𝐏𝐇𝐔𝐂’𝐒 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐃𝐄 𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑:

Dear Karen and Lifestart Foundation,

My name is Truong Duc Phuc, currently a third-year student in General Medicine at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Today, I am writing this letter to express my deepest gratitude to you and Lifestart Foundation for giving me the opportunity to receive your precious scholarship, enabling me to pursue my academic journey and my dream of becoming a doctor.

I was born into a family facing significant financial hardship. My father was diagnosed with brain cancer when I was born and has been living with this illness for the past 20 years. While he was able to move around before 2014, the effects of the disease have gradually worsened, leading to complete paralysis of his right side. He is now unable to walk or perform daily activities independently and experiences occasional seizures. My mother, who previously sold fish at the market and worked in the fields, faced the difficult choice of either staying home to care for my father or continuing her work to support my brother and me in our studies. Ultimately, she chose to stay home to care for my father, leaving our family’s finances in a precarious situation. The family’s sole income relied on my father’s disability allowance and the small earnings from two fields of rice, which barely covered our numerous daily expenses.

During my high school years, I was fortunate to receive support from the school for my education. However, the situation in university is quite different. Many students here face similar financial challenges, and the university’s support for each student is limited to only 100,000 VND (approximately $6 AUD) per month. This level of support is insufficient to alleviate my financial burdens.

Upon receiving my university acceptance letter and researching the costs associated with a medical degree, I realized the need to find a part-time job. I began tutoring a high school student in Chemistry, earning 100,000 VND (approximately $6 AUD) per session. I am able to tutor three times a week, but this represents the maximum amount of free time I can dedicate to work outside of my studies. If I were to take on more work, it would inevitably impact my academic performance.

Since childhood, the dream of becoming a doctor has always been deeply ingrained within me. Witnessing my father endure agonizing seizures filled me with helplessness and sorrow. I yearned for the day when I could become a doctor and help him overcome these difficulties, bringing him the peace he deserves. These thoughts have deeply impacted my mind and fueled my determination to excel in my studies.

As I grew older, I began to understand that my father’s illness cannot be cured. I realized that there are limitations to medicine and that some conditions may not have a cure. However, I refused to abandon my dream and instead, began to reconsider the place of medicine. Becoming a doctor is not merely about treating diseases; it is about offering hope and comfort to patients and their families. I recognized that by pursuing this dream, I could contribute to something greater. I want to become someone who can listen to and understand the pain of others, guiding them towards the light during their darkest moments. This is the driving force behind my studies and continuous pursuit of knowledge. I understand that this journey will not be easy, but I am ready to embrace the challenges. Every step I take on this path is fueled by the belief that I can make a positive impact on the world. Even if my father cannot be cured, I am determined to continue my journey, not just for him but for all those who need help. Therefore, I will relentlessly pursue my ambition of becoming a doctor. I believe with all my heart that I can make a difference in the lives of many, offering hope and healing to the wounds inflicted on people by life.

Through university, I learned about the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship program. Before the interview, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was a major opportunity to receive financial support, easing the burden of educational expenses and opening doors for personal growth and learning. I spent considerable time preparing for the interview, researching the scholarship and its requirements. Despite my thorough preparation, I still felt a mix of excitement and nervousness, wondering if I could present myself at my best.

When I entered the interview room, the initial nervousness gradually subsided as I began to converse with Ms. Karen and Ms. Nhung. Their friendliness and professionalism made the experience much more comfortable. I realized that this was not merely a test but also a valuable opportunity for learning and growth. Throughout the interview, I focused on attentively listening to each question, carefully considering my responses, and striving to provide honest and clear answers. I shared not only my academic goals and plans but also my unwavering determination and passion. After the interview concluded, I left the room feeling relieved and proud of my efforts. While I still felt a tinge of apprehension awaiting the results, I recognized that this was an incredibly valuable experience. I had the chance to reflect on myself, refine my academic goals and plans and learn from Ms. Karen’s questions and feedback. The interview was not just a test but also a valuable lesson in developing resilience and self-discovery. For me, the most important aspect was not the outcome but the fact that I had put in my best effort. I am ready to embrace any opportunity that comes my way, regardless of the outcome.

Upon receiving the notification that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with joy and pride. This was a reward for all the effort I put into my studies and the preparation I made for the interview. It was a moment of recognition, a realization that the previous hardships and challenges I faced were worth it. My family was also overjoyed to hear the news; for them, the scholarship was not merely a reward but also a significant source of motivation, alleviating financial burdens and offering hope for a brighter future. The scholarship has freed my mother from the stress of finding ways to cover tuition fees and anxiety about approaching deadlines. It has also provided me with more time to focus on my studies and personal development. Beyond the financial assistance, the scholarship has provided immense encouragement. It has instilled in me a confidence in my own abilities and reinforced the belief that I can overcome any obstacle.

The scholarship also reminds me of the great responsibility I bear to use these funds effectively and meaningfully, to live up to the trust and support I have received. This news has truly become a significant milestone in my life. I am deeply grateful for the support of my family, the trust placed in me by those who selected me for this scholarship and the valuable lessons I have learned throughout this journey. I vow to work harder than ever, not only to meet expectations but to continue aiming for higher goals in the future.

This is my third year of university, during which time I have had more opportunities to engage in healthcare through clinical practice in Internal Medicine and Surgical Practice.

My upcoming plans include putting more effort into my studies, gaining more knowledge and honing my practical skills through classroom learning and club activities. After graduation, my primary goal is to take the residency exam to pursue further education in my chosen field. I understand that this is a crucial step towards becoming a well-trained doctor. However, I am also aware that not everyone succeeds in these examinations. If I am unsuccessful, I will not be discouraged and will seek employment in a hospital where I can continue learning and gaining practical experience while working towards obtaining my medical license. During this period, I will carefully consider my options in further education, depending on my financial circumstances at the time. If necessary, I will spend a few more years saving up enough money for further studies. I understand that investing in education is crucial, but it is also essential to have a sound financial plan to avoid undue pressure on myself and my family.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest and sincerest gratitude to you and Lifestart Foundation and to all those who supported me throughout the scholarship application and award process. This scholarship is not merely a financial reward but a significant source of emotional support, strengthening my resolve in my academic and personal development journey. I will strive harder each day, as this scholarship serves as a constant reminder that every effort is valuable and deserves recognition.

Yours respectfully,

Truong Duc Phuc