Dear Ms. Karen and everyone at Lifestart Foundation,
My name is Pham Thi Thuy Minh, a student from Dien Ban Town, Quang Nam Province. Today, I am writing this letter to express my heartfelt thanks to you and the entire Lifestart Foundation team for granting me such a meaningful scholarship. It is not just financial support – it is a great source of encouragement and hope for me and my family. I would also like to share a bit about my family background, my studies and my dreams.
My family consists of five members, including my parents, two older brothers and myself. My father works as a laborer in a small workshop which is a physically demanding job with an unstable income. My mother stays at home taking care of the household and supporting the family. Despite many challenges, our family is always filled with warmth and love. Seeing the tireless efforts of my parents and brothers each day motivates me to study hard and strive to make them proud of me.
With regard to my studies, I achieved a GPA of 9.7 out of a possible 10 in the first semester of Year 9 and ranked first in my class. This result reflects my continuous efforts and serves as a small gift to my parents. Among the subjects, I have a particular passion for English. I find it beautiful and vibrant, and I dream of one day being able to communicate fluently with people from around the world or even study abroad to broaden my horizons. Currently, I am among the top English students in my class.
In addition to my school schedule, I also attend three additional classes in Math, Literature and English. These classes help me reinforce my knowledge, tackle more advanced exercises and gain valuable learning experiences from my teachers. Although my schedule is quite demanding and makes me feel exhausted, I always remind myself to keep trying to be worthy of everyone’s trust and hope.
At school, I feel incredibly lucky to have such supportive friends and dedicated teachers. Their encouragement, guidance, and kindness make me feel confident and inspired every day. The moments spent studying with my friends or receiving gentle encouragement from my teachers uplift me and keep me going.
I consistently strive to maintain a diligent learning spirit, complete all my homework and actively seek additional knowledge beyond the textbooks. Each day, I devote an average of five hours outside of school to studying, doing homework and preparing for the upcoming high school entrance examination, focusing primarily on Math, Literature and English. Additionally, I am honored to be part of the provincial gifted student training program organized by the Department of Education and Training of Dien Ban Town. My dream is to be admitted to a specialized high school. This aspiration is a personal goal and a heartfelt gift I would like to give my parents, who have sacrificed so much for me.
In the new semester, I am determined to maintain my excellent academic performance. Besides that, I will try to allocate my time more efficiently in order to further strengthen my knowledge in the core subjects, especially Math, Literature and English. I truly believe that, with perseverance and effort, I will get closer to my dream.
During my free time, I often assist my mother with household chores such as cooking and cleaning and I often talk and share my stories with my parents. These small actions bring us closer together and deepen the love and connection within our family. I also have a passion for reading, especially literary works with emotional depth and insightful analysis. Every time I read, I feel like I am stepping into another world, where I can find comfort, empathy and inspiration.
My dream is to become a teacher in the future – not only to impart knowledge, but also to accompany and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds, just like me. I hope to inspire them, help them feel loved, empower them to pursue education and never give up their dreams.
When I attended the scholarship interview, I could not hide my nervousness. My heart was racing, and I clutched my shirt tightly, fearing I would not speak fluently or answer well. However, the warm smile and kind attentive eyes of Ms. Karen and the team quickly eased my worries. I felt as though I were speaking with loved ones – people who truly listened and understood. That moment warmed my heart and gave me great comfort and strength, and it is a memory I will always treasure.
The moment I received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship, I was overwhelmed with joy and emotion. I never imagined that my dream would come true in such a meaningful way. My parents were deeply moved when they heard the news – their eyes filled with tears, not of sorrow, but of happiness and relief. Perhaps it was the first time I had seen them feel such peace. In addition to the invaluable scholarship, I also received a new school bag – a symbol of hope, encouragement, and heartfelt support. What I received that day was far more than material gifts – it was a source of faith, hope, and great motivation to try my best on my educational journey.
To me, this scholarship is more than just financial assistance – it is a powerful message of encouragement. It has shown me that even in the face of hardship, if we keep going, we will always find kind hearts and helping hands willing to support us. This scholarship has eased the burden on my parents and empowered me to work harder for my future and my family’s well-being.
Once again, I would like to extend my sincere thanks to you for generously giving us this invaluable opportunity to pursue our education. I am also deeply grateful to Ms. Karen and Lifestart Foundation for your dedication, compassion and support for our learning journey.
I wish you all good health, happiness and success and may you keep spreading the light of kindness and positive values to the community.
Yours sincerely,
Pham Thi Thuy Minh