The encouraging reasons that keep us going

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

My impression of 28-year-old Thuong can be encapsulated in one word: admiration.

Crushed by the harsh side of life, Thuong has never given up her firmly held belief that she owes life the best of her.

I met Thuong on a drizzly afternoon in a manicure class when I was visiting a livelihoods project of World Vision Vietnam’s urban development program in Ngo Quyen district, Hai Phong city.

Wearing the project’s blue uniform and having all eyes on her nail art work, Thuong is no different from her classmates, except for her dwarf stature.

“When I was a child, I was always aware that I had a lower start in life than other children. I was ridiculed and discriminated because of my appearance and my poor origin,” Thuong confided.

I had studied harder than anyone else to make up for my physical shortcomings. But reality was brutal - all companies turned down my application.

Convinced that education was the only way out of poverty, Thuong and her family took out loans to cover her tuition fee until she completed college and obtained a diploma in accounting.

“Upon graduation, I had a rosy future in my mind. I had studied harder than anyone else to make up for my physical shortcomings, and I thought it was time for me to reap the fruits of my sustained efforts. But reality was brutal - all companies turned down my application. With the outstanding debt to pay off while my family was living hand to mouth, I was desperate and lost my self-esteem.”

The recollection brought a little sadness to her voice.

Putting aside her dream of becoming a professional accountant, Thuong resorted to tailoring in a small tailor’s shop in order to support her family. The unstable nature of the job, however, was more than what her body could handle - often was she required to work extra hours to meet numerous orders put in at once.

The almost-five-year struggle ended when Thuong learned about World Vision Vietnam’s livelihoods project.

“I was blessed with this opportunity to change my life... there is surely a path awaiting those who do not give up.”

“I was supported to find and pursue a new career path. Above that, the personal care by project staff and the close friendships I have with other youth in the project is truly a valuable source of encouragement for me to overcome the hardships crossing my way,” Thuong continued.

What I found most inspirational was Thuong’s determination to multiply the impact of our work by helping other underprivileged youths around her.

She said with sincerity, “I was blessed with this opportunity to change my life. I’m eager to contribute my best to the society, to other people and spur them to keep moving forward as there is surely a path awaiting those who do not give up.”