Dear Ms. Karen and all members of the Lifestart Foundation,

My name is Nguyen Dinh Phuoc Nguyen, and I am currently a second-year General Medicine student at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. Today, I am writing this letter to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation for granting me this precious scholarship. Via this letter, I would also like to share with you an update on my current studies and my plans for the future.

I was born and raised in a small but loving family in Hue. My family consists of my father, my younger brother and me. However, life has not always been easy for us. My mother passed away seven years ago due to a serious illness, leaving behind a deep void in our hearts. From then on, life took a more challenging turn as my father was now a single dad, struggling to take care of the two of us.

Since my mother’s passing, my father has become the sole support for me and my younger brother, both emotionally and financially. He works as an ambulance driver, a job that is both exhausting and highly stressful. Late-night calls, emergencies, long shifts and the need to be in a constant state of readiness regardless of weather conditions are part of his everyday life. Yet his income is modest and unstable. Despite this he has never once complained. He continues to make sacrifices to save every penny so that my younger brother and I can stay in school and grow up in a home full of love, even if we lack material comfort.

My younger brother is now in Year 8 and still at an age when he needs much care and guidance. As the eldest child, I know that I must be not just an older brother but also a source of strength and a companion to my father in keeping our little family together. From a young age, I learned to live independently, to care for my family and to study hard in the hope that one day I could ease my father’s burden and secure a better future for my brother.

I chose to pursue medicine not only because it has been my lifelong dream but also because I want to help those who are poor and sick, just like my mother once was. However, the road to becoming a doctor is not easy, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds like me. Studying medicine at Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, one of the leading medical universities in Central Vietnam, has been both an honour and a challenge. The academic pressure, long years of training and rising tuition and living costs have been difficult for my family to manage. There were moments when I considered pausing my studies to work and earn money to help my father. However, I reminded myself that giving up would mean letting all of his sacrifices go to waste. That thought has strengthened my will to rise above difficulties. I understand that while we cannot choose where we are born, we can choose how we live and how we overcome our circumstances.

To help reduce my father’s burden, I have been working part-time as a tutor for several younger students near my home. Though my income is limited, it helps cover my daily expenses and buy study materials as well as contributing a little toward tuition fees. Teaching has taught me the value of money and helped me improve my communication and time management skills. It also gives me a sense of purpose knowing I am contributing even in a small way to lightening my father’s economic burden. I always believe that if I can overcome my present challenges, the future will be brighter not only for me but also for my family. My biggest dream is to become a doctor who can save lives and bring hope to those in need just as I strive every day to keep hope alive for my own family.

I was fortunate to learn about the Lifestart Foundation Scholarship through my university. After carefully reviewing the scholarship’s criteria, I felt that I was a suitable candidate and decided to apply. Later I had the opportunity to participate in an interview with Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation team in Hoi An. It was not merely a formal interview but a meaningful conversation where I could open up, share my story and feel truly understood. Afterwards I felt both emotional and anxious, not knowing what the result would be. About two weeks later, I was invited for a second interview for the final decision. I was even more nervous yet hopeful that I might be among the fortunate recipients.

And then luck finally smiled upon me. While I was in class, I received the notification that I had been selected as one of the scholarship recipients. I was overwhelmed with joy beyond words and immediately shared the news with my father. Our whole family was filled with happiness and emotion. We clearly understand the difficulties and challenges we are facing, which has made us even more grateful and appreciative of the donors for choosing me as a scholarship recipient.

This scholarship is not only a source of financial support for my family but also a great spiritual gift. It brings me peace of mind and motivates me to keep pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor. It helps cover my tuition fees and study expenses and means I can invest in additional courses to enhance my skills and knowledge. It has greatly reduced my father’s burden, allowing him to focus more on taking care of my younger brother. Beyond the financial aspect, it serves as a source of encouragement that inspires me to stay disciplined and dedicated not only to improve myself but also to live up to the trust placed in me by my family, Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation.

My family’s hardships have never been a reason for me to give up; instead, they have become my greatest motivation helping me mature, grow stronger and value every opportunity in life. I know that the journey to becoming a doctor is long and challenging which is why I work hard every day to move closer to my goal. With this determination, I believe I can make the most of the valuable opportunities and support the scholarship provides, not only to improve myself but also to gain experience and knowledge that will allow me to contribute more to my community in the future.

Currently, I am studying modules on the musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular system and immunity and immune response as well as beginning preclinical practice. Unlike in previous years, the cardiovascular system module (Module 9), which is usually taught in the second semester, is being taught in the first semester this year, increasing the workload and requiring greater focus. Therefore, I usually dedicate at least 4–5 hours a day to self-study. My goal is to maintain excellent academic results with a GPA of at least 3.6 and ideally closer to 4.0.

In addition to my university studies, I am also taking a medical English course to strengthen my professional English skills. I am preparing for the B1 English exam and aim to complete the certification within my first three years of study. Being proficient in English will not only help me communicate more confidently but also greatly support me in researching and gaining a deeper understanding of medical materials written in English.

Beyond academics, I am also active in community and volunteer activities through the “Blouse Xanh” (Blue Blouse) club to improve my practical skills. Recently, I joined the Cardiovascular Club (CVC) where I hope to increase my knowledge and gain valuable experience from senior students.

My goal for the future is to graduate with a Very Good or Excellent degree. After graduation, I hope to become a skilled and dedicated doctor working in a major hospital such as Hue Central Hospital or participating in community health programs in remote areas where medical resources are still limited. I want to contribute in my own small way to bringing hope and life to those in need just as I once was.

Once again, I would like to express my deepest and most sincere gratitude to Ms. Karen and the Lifestart Foundation for granting me this meaningful scholarship. I wish you all good health, happiness and continued success in spreading love and kindness to many more students in the years ahead.

Sincerely,
Nguyen Dinh Phuoc Nguyen