The 'healing' journey of a male student who cried his eyes out because of bullying and discrimination

Having an incomplete childhood, being bullied by friends when going to school, that was a dark time that haunts Quynh every time she remembers, but it was also the motivation that urged her to move forward.

“As a child who was abandoned, isolated and suffered a lot, I always told myself not to let adversity define me, because what doesn’t defeat us will make us stronger. It is these things that have made me steadfastly move forward,” said Le Hoang Quynh (born in 2002, Thai Binh), a 4th-year student majoring in Office Management, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, after a series of events that happened to her.

Le Hoang Quynh (born in 2002, Thai Binh), 4th year student, Office Administration, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi

Hoang Quynh recalls that her childhood was probably the happiest period because she lived in the comfort of both her father and mother. But since Quynh entered primary school, her parents began to have a rift. When Quynh was in 6th grade, both decided to divorce. Her mother took Quynh and her younger sister away from home that night. That was also the last time she lived in a familiar house. After that, Quynh's father had to go to a drug rehabilitation center. The life of the three of them also became more difficult in a rented house. Both siblings were sent to a new school by their mother. "That was an extremely difficult time when my mother had to struggle and change many jobs so that the two siblings could go to school." Unstable when entering puberty, Quynh was helpless and cried when her friends teased and discriminated against her appearance and sexual orientation but could not share with anyone. "My friends gave me many haunting nicknames. For a long time, I was mentally traumatized, always feeling disgusted with myself and everything around me," Quynh recalled.

Quynh won first prize in school-level scientific research.

In high school, things did not improve much as she continued to be bullied, discriminated against, and isolated by her friends. Not only through words, many friends even sent Quynh's personal photos to the class group to joke and comment on her posture and gestures. "At this time, my mother had a new family, but she was still having a difficult time with work and finances. Studying at school was not very fun, but I did not want to bring more worries to my mother, so I learned how to deal with it myself." Many nights, Quynh cried her pillow because she felt hurt and alone. From a good student, in high school, Quynh went downhill. During the most difficult period, there were two great sources of motivation that urged Quynh to move forward. "As a child who had suffered a lot of pain, I always reminded myself, "What doesn't defeat me will make me stronger." In addition, an even greater source of motivation was my grandmother. “I still remember when I took a photo to mark my farewell to my kindergarten class with my graduation gown, cap and red diploma, my grandmother looked at the photo and said: “I really want to see you graduate from university”. However, the terrible cancer took her away while I was still studying for my high school graduation exam. Therefore, whenever I feel uncertain, I always tell myself “I have to strive to graduate from university”.

Quynh received awards for students with excellent academic achievements.

In 2020, Quynh passed the entrance exam to the Office Administration major at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. But before the day of knowing her exam results, Quynh decided to leave her mother's family to move in with her grandfather. "I still remember that night, when I told my mother about this decision, we hugged and cried. My mother encouraged me, saying: Be strong, it's okay." But after that, for many reasons, the mother and daughter no longer had the opportunity to contact each other. Until now, Quynh no longer knows much about her mother's situation. A series of events forced Quynh to learn to be stronger, more independent and tougher. "When I entered university, I set a goal to strive to write my own life. The University of Social Sciences and Humanities has become a real home, giving me a lot of love and memories. In addition, teachers and friends have always accompanied and supported me in everything," Quynh said. In her first year, Quynh was elected as a class officer by her classmates. This helped Quynh begin to open up, step out of her comfort zone and gradually regain her confidence. Since then, Quynh has become proactive, daring to do things for the first time and participating in things for the first time. At university, Quynh is the Vice President of the Academic and Scientific Research Club, and also the Head of the Communications Department of the Youth Union. Hoang Quynh also won 5/6 scholarships to encourage learning and corporate scholarships and won the First Prize in scientific research at the school level twice. Recently, Quynh became one of 74 individuals to receive the title of "5 Good Students" at the Central level. "This is one of the results I am most proud of, proving my efforts," Quynh said.

Quynh achieved the title of 5 good students at Hanoi National University

Teacher Nguyen Trung Duc, lecturer of the Department of Archival Science and Office Management, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, was impressed by Quynh because of her intelligence, dynamism and enthusiasm not only in union activities but also in studying. “Quynh is a good student, has strengths in scientific research and has achieved many achievements and received awards at all levels. In addition, this student has creative thinking and good critical thinking skills. Quynh is very enthusiastic about expressing opinions, stirring up the learning spirit of other students in each class,” said Mr. Duc. Looking back on her journey, Quynh believes that not only her but anyone should not let adversity define themselves. “Everything will be better if you stay strong, optimistic, find your inner strength and the fire to get up. In the end, good things are still ahead,” said Quynh.

Vietnamnet.vn

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