fbpx

“Even though I wasn’t born like the sun, I yearn to shine and warm those around me.”

date_range2024-06-03

In 2012, Trúc Mai joined saigonchildren’s Scholarship Programme. At the time, Mai was only a fifth-grader, living in Cần Giờ District with her 4-member family. Her mum worked as a hairdresser, her dad was a hired photographer, and her little sister was in kindergarten. To this day, she remains one of our student beneficiaries, growing up under the caring guidance of our social workers.

During high school, Mai maintained outstanding scholastic achievements and once dreamed of becoming a qualified lawyer. Although currently, she has embarked on a different path, majoring in International Business at an economics-focused university in HCMC, her dedication to education and striving forward remains unchanged. Mai always knows how to enrich her university life as much as possible, from receiving academic encouragement scholarships to participating in scientific research activities, even as a junior student.

In 2022, at first Mai was offered the opportunity to the TOEIC preparation class at Thăng Long School. However, Mai knew her priorities and asked to switch into the communication-focusing English class to improve this skill. Unfortunately, due to a misaligned university schedule coupled with an upcoming internship, she has paused her learning progress in English and will rejoin at a more convenient time. Meanwhile, she has managed to join the Computer class, also held at Thăng Long School, aiming to take the MOS certificate with scores over 900 for Word and Excel.

Last school year, as saigonchildren marked the first year in partnership with the Madrinha Trust organisation, Mai was one of five students selected to receive a scholarship, based on academic results, English proficiency, and other criteria. In her application letter, she wrote, “Even though I wasn’t born like the sun, I still yearn to shine and hope that my ‘light’ can plant new seeds and warm the hearts around me.” Furthermore, Mai recently received the Outstanding Enterprise Award at the Madrinha Trust Scholar Mentee Award 2024 ceremony.

Not long ago, in a letter sent to saigonchildren, Mai confessed that during her previous years at university, she spent most of her free time doing part-time jobs to cover additional tuition fees regarding academic and extracurricular activities, and living expenses. Balancing a tight schedule of work and study took a toll on her mental health. Fortunately, the Madrinha scholarship came as a light at the end of the tunnel, easing her family’s financial burden and allowing her to reduce her work hours, focus more on her academic learning, and take better care of herself.

Saigonchildren has accompanied Mai since she was only 9, witnessing her step-by-step achievements within her capabilities. She deserves to be confident and proud of herself, and we hope she always remembers that we will support her no matter what, in her future journey of growth and success.

 

HELP MORE STUDENTS LIKE MAI DELVE INTO THEIR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH EDUCATION

Home Visits: Discovering Small Steps Towards Hope in Education Amidst Hardship
date_range2024-09-20
Home Visits: Discovering Small Steps Towards Hope in Education Amidst Hardship
A Father’s Story: ‘For My Son’
date_range2024-06-16
A Father’s Story: ‘For My Son’
The first cake I make myself will certainly be for Mum!
date_range2024-05-10
The first cake I make myself will certainly be for Mum!
Kim Yen’s Story: “Your words of encouragement are what drive me forward”
date_range2024-03-07
Kim Yen’s Story: “Your words of encouragement are what drive me forward”
Quỳnh’s Story: Resuming her Education
date_range2023-11-22
Quỳnh’s Story: Resuming her Education
V’s Story: Discovering His Artistic Side
date_range2023-11-17
V’s Story: Discovering His Artistic Side
T’s Story: Learning to Interact with Others
date_range2023-11-16
T’s Story: Learning to Interact with Others
P’s Story: A Mother’s Heartwarming Relief
date_range2023-11-14
P’s Story: A Mother’s Heartwarming Relief
Nguyệt Ánh’s Story: From Hardship to Leadership
date_range2023-11-14
Nguyệt Ánh’s Story: From Hardship to Leadership
Ánh Kim’s Story: Life after her Scholarship
date_range2023-11-10
Ánh Kim’s Story: Life after her Scholarship