Dear Ms. Karen, and the Lifestart Foundation,

My name is Ho Thi Thu An, and I am a recent graduate of English Linguistics from the Danang University of Foreign Languages Studies. Via this letter, I would like to provide an update on my academic journey, tell you about my family’s circumstances and outline my future aspirations. Above all, this letter serves as an expression of my profound and heartfelt gratitude to you and everyone at the Lifestart Foundation for the unwavering material and spiritual support you have consistently provided to my family and me over the past years.

First and foremost, I am delighted to share an update on my academic progress during my final semester as a university student. I successfully completed two specialized modules: Advanced Translation and Interpretating and Business Communication, which was an alternative to doing a traditional graduation thesis. The Advanced Translation and Interpretation module gave me a wealth of practical knowledge in those fields and provided me with a solid foundation for my future endeavors. The Business Communication module offered numerous perspectives on marketing and product promotion strategies. I am pleased to report that I achieved high scores in both: 8.7 in Advanced Translation and Interpretation and 9.8 in Business Communication. These results are deeply satisfying, as they truly reflect my dedicated effort throughout the learning process.

Upon completing these modules, I embarked on my graduation internship. I feel incredibly fortunate that you extended the opportunity for me to intern at the Lifestart Foundation. During my time there, the staff provided invaluable and enthusiastic guidance across various tasks including translating correspondence, developing English lesson plans and conducting research. This internship allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the vital work and impactful projects that you and Lifestart Foundation are undertaking. Although my internship at Lifestart Foundation was relatively brief, it provided me with invaluable knowledge, practical skills and professional experience within a non-profit environment all of which will undoubtedly serve as crucial stepping stones for my career. Thanks to the unwavering support of the staff and my supervising lecturer, I successfully completed my internship with a commendable grade.

It is remarkable how quickly time has passed! I vividly recall my initial days at university, when the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated online study and examinations for the entire first semester in my first year. Now, I am a proud university graduate. I am thrilled to share that I graduated with High Distinction, achieving an overall GPA of 3.61. This outcome is immensely gratifying, as it signifies the culmination of my dedicated efforts throughout my four years of university. I constantly remind myself that this achievement is merely the beginning, however it is a powerful motivation to continue striving for even greater accomplishments in the future.

Currently, my primary plan is to pursue a teaching certificate to enable me to teach English professionally. This summer, I have already begun tutoring English to a few students at home, allowing me to gain practical experience and acclimatise myself to the world of teaching. I am also actively exploring opportunities and applying for positions at language centers nearby, aiming to accumulate more experience and learn diverse teaching methodologies. At the same time, I am committed to continuously improving my proficiency in English. Additionally, I intend to seek an office job during standard working hours, as my teaching commitments will primarily be in the late afternoons and evenings.

Before receiving the Lifestart Foundation scholarship, my family faced significant hardships. Both my parents are farmers, and our family income was predominantly derived from a few rice fields. While they worked, my parents were also responsible for raising three children, all of whom were of school age. As my three siblings and I are close in age, our expenses escalated considerably as we grew older. With such a modest income, attending university seemed like a distant and unattainable dream for both me and my two younger siblings. My parents were continually concerned about how they could possibly support all three of us through higher education, whilst at the same time understanding that education represents the most direct path to escaping hardship and poverty.

Fortunately, I was introduced to the Lifestart Foundation scholarship. I still vividly remember the interviews with Ms. Karen and Ms. Diem. Receiving this scholarship filled me with immense joy, and I feel profoundly grateful that Lifestart has supported my family and me for nearly a decade. Initially, upon receiving the scholarship, I felt a slight pressure, knowing that if I did not achieve good academic results, I might not be able to continue receiving it, which would then place a heavy financial burden back on my parents. However, this pressure quickly transformed into an immense source of motivation, compelling me to strive harder every day to excel in my studies.

Since receiving the scholarship, my parents’ worries regarding my education have significantly diminished and our family’s financial burden has been substantially eased. This has allowed them to focus more effectively on caring for my two younger siblings. This scholarship has not only provided crucial financial support but has also assisted my family in numerous other ways. We have received Tet gifts, essential supplies during the pandemic and vital assistance after each natural disaster. My life and my family’s circumstances are now considerably better compared to previously. I have been able to attend extra classes to strengthen and enhance my knowledge. I have received constant care, sharing and guidance from the Lifestart Foundation staff members through monthly mentoring. I have participated in enjoyable activities and had the opportunity to meet many older and younger students and made friends through the Foundaction. Most importantly, I have been able to pursue my education and realize my dream. Everything my family and I have achieved today is largely due to this invaluable scholarship and the tremendous support from the Lifestart Foundation.

During my tenure as a scholarship recipient, I also had the privilege of participating in many enriching activities with Lifestart Foundation who organise an annual “fun day” for its scholarship students. Through these events, I have had the chance to meet, interact with and exchange study experiences and effective learning methods for exam season with older students, peers and younger students. Beyond the recreational activities, the Foundation also hosts several insightful workshops for its scholarship recipients. I was particularly delighted to attend the nutrition workshop presented by Doctor Nhung, herself a former Lifestart Foundation scholarship recipient. At this workshop, Ms. Nhung provided me and other students with a wealth of useful information about nutrition, a particularly important topic for students living away from home, like myself. I also engaged in group activities, discussing common nutritional challenges faced by students and exploring practical solutions. Through this workshop, I gained significant knowledge and information about nutrition, which has empowered me to develop a more balanced diet and a healthier lifestyle.

Additionally, the Foundation regularly organizes programs to deliver essential goods to children in various locations across Quang Nam and Da Nang. I was deeply honored to join the Lifestart Foundation staff members on a volunteer trip to Quang Chau Pagoda in Da Nang. There, my fellow scholarship students and I assisted the staff in transporting essential items such as milk, blankets and toys to the children at the pagoda. I consider this to be an incredibly meaningful and practical initiative by the Foundation, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute.

If it had not been for this scholarship, I honestly do not know what my life would be like today. I would likely have faced immense struggles to navigate university, especially with two younger siblings also of school age. I might have been compelled to work while studying to cover my tuition fees, or perhaps I would have simply completed 12th grade and then sought employment to support my parents. I would have missed out on pursuing my dream and on the chance to explore and acquire the knowledge I have always yearned for. Most importantly, I would not have had the privilege of meeting kind and benevolent individuals like you, who extended their helping hands to those in difficult situations. It has ignited a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

For nearly 10 years of having the Lifestart Foundation scholarship, my family and I have consistently felt profound gratitude for everything that you and the Foundation have bestowed upon me. My family and I deeply appreciate both the material support and the invaluable spiritual encouragement from everyone. Through this final letter, on behalf of my family, I wish to convey my most heartfelt and sincere thanks to you and Lifestart Foundation for granting me this precious scholarship. This scholarship serves as a daily reminder and a powerful motivator on my journey to pursue knowledge, and I am committed to continuing my efforts to improve myself and contribute positively to society.

Finally, I sincerely wish you abundant health, happiness and continued success in your work. I respectfully wish the Lifestart Foundation continues to develop so that it may extend its invaluable assistance to even more individuals facing difficult circumstances.

Warm regards,

Ho Thi Thu An