Dear Ms Karen and Lifestart Foundation,

My name is Phan Thi Ngoc My, and I am currently a fifth-year General Medicine student at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. I feel truly honored, happy, and grateful to have been selected as a recipient of a Lifestart Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship is a great source of both material and spiritual encouragement for me, and it will motivate me throughout this academic year. Via this letter, I would like to express my deepest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to you and everyone at Lifestart Foundation for your kindness and support. The empathy, care, and assistance that I have received from you have been a tremendous source of encouragement for me to continue working hard in my studies and in life.

I was born into a farming family whose livelihood depends entirely on seasonal crop harvests. My mother is the main breadwinner because my father suffers from a longstanding herniated disc and is unable to do heavy work. Our family income is very low and unstable. Despite these financial hardships, my parents have always tried to ensure that my younger sister and I receive a proper education, with the hope that we can succeed and break out of the poverty cycle.

When I was admitted to Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, I carried with me both my own aspirations and my parents’ pride. This gave me the courage to embark on my new journey, but at the same time, I worried about the financial burden on my family. Over the years, my parents borrowed heavily to support our education, which has left us with significant debt. As tuition fees continue to rise and my academic schedule became more demanding, I had to give up my part-time tutoring job. This made me feel pressured and afraid that one day I might not be able to continue my education. However, my parents have always encouraged me and nurtured my dream of becoming stronger every day so that I can one day help disadvantaged people like my own family. I hope that I will no longer have to witness my father’s pain due to lack of treatment or see the endless hardships on my mother’s face.

Before the scholarship interview, I felt very nervous because I valued this opportunity so much. I wondered what kind of questions would be asked and whether I could express myself well. During the interview, my nerves gradually disappeared thanks to the warmth, openness, and friendliness of Ms Karen and Ms Nhung. I felt less pressure and was able to speak sincerely about my life and my goals. I realized that the interview was not only an evaluation but also a chance to share my story. I felt heard, understood, and respected, which made me even more grateful. Afterwards, I felt relieved and happy that I had done my best. Regardless of the outcome, I considered it a valuable experience that contributed to my growth.

When I received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with emotion. My heart raced, and then for a few seconds, it felt like time slowed down. I felt both happy and relieved as my efforts had finally paid off. What I had once only dared to dream of had now become a reality. I immediately called my parents to share the news. My mother could not hold back her tears, and I sensed her happiness, pride, and relief – as if a part of her burden had been lifted. For me, this scholarship is not only a reward for my perseverance but also a way to honor my parents, who have always supported me and believed in me.

This scholarship holds great significance for me and my family. It is not only financial support but also a turning point in our lives. For me, it is recognition of my dedication and a great motivation to keep studying and developing myself in a meaningful way. It has allowed me to focus more on my studies and has eased the financial pressure on my parents, who work tirelessly to support my education. In the future, this scholarship will open new doors for me, providing better educational opportunities and laying a foundation for me to build a secure future so that I can later help my family and contribute to society.

At present, my studies focus primarily on clinical training at the hospital while also attending university classes. This semester, I am studying subjects such as Infectious Diseases, Traditional Medicine, Emergency Resuscitation, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT), and an academic research project. My schedule is intensive, often beginning at 7 AM with clinical sessions, patient examinations, and hospital training, followed by afternoon lectures. I also participate in night shifts and morning departmental handovers. I especially enjoy the clinical practice sessions where I can interact directly with patients, develop communication skills, and strengthen my diagnostic and problem-solving abilities. These sessions also challenge me to master theory in order to apply it effectively in practice. To keep up, I dedicate time daily not only to my medical studies but also to improving my English in preparation for my future residency exam.

After completing my six-year program, my dream is to specialize in Paediatrics. I want to become a paediatrician to care for children, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds like my own family. To achieve this, I am working hard to expand my knowledge through classes, clinical training, and by actively participating in the Paediatric Club at my university. This allows me to learn from my teachers, senior students, and peers, while gaining deeper insights into this specialty. My next goal is to pass the paediatric residency exam, which will be the best platform for me to pursue this dream.

I would like to sincerely thank Lifestart Foundation for supporting and creating opportunities for me and many other disadvantaged students to continue our education. The journey of a medical student is long and challenging, but thanks to your generous support, I now feel more motivated and confident. This scholarship is not only financial aid but also a tremendous source of encouragement that inspires me to keep striving to become a compassionate and competent doctor who contributes positively to society. I promise to continue my efforts, to uphold medical ethics, and to develop my expertise so that one day I can embody the values that Lifestart Foundation fosters every day.

I also wish Ms Karen and everyone at Lifestart Foundation good health, happiness, and success. I hope Lifestart Foundation continues to grow and thrive, spreading love and hope to many generations of Vietnamese students. I believe that the good work you are doing today will continue to shape brighter futures for me and many other young people.

Once again, I sincerely thank you for your kindness and support.

With gratitude,
Phan Thi Ngoc My