Dear Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation,
My name is Y Thang, a fortunate student who has received sponsorship from everyone at Lifestart Foundation. I have just graduated with a degree in General Medicine from the University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy in Da Nang.
Today, as I look back on my journey, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has accompanied and supported me throughout my studies. At the same time, I would also like to take this opportunity to update you on my academic progress and life during the second semester, as well as my plans for the near future.
In the second semester, I had only two subjects: the Graduation Module and the Graduation Clinical Internship. After one month of studying theories of the Graduation Module at university, I was assigned to a 10-week clinical internship at the Central Hospital in Hue city.
As part of the Graduation Module, I completed four weeks of clinical rotations in various Internal Medicine departments including Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology, Nephrology-Urology and Cardiology, spending one week in each department. In the Graduation Clinical Internship, I spent six weeks training in the Cardiology Department. I was part of the first cohort from my university to intern at this hospital, which brought about many challenges and difficulties. However, I was truly fortunate to receive the guidance and support of the doctors and residents there. They taught us a great deal, not only medical knowledge but also valuable clinical experience. I consider this internship a great opportunity for me to gain exposure to a new learning environment and to expand my understanding in the field of medicine.
During the internship in Hue, my classmates and I had the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be a real doctor. We had clinical practice sessions both in the mornings and afternoons, and our night shifts were scheduled according to the duty roster of the doctors in each department. As a result, I usually spent 3 to 4 hours studying every evening increasing to 8 to 10 hours on weekends, if I wasn’t scheduled for a night shift. Although this period was challenging and demanding, it has become a valuable foundation for my journey ahead.
Having completed the graduation clinical internship, I achieved commendable results. I earned a score of 9.5/10 for the Clinical Internship subject and 8.3/10 for the Graduation Module. My overall GPA for the term was 3.29/4.0, which is equivalent to 8.64/10. Reflecting on the past six years of my studies, I’m proud to have graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.46 out of 4.0 and earned my degree with Distinction. This is a result I am quite satisfied with, as it reflects the efforts and determination I have put into my studies.
Time truly flies and it’s hard to believe that two years have already passed since I applied for the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship. I still vividly remember the moment I received the call from Ms. Nhung informing me that I had been selected. It was a moment I’ll never forget. My emotions were an overwhelming mix of excitement, nervousness, worry and above all, hope and anticipation. I immediately called my family to share the news. Even though it was just over the phone, I could feel the joy and happiness from everyone on the other end.
I was born into a family of four: my father, mother, younger sister and me. Our family’s livelihood mainly depends on selling bananas at the local market. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the business became slow and unsteady. The pandemic also took a toll on my mother’s health, which further affected our family’s financial situation. Around the same time, my younger sister was preparing to enter university. As you may know, studying medicine requires a long period of training and additional certifications before one can begin working. During that period, both my family and I were under a great deal of financial pressure. My only wish at the time was to graduate as soon as possible and find a job to help support my family.
I once read a beautiful quote in The Alchemist that said, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” To me, the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship has truly felt like a gift – a guiding light that has helped illuminate the path toward my future. Since receiving the scholarship, both my family and I have felt less burdened by tuition fees. The remaining support has also helped me improve the standard of my daily meals, especially during exam time, enabling me to afford things like milk and multivitamins to stay healthy and focused. People often say that when you put your heart and soul into something, good results will follow. I’ve found this to be true. Since receiving the scholarship, over the past four semesters, I’ve consistently ranked among the top students in my cohort, placed 2nd out of 110, 4th out of 110, and most recently 7th out of 110 in the first semester of my final year.
In the past, I never imagined I would be able to enroll in English courses, as the tuition fees were quite high. Thanks to the support of the scholarship, I was able to register and complete two IELTS preparation courses over a period of about six months. Recently, I took the VSTEP English proficiency test. It was the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship that empowered me to pursue these plans. Through this letter, I’m very pleased to share with you that I have successfully obtained the VSTEP English certificate at the B2 level – an achievement that exceeded my expectations.
I’m incredibly grateful for the dedicated and thoughtful support from my mentor Ms. Uyen from Lifestart Foundation, who has helped me a great deal in choosing the most suitable path, building a study plan and connecting me with senior medical students. My career goal is to become a highly skilled and ethical doctor, constantly learning in order to both heal and save lives, as well as contributing to improving healthcare quality in my hometown. To make this dream a reality, I will dedicate myself fully at every stage of my career development. With enthusiasm and perseverance, I firmly believe I will fulfill my dream of becoming a compassionate and capable doctor.
Once again, from the bottom of my heart, on behalf of my family, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation. I will do my very best and study diligently so as not to disappoint Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation, who have given me this precious opportunity. I hope to fulfill my dream of supporting my family and giving back to my hometown. More than that, I wish to one day inspire and uplift other students from difficult backgrounds like mine so they too may have the chance to study and pursue their dreams.
Finally, I wish Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation continued good health, happiness and success.
With sincere thanks,
Y Thang