Vietnam Day for People with Disabilities April 18: Blind girl and her journey to shine from the darkness

Visual impairment has never been a… barrier

From a blind girl drawing pictures for the Queen of Sweden to an impressive MC of Vietnam Television, Huong Giang has written a journey full of determination and aspiration.

From a young age, Huong Giang had to face the label of "disability". But instead of hiding in the dark, she chose to step out, bravely face it and affirm: "Being blind has never been a problem. It's just another way to perceive the world."

In 2004, when she was only 9 years old, Huong Giang took her first long flight to Sweden at the invitation of the Queen of the neighboring country. Here, she participated in cultural and artistic exchanges.

"I brought a painting I drew to give to the Queen. And surprisingly, the painting was not only well received but also displayed at the Royal Palace. That moment for me was both emotional and proud. Because the reason people chose me was not just because of a few painting awards, but because I am blind. Before, no one believed that people who could not see could paint. No one thought about how we would mix colors, how we would arrange the composition. But since my generation, paintings by blind students have gradually become normal, and more than that, a source of pride.

I am proud not only because I brought the culture and beauty of Vietnam to your country, but also because while Sweden has a very good support system for people with disabilities, in Vietnam, we with disabilities also know how to be creative, know how to draw, know how to make art thanks to the dedication, creativity and trust that teachers put in us.

The paintings, the awards, and the stories of blind students overcoming their fate in Vietnam are proof that when we are trusted and given opportunities, we can also develop and do wonderful things.

And I believe that being blind is never a problem. It is just a different characteristic that helps us perceive the world in a very unique, beautiful and proud way," Huong Giang shared.

Growing up, Huong Giang continued to choose the path of dedication. When entering the gate of the National Economics University, she joined the student volunteer team, organized educational support programs for blind children, children in mountainous areas, promoted blood donation and participated in meaningful community activities. Although she could not see, Huong Giang never left herself out of the movements. She participated with her own strengths: taking notes, communicating and inspiring people with an optimistic spirit, with the ability to listen and understand deeply.

"If you can take photos, I will be the one to record the activities for communication. In life, everyone has their own strengths and when we know how to promote them, all barriers become meaningless" - Huong Giang said.

For Huong Giang, visual impairment has never been a barrier.

People with disabilities deserve happiness.

In 2017, Huong Giang officially became an editor and MC for Vietnam Television. A year later, she was honored as an impressive MC at the VTV Awards. In an environment where appearance and visual acuity play an important role, a blind MC not only exists but also shines - that speaks volumes about Huong Giang's extraordinary courage and perseverance.

Not stopping there, she is also a familiar face in inspirational programs from VTV1, VTV3, VTV4 to Ho Chi Minh City Television. Disabled characters who used to be shy in front of the media lens are willing to open up when standing in front of the blind MC, because they find in Huong Giang a sympathy and understanding that not everyone has.

Huong Giang's journey is a living testament to the message she always wants to convey:

"I often tell my friends that even if you can't see, life is still full of interesting things. We just need to choose a different way to feel it. Sometimes, because I can't see, I listen better, feel deeper and love life in my own way.

So, if we think that because we are disabled we do not deserve to be happy, do not deserve to go to school, cannot do the same jobs as others, then that is the self-discrimination that we are limiting ourselves with.

If parents think that their children will be inferior just because they are disabled, that is the first barrier. If teachers think that students with disabilities are slower to understand, less talented, and have a harder time progressing, that is the second barrier. And if we ourselves doubt ourselves, that is the biggest barrier that prevents us from reaching our dreams.

Let's think, no matter how many barriers there are, we must believe in our inner strength. That is the most important thing and the way I see this life. You need to remember, each of us is born into this world as a complete version."

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Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/co-gai-khiem-thi-va-hanh-trinh-toa-sang-tu-bong-toi-20250418084308625.htm