THU’S GRATITUDE LETTER:
Dear Karen and everyone at Lifestart Foundation,
My name is Duong Thi Xuan Thu and I have just finished my four-year Bachelor’s degree in Banking at the University of Economics, Danang University. I am writing today to share the exciting news of my graduation and to express my heartfelt thanks to you and Lifestart Foundation for your generous support throughout the past years.
I have just completed the final semester of my university journey, during which I only had one subject, my Graduation Report. This required me to complete an internship at a bank and submit two reports, one midterm and one final, on topics related to the banking industry. My internship involved hands-on experience with the daily tasks of a bank employee. I learned about the bank’s products and services, its corporate culture and its operational procedures. Afterwards, I wrote my reports based on this experience and defended them before the Faculty Council. As this was my last semester, I put a great deal of effort into performing well in the subject, actively engaging in all of the bank’s activities.
After four years of consistent effort, I have now completed my Banking degree with a GPA of 3.93 out of a possible 4.0, successfully graduating with High Distinction and earning the title of Valedictorian of my entire graduating class. This achievement is a testament to my focus and persistence in pursuing my goals. Although I felt a bit overwhelmed when I first started university and faced various difficulties during my studies, everything ultimately turned out well. This was thanks to my own hard work, the support from friends and teachers and most importantly, the crucial assistance from you and Lifestart Foundation. I am incredibly satisfied and happy with everything I have accomplished.
In the future, I also hope to pursue the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) qualification, which is a prestigious credential in the finance industry and will greatly benefit my future career.
Before receiving the Lifestart Foundation scholarship, my family faced significant financial hardship. My mother was a farmer and my father a carpenter. Everything felt incredibly challenging; even basic meals were not guaranteed and numerous other financial issues often left our family in despair. Because I was still young, all I knew was to try my best in school, hoping to secure a stable job later to support my family. However, given our circumstances, I often wondered about the future of my education as my family was lacking in many ways. Everything seemed uncertain and there appeared to be no bright hope.
I still remember how emotional and grateful I felt when I was awarded the Lifestart Foundation scholarship. It was truly life-changing not only for me but for my whole family. The scholarship enabled us to pay for tuition, extra classes, insurance fees, school supplies, uniforms and even transportation. I was given a bicycle and later an electric bike to commute to school. You and Lifestart Foundation also provided us with essential household items and birthday gifts each year. These meaningful gifts were incredibly practical, especially for my mother. Most importantly, this scholarship opened up a new sense of hope for me, a light that brightened my future.
The Lifestart Foundation scholarship has brought incredible positive changes to my life and my family’s. Thanks to the financial support from Year 7 through Year 12, and then throughout my four years of university, I no longer had to worry excessively about study or living costs. This allowed me to focus much more effectively on my education. Without the Lifestart Foundation’s support for IT courses or English exam fees, I would have faced significant difficulty covering those expenses. Truly, without your precious assistance, I certainly would not have been able to complete my studies as successfully as I did.
My family, especially my father, also felt a significant relief from the heavy financial pressure and could focus on supporting my younger sister. Most importantly, the scholarship provided not just material help but also gave me the motivation and confidence to move forward in life, showing me that even in difficult circumstances, I still have the opportunity to change my future.
Had it not been for Lifestart Foundation’s support, my life would have been vastly different. In secondary and high school, I would not have been able to afford extra classes, making it nearly impossible to gain the knowledge needed to pass the university entrance exam. And in university, without the scholarship, I might have had to work multiple jobs to cover tuition and living expenses which would have negatively affected my academic performance and health. The household essentials and emergency support from Lifestart Foundation during natural disasters and the pandemic also eased many of our burdens.
Beyond financial assistance, the emotional support I received from Lifestart Foundation was invaluable. During the summer, I had a chance to participate in a day out where older students shared their academic and career experiences with us. Lifestart Foundation also created opportunities for me to participate in new and interesting activities. These experiences allowed me to build friendships, develop communication skills and engage with the broader community. I always looked forward to these special events every summer.
My parents always hoped that I could complete my education and thanks to Lifestart Foundation, that wish came true. The scholarship has been a strong foundation that allowed me to pursue my dreams. I want to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation to you and everyone at Lifestart Foundation. Words alone cannot adequately express how meaningful your support has been. I promise to constantly study and develop myself further to be worthy of your and Lifestart Foundation’s support over the past years.
In closing, I wish you and everyone at Lifestart Foundation robust health and unceasing happiness. I hope Lifestart Foundation will continue to receive growing support from the community and continue to thrive, bringing hope and opportunities to many more families like mine thus creating even greater value for society.
Kind regards,
Duong Thi Xuan Thu