Dear Ms. Karen, and Lifestart Foundation,

My name is Nguyen Thi Thien Phuoc, and I’m currently a third-year General Medical student at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In the academic year 2025-2026, I feel truly fortunate and happy to have received a scholarship from Lifestart Foundation. On behalf of my family, I am writing to express our sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to you all for granting me this invaluable opportunity to be part of your organization and for supporting me on my journey ahead.

I was born in a small commune in Gia Lai, where it takes 45 minutes to reach the town through forest paths. Life and the economic conditions there remain very difficult. My father is a farmer while my mother, a retired teacher, is now working as a cleaner at a local kindergarten. My younger sister is currently in Year 12. My family lives in the countryside where our main source of income comes from unstable manual labor. In recent years, my family has been facing even greater financial hardship. Besides covering daily living expenses, my parents are also burdened with a large bank loan that they once borrowed to invest in farming. Unfortunately, the investment failed, and up to now they have only been able to pay the interest on the loan. This has created tremendous pressure, especially as I was preparing to enter university.

Since high school, I have dreamed of becoming a doctor. My first wish is to care for my family’s health, then my community’s and finally to confront my own fear of separation so that I can help others face it as well. As Paul Kalanithi, the author of When Breath Becomes Air, once wrote: “My highest ideal was not saving lives – everyone dies eventually – but guiding a patient or family to an understanding of death or illness.” Indeed, there are times when doctors cannot save a patient’s life, but they can lift the spirits of the patient’s loved ones and help them find peace. Doctors heal not only the body but also the soul, soothing even invisible wounds.

However, perhaps every dream comes with challenges. When I first began to consider pursuing a career in medicine, reality seemed to hold me back. During that time, strangers occasionally came to our house asking about my parents, and gradually my parents’ phones received more and more calls. That was when I learned that our family was in debt. I did a lot of thinking during that period, but not once did I consider giving up on my studies. Instead, I thought about working to save money and then returning to school later. When I cautiously brought this up with my parents, it was as if they had already foreseen it – they firmly told me to continue studying. Their encouragement and clear plan for the future strengthened my determination to pursue medicine.

I initially enrolled as a Physics student, and although I was shy and afraid of change, I found the courage to switch to Medicine. Perhaps it was my parents’ unwavering support that gave me confidence in my choice. When the time came for university entrance registration, I received many anonymous messages demanding money and criticizing me for studying medicine while my family was still in debt. At such times, I couldn’t help but feel disheartened and I wondered whether I had truly made the right decision.

So, in the summer of 2023, I decided to go to Binh Duong to work, earn some money and reflect carefully on my choice. There, I witnessed many stories similar to mine: students who first worked to save money for education but were caught in the cycle of daily struggles and gradually lost sight of their original goal. From hearing about these experiences, I realized that education is the best path forward, and the best time to start was immediately. That is why, with firm resolve, I boldly placed Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy as my first choice.

When I entered university, my family’s financial situation became even more strained, as tuition fees and living expenses exceeded what they could afford. However, I did not see this as a reason to give up, but rather as motivation to study harder and cultivate independence, while also seeking scholarships or suitable part-time jobs. I believe that only through education and my own efforts can my family and I break free from this cycle of hardship, and one day I will be able to give back by supporting others who are facing circumstances similar to mine.

I feel truly fortunate to have learned about the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship. For me, it was not only an opportunity to cover tuition and living expenses if I was successful, but also an opportunity, through the interview, to build my confidence. I have often been shy during interviews and before it took place, I was quite nervous and anxious. However, thanks to the kindness and warmth of the staff at Lifestart Foundation, I gradually felt more at ease and confident. By the time it finished, I was relieved to have accomplished one of the goals I had set for myself. At the same time, I realized that I still needed to improve my communication skills and present my thoughts clearly and logically. Therefore, this interview was not only a memorable experience but also a valuable lesson, helping me recognize the weaknesses I need to improve on to grow further in the future.

The day I received the news that I had been awarded the Lifestart Foundation scholarship, my family and I were overwhelmed with joy and happiness. More than anyone else, I understand the hardships and financial burdens my parents have been carrying, and this scholarship means that I have been entrusted with an opportunity to continue my education and given a chance to break free from poverty.

The support from this scholarship is, first and foremost, a practical help that will cover tuition and living expenses. This will ease the financial burden on my parents so they can feel more at peace, enabling me to fully focus on my studies. Beyond its material value, the scholarship is also a powerful source of encouragement. It has given me more faith in myself and in the path I have chosen, while motivating me to keep striving and improving.

At the same time, this scholarship also serves as a reminder of my responsibility to society, which is to work harder so that in the future I can return to support others who are now in circumstances similar to mine. The Lifestart Foundation Scholarship is not only a form of support but also a strong motivation. You have placed your trust in me and encouraged me to continue my efforts, not only for myself but also for the development of my country, especially in the field of healthcare where every act of kindness and compassion can bring about profound change for society.

At present, my study schedule is quite busy and demanding but I still feel happy, perhaps because I have found a learning method that suits me well and have also developed a sense of discipline. Thanks to this, I have grown to enjoy studying even more and my academic performance has improved steadily at each exam. Alongside my studies, I also take part in extracurricular and volunteer activities. I participated in the “Sharing Red Drops Day” organized by the Live Blood Bank Club, where I gained experience in teamwork and event organization. I also took part in volunteer activities with the “Supporting Patients Club,” helping guide patients in hospitals and supporting children and disadvantaged families.  These activities have taught me the value of sharing and the importance of community responsibility. The greatest achievement I have gained is not certificates or awards, but my personal growth in communication skills, time management and most importantly, in realizing the true value of living with kindness and compassion.

In the near future, I will begin the clinical stage of my studies. Although I know it will bring many challenges, I see this as a valuable opportunity to work directly with patients, to practice the essential skills of a medical professional and to broaden my knowledge. I have set a goal of achieving a minimum GPA of 3.4 out of a possible 4.0 and will do my utmost to accomplish this. In addition, I plan to prepare for the B1 English certificate exam this academic year, which will be an important step towards strengthening my academic and professional opportunities in the future.

In the long term, I hope to pursue postgraduate studies to continually broaden my knowledge, improve my professional skills and strengthen my research capacity. Growing up in a family that has faced many hardships, I have always longed to change reality and break the cycle of poverty that has persisted for generations. The path of medicine I have chosen is not only born from a personal dream but also from a deep desire to contribute to community health in particular and to society in general.

I believe that specialized studies will provide me with a strong foundation to serve patients more effectively and to contribute to the development of society and my country. At the same time, I also aspire to take part in more community health initiatives in the future, returning to support people who are in difficult situations, just as I once was. I believe that with perseverance, independence and determination, which are qualities I have been cultivating every day, I will grow into someone capable of guiding, inspiring and creating opportunities for the next generation. And I believe this will be the most meaningful way to repay the trust and support placed in me by you.

In closing, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation for granting me this precious opportunity. I sincerely wish you all good health, happiness and continued success in bringing love, trust and hope to many more disadvantaged students.

With deepest gratitude,
Nguyen Thi Thien Phuoc