Dear Relats Vietnam, Karen and Lifestart Foundation,
My name is Nguyen Van Binh An, a General Medicine student at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. I am very fortunate to have been awarded your Medical Scholarship. Today, I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude to you all and to tell you more about my background and my future plans.
I was born and raised in Hue in a family of four: my parents, my younger brother and me. In addition, both my grandfathers, although not living under the same roof, were directly cared for by my family. My parents’ work has long depended on farming, mainly pig farming and crops. However, due to recent local policy reforms that have limited agricultural activities, our family’s primary source of income has gradually disappeared. As a result, my parents have had to shift to selling sticky rice in the mornings and taking on various seasonal jobs, such as making incense and assisting as labourers at events. Unfortunately, these jobs provide a very unstable and modest income.
What made matters even more difficult was that my paternal grandfather (who has since passed away) experienced serious health issues that required multiple hospitalizations. Shortly after, my maternal grandfather also needed hospitalization, with treatment costs placing a significant financial and emotional strain on our family. Faced with these sudden and overwhelming changes, I grew increasingly concerned about our financial situation, especially as I had chosen to pursue a degree in Medicine, a field that relies on considerable financial support from family.
During this period, I tried many ways to ease the economic burden by tutoring Mathematics and working part-time at a coffee shop. I also made every effort to stay focused on my studies and participate in university activities. There were times I questioned my decision to study medicine and wondered whether I should have chosen a field with a shorter and less costly path so I could graduate sooner and help my parents. However, the further I progressed in my medical studies, the more deeply I became attached to them and I gradually came to understand that this is truly my passion and the path I want to follow. The situation became even more challenging when my younger brother was accepted into Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy as well. The university’s financial autonomy policy resulted in increased tuition fees placing our family under even greater pressure.
I was truly fortunate to learn about the Lifestart Foundation scholarship through my university and from friends. After thoroughly researching the scholarship criteria, I felt that I was a suitable candidate and decided to apply. I was invited to an interview at the end of which I was delighted to have had the opportunity to meet Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation team. At the same time, I was also anxious and hopeful that I would be lucky enough to be selected.
It seems that luck did smile upon me, as I later received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship. At that moment, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Both my family and I felt immense gratitude, joy and appreciation for the generosity of the sponsors in choosing me as a recipient. More than anyone else, my family and I understand the challenges we face and we deeply value the support that allows me to continue pursuing my education. This scholarship is not only a vital source of financial support for both myself and my family, but also a significant source of encouragement and an uplifting gift that motivates me to strive even harder in my academic journey. Receiving this scholarship has given me great inspiration to continue in my studies and has strengthened my sense of responsibility, not only to myself and my family but also to society and above all, to Relats Vietnam and Lifestart Foundation.
From this point forward, my parents will be relieved of much of the financial pressure thanks to your generous support. They will be able to focus more on supporting my younger brother’s education and will no longer have to worry as much about the future academic paths of both of their children.
With such profound encouragement, I am determined to continue striving each day to improve my academic performance. At present, I am doing my best to devote as much time as possible to my studies and to developing greater self-discipline. I spend around 5 to 6 hours each day on my self-studies. This semester, I am studying 2 modules, Cardiology and Health Communication & Demographics, as well as 4 core subjects of Family Medicine, Medical Psychology & Ethics, Basic Nursing and Ho Chi Minh Ideology. With the dream of working as a cardiologist, I have become deeply interested in the subject of Physiology (in Cardiology) as it offers me the opportunity to explore the body’s biological mechanisms and better understand how diseases develop in humans.
This semester poses a great challenge due to the large volume of theory covered in different subjects. As a result, I believe it is necessary to adopt more effective study methods such as taking notes on key concepts and creating mind maps. My goal this semester is to maintain excellent academic results or even improve upon previous performances, aiming for a GPA of 3.6 or higher, out of a possible 4. This will build on the 3.68 GPA I achieved in my first semester.
In addition, I am continuing to improve my English skills and working on developing soft skills that will be essential for my future career. In my free time, I regularly participate in volunteer clubs at university, where I engage in conversations and tutoring sessions with young patients at nearby hospitals. I find this work helps relieve stress, as I open myself up to those around me. In addition, my communication skills are improving. Through these experiences, I have come to value my own health more deeply and I care more genuinely for others. Most importantly I believe even more strongly that I have chosen the right path in becoming a doctor. In the future, I plan to graduate with either a Distinction or High Distinction degree. I hope to become a cardiologist with both strong expertise and a compassionate heart, so that I may support and care for those who are less fortunate and in need.
Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to everyone at Relats Vietnam, Lifestart Foundation, Ms. Karen and all the staff who have supported me and will continue to support me in the time ahead. I truly believe that the meaningful and heartfelt work of Relats Vietnam and Lifestart Foundation will continue to spread positivity and kindness to many more people and grow even further in the future.
I wish Relats Vietnam, Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation good health and a life filled with love and happiness.
Kind regards,
Nguyen Van Binh An