After five years of perseverance, the orphaned student has graduated with a degree in Graphic Design.
Le Nguyen Anh Thu, 23, from Dong Son Ward, Quang Tri Province, has graduated in Graphic Design from Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture. Behind her degree lies a life marked by hardship, as both her parents passed away due to serious illnesses, leaving her at times in despair and on the verge of abandoning her education.
Anh Thu has just graduated in graphic design from university (Photo: Provided by the family).
During her most difficult moments, Thu received support from Dantri/Dtinews readers. Their generosity not only helped her overcome adversity but also became a turning point that allowed her to continue her journey.
“The five years at university have been the most beautiful time of my life. I was able to study what I love, surrounded by friends and teachers. Over the years, many readers who learned about my story through Dantri have continued to encourage and support me. That care has been a great source of motivation,” Thu shared.
As the eldest of three siblings, Thu has two younger brothers, Le Nguyen Ky Lan and Le Nguyen Hieu An. She was once a high-achieving student with many ambitions.
Her first major loss came in 2017, when her father passed away from a brain tumor just over a month after diagnosis. In 2020, her mother also died from pneumonia, leaving the three siblings orphaned and dependent on their nearly 90-year-old grandmother. Their future plans nearly collapsed.
“When my mother passed away, I stopped thinking about studying. All I could think of was how to earn money to take care of my younger siblings so they wouldn’t have to drop out of school. I had decided not to go to university,” she recalled.
A turning point came in 2021 when the family’s story was published in Dantri. Donors from Vietnam and abroad contributed more than VND 500 million (approximately USD 20,000) to support the siblings.
“Dantri readers changed our lives. Thanks to their help, I dared to think about going back to school. From feeling lost and alone, I realised there were many people willing to help me stand up and move forward,” Thu said emotionally.
Part of the support was used to repair the family home and create a stable living space, while the rest was saved to support the three siblings long term.
Later in 2021, Thu was admitted to the Graphic Design programme at Ho Chi Minh City University of Architecture. Throughout her studies, she worked part-time to cover expenses and support her family.
After five years, the once struggling orphan has become a university graduate. Her degree not only opens new opportunities but also stands as a testament to resilience and determination.
Her younger brother Le Nguyen Ky Lan is currently studying maritime navigation in Germany, while her youngest brother Le Nguyen Hieu An is in grade 11. Their grandmother passed away in 2024 due to old age.
Le Nguyen Ky Lan, Anh Thu's younger brother (Photo: Provided by the family).
“I always remind myself and my brothers to keep striving, live kindly, and become useful members of society, worthy of the trust and kindness we have received. In the future, when I am able, I hope to help others in difficult situations like mine,” Thu said.
After graduation, Thu has opened drawing classes in Ho Chi Minh City for students preparing for architecture and fine arts programmes. The work provides her with income while allowing her to pursue her passion and gain experience.
She also plans to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Arts to further develop her expertise and continue her chosen path.
The support of Dan Tri readers became a firm springboard for Anh Thu to continue building her future (Photo: Provided by the family).
According to local authorities in Dong Son Ward, many disadvantaged families in the area have received timely support from Dantri readers in recent years, helping them stabilize their lives and enabling children to continue their education, opening new paths for the future.
