the risk of having to abandon her dream of attending university midway. "There were times when I thought I couldn't go on, nights when I was devastated, crying silently just because I was afraid that one day I wouldn't be able to go to school anymore," Bich recalled. But it was in those moments of weakness that the young woman chose not to give up, telling herself to try one more time, to persevere a little longer.

Traveling nearly 400km from her hometown, Bich set foot in Hanoi for the first time, officially entering the doors of Dai Nam University, carrying with her dreams, determination, and unwavering belief.

The first fruits of their labor and the journey of growth in the lecture hall.

Entering university, Bich continued to demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility and unwavering effort, serving as an exemplary class leader with consistently top academic achievements, and serving as a reliable support for teachers and classmates in all group activities. Constantly reminding herself to study diligently to live up to her family's expectations and the silent sacrifices they made, this girl from a remote village gradually adapted to the dynamic and open learning environment of the university, maturing both in her professional knowledge and life skills.

Those persistent efforts have yielded commendable initial results: being selected as the freshman speaker for the 18th cohort of the Faculty of Tourism, receiving the title of "Promising Tour Guide of 2025," being awarded the "Who am I" scholarship, and assuming the role of Vice President of the Tourism Club. For Bich, these are not just personal achievements, but also recognition for a serious academic journey in a humane educational environment.

The journey ahead is still long, but Bich believes that literacy will continue to guide her. “As long as I have faith and perseverance, I will go even further – so that one day I can return to my village, bringing knowledge and hope to children just like I was in the past,” Bich expressed. Along that path, the support of her teachers and school has always been a solid foundation, giving Bich the confidence to open the door to her future through her own efforts.