I am immensely proud to have been born and raised in a family with a longstanding tradition of education. My grandfather was entrusted by President Ho Chi Minh with the mission of bringing knowledge to remote mountainous areas. This has ignited within me a deep pride and desire to carry forward the mission of spreading knowledge. Additionally, as an eighth-generation descendant of Emperor Minh Mang, I feel a profound connection to Vietnam’s history and culture, and I aspire to share the essence of our traditional music and arts with friends around the world.

The invaluable heritage passed down through my family has instilled in me a strong resolve and unwavering determination to continuously learn and explore in pursuit of my ideals. I hope not only to preserve but also to share Vietnam’s unique cultural values with the world, so that every heartbeat and every sound becomes a bridge of knowledge and national pride.

In 1952, in his early twenties, my grandfather was entrusted by President Ho Chi Minh with a noble mission: to travel to the mountainous region of Dien Bien to teach the H’Mong people in Tua Chua, a place where knowledge was still an unfamiliar concept. In those first days, he faced countless difficulties. The people there, influenced by outdated policies of previous times, had no sense of the value of education. For them, life revolved around their fields and simple farming practices – no one considered learning to read or gaining insight into the vast world beyond.

Undeterred, he persevered, going door to door to persuade each family. Overcoming the language barrier, as the H’Mong people here only spoke their native tongue, he learned to communicate in their language, familiarizing himself with the customs, traditions, and unique culture of this land. He spent many months closely engaged with the community, doing everything he could to convince them that knowledge could open up new opportunities and perspectives, and that it could lead to a life less burdened by hardship.

My Grandfather’s perseverance and dedication were finally rewarded. The first classes began to take shape, and the light of knowledge gradually spread across the remote land. With his tremendous contributions, he was elected as district chairman—a role that was not only an honor but also a significant responsibility, enabling him to continue leading and developing the area.

Over more than 50 years of dedication, he became a symbol of resilience and perseverance. He not only brought knowledge but also helped uncover and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of Tua Chua, gradually bringing new life and growth to the once impoverished region. He was a true educator, a teacher, and a leader who devoted his entire life to the mission of enlightenment in that distant land.

My grandfather instilled in me the belief that education is not just knowledge; it's a way to connect, share, and understand. His journey stands as a shining example, reminding me of the value of dedication and kindness in everything I do. No matter where I go or what I pursue, his image remains a constant source of motivation, a guiding light inspiring me to live and give as he once did.

I was born into a family with a strong academic tradition, where siblings and relatives had all been accepted into prestigious specialized schools. When I took the entrance exam for 10th grade, I hoped to continue this legacy, but I missed the cutoff by just 0.2 points. My interest in English only began in 9th grade, so my late preparation wasn’t enough to reach my goal. Disappointment overwhelmed me; I felt lost, dissatisfied with myself, and began to worry about the years ahead. Not getting into the specialized school felt like a tough failure to swallow, leading me to withdraw and avoid talking to anyone.

At that moment, I received a handwritten letter from my grandmother. Her first line warmed my heart: “Your grandparents love you, and that love doesn’t change whether you got into the specialized school or not.” She reminded me that not passing wasn’t a failure but could be a door to a path more suited to me. Her heartfelt words brought me comfort. She added, “I believe you’ll achieve great things if you persevere.”

In her letter, she explained why she named me Hạnh Ngân: “Hạnh” means Happiness, and “Ngân” means Resonance. She hoped that my name would always ring out like a joyful melody, symbolizing the dreams, aspirations, and potential I would fulfill in the future.

The letter was like a guiding light, lifting me from sadness. Determined, I began studying English more seriously, not just for exams but to make my grandmother proud. When I achieved an 8.5 in IELTS, I shared the news with her. She hugged me tightly and gave me a gold bracelet as a keepsake. In that moment, I realized that past failure was just a stepping stone and that success is defined not by scores or titles, but by the journey and lessons learned along the way.

The love and understanding from my family: My mom, dad, and younger brother have been the solid ground that keeps me pushing forward every day. My mom’s gentle, caring words don’t just soothe my mind; they ease my fears of failure, allowing me to focus fully on my studies. Thanks to their unwavering support, I’ve gradually regained my confidence, not only achieving strong results in school but also feeling inspired to give back to my community.

With this newfound drive, I’ve begun investing my time in community projects, reaching out to help others just as my family has always been there for me. They’re my biggest source of motivation, giving me the strength to keep moving forward each day.

Looking back on my journey from failing the specialized school exam to succeeding in the IELTS, I clearly see that failure is a part of life—valuable lessons that help me grow. Above all, my grandmother’s love and support taught me that no matter the challenges, as long as we have faith and pursue our passions with persistence, anything is possible. Now, I am not only someone striving to reach goals but also someone who appreciates the value of effort, perseverance, and family love.

Growing up, I wasn’t particularly fond of animals, and a lasting lesson came from our family’s experience with a small fish tank. We neglected to feed the fish, and one by one, they passed away. After that, I doubted I could care for another creature.

Then, everything changed when I learned about the Phu Quoc dog breed. Known for their intelligence, hunting skills, and loyalty—even used by the police—they fascinated me. Suddenly, a spark of passion ignited within me, something entirely new.

I asked my parents to adopt two Phu Quoc dogs and eagerly began planning, overcoming the challenge of transporting them from the island. When they arrived, I learned to care for them. As my bond with them grew, I patiently trained them, even teaching them to pick up litter—a small act that brought me tremendous joy. Caring for these dogs taught me that true passion drives me to learn and persist. Those days were filled with joy and responsibility, showing me that love can transform me into someone who deeply cares for the creatures around me.