Dear Karen,

My name is Ngo Thanh Thao, a lucky student you have kindly been sponsoring. I have recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Science and Technology at the University of Danang. As I sit down to write this letter, I have just completed one of the most meaningful milestones of my life, which is graduating after five years of university. I would like to take this opportunity to share a little about my journey and, most importantly, to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support throughout these years.

My final semester was both extremely busy and deeply rewarding. During the first two months, I had the opportunity to complete an internship at the MobiFone Network Operations Centre. It was my first experience working in a professional corporate environment where I was able to observe the operation of telecommunications systems and apply the knowledge I had previously only encountered in textbooks. It was an invaluable experience that gave me a much clearer understanding of my future career.

After finishing my internship, I devoted all of my time to my graduation thesis, titled “Research and Development of a Worker Fatigue Detection System Based on Electroencephalography (EEG) Signals.” The project focused on applying EEG signals together with data analysis and machine learning techniques to detect workers’ fatigue levels, with the aim of helping improve workplace safety and reduce the risk of accidents. It was a challenging project that required extensive reading, data processing, and evaluation of research findings. Thanks to the dedicated guidance of my supervisor and the close collaboration of my two teammates, we successfully completed the project. My thesis defence was both exciting and nerve-racking, and I was delighted to receive a score of 9 out of 10. Hearing the exam panel announce the result was an unforgettable moment, bringing an overwhelming sense of happiness and relief after months of hard work.

By the end of my final semester, I achieved a perfect 4.0 GPA. I also graduated with Distinction, earning a cumulative GPA of 3.58/4.0. To be honest, I felt a small sense of regret because I was only a fraction away from achieving the University’s highest academic classification. Even so, when I look back on the past five years, I feel incredibly proud. University was never an easy journey, but every challenge and every effort has been worthwhile.

My final academic year also brought several other achievements that I will always treasure. I successfully earned an IELTS Overall Band Score of 6.5, a goal I had pursued consistently throughout my university years. Balancing my internship with my graduation project left me with very little free time, so I studied for around three hours each evening and devoted approximately five hours each weekend to practising each skill, especially Writing and Speaking. On the day of the exam, I was extremely nervous, but I stayed focused and did my best. Receiving the result has given me greater confidence when applying for jobs and has opened up more opportunities for further study in the future.

In addition, my research team participated in the Faculty’s Scientific Research Competition with a project titled “Research and Application of Artificial Intelligence and LLM-based Reasoning for Bone Fracture Detection in Multi-scenario Medical Support.” After presenting and defending our work, we were honoured to receive the Promising Research Award. This recognition not only acknowledged our hard work but also encouraged me to continue exploring new technologies and pursuing research in the years ahead.

Looking back on my university journey, I realise that the greatest reward has not been my grades or achievements, but the person I have become. University life taught me how to face difficulties with resilience, persevere through setbacks, and appreciate every opportunity that came my way. If someone asked whether I was satisfied with my university journey, my answer would be an unequivocal yes. I know that I gave it my very best, and I have no regrets.

I am now preparing to begin my professional career. My goal is to become an engineer specialising in artificial intelligence, data processing and signal processing, the fields that I have grown to love throughout my studies. I know that I still have much to learn, and I hope to work in a professional environment where I can continue developing my knowledge, gain practical experience, and keep improving myself.

After my father passed away, the responsibility of supporting our family fell entirely on my mother and older sister. Our financial circumstances have never been easy. The costs of tuition, books, study materials, and daily living expenses placed a considerable burden on them, and they worked tirelessly to ensure I could continue my education. I have always understood the sacrifices they made and have been determined to study hard to honour their efforts.

I first learned about the Lifestart Foundation scholarship through my homeroom teacher, Ms Hoa. She encouraged me to apply because she believed it would be a wonderful opportunity for both me and my family. Soon afterwards, I attended an interview with Karen and the Lifestart Foundation team. Even after all these years, I still remember how nervous I was that day. I worried that I would not answer the questions well, but everyone’s kindness, warmth, and encouragement gradually helped me relax and gain confidence.

I was fortunate to receive a Lifestart Foundation scholarship when I was in Year 8. I still remember how excited and deeply moved I felt when I learned that I had been selected. What I have treasured most has never been the financial support alone, but the genuine care, encouragement, and belief that you, Karen, and everyone at Lifestart Foundation have shown me. Your confidence in me gave me the motivation to believe in myself, pursue my dreams, and continue striving throughout my education.

The support from my sponsor Ms Jill and Lifestart Foundation has transformed both my life and my family’s. Over the years, the scholarship helped cover not only my school fees but also textbooks, learning materials, and tutoring expenses throughout secondary school and high school. When I entered university, you continued to support both my tuition fees and living expenses. Beyond the scholarship itself, our family also received generous assistance from Lifestart Foundation during Tet, after floods and natural disasters, and throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These acts of kindness meant far more than financial support, they gave my family hope and reassurance during some of our most difficult times.

Thanks to this support, I was able to focus fully on my studies instead of constantly worrying about finances. I had the opportunity to devote more time to scientific research, improve my English and develop valuable skills such as teamwork, time management, problem-solving and presentation skills. For my family, the scholarship eased a significant financial burden, allowing my mother and older sister to worry a little less about the costs of my education and daily living. Every achievement I have accomplished today has been made possible, in no small part, because of the opportunities that you and Lifestart Foundation have given me.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Ms Jill, Ms Karen and to everyone at Lifestart Foundation. Thank you for believing in me, caring for me, and giving students like me the opportunity to pursue our dreams. Over the past ten years, the support you have given my family has been far more than financial assistance, it has been a source of confidence, encouragement, and hope that has carried us through many challenges.

For me, this letter is not a farewell, but rather a heartfelt thank you. I will always remember the kindness and generosity that you and Lifestart Foundation have shown me. I sincerely hope that one day, when I have established my own career and am in a position to help others, I will be able to support students facing difficult circumstances, continuing the kindness that I was so fortunate to receive.

Once again, thank you sincerely for everything you have done for me and my family. I wish you and your family good health, happiness, and peace. May Lifestart Foundation continue changing lives and helping many more young people fulfil their dreams, just as it has done for me.

With my heartfelt gratitude,

Ngo Thanh Thao