The top student overcame adversity.

TP - When she was just two weeks old, Le Thi Linh Tam (born in 2006) was abandoned by her mother at the Children's Hospital in Vinh City, Nghe An province. She was then transferred to the Nghe An Social Work Center for care and upbringing.

TP - When she was just two weeks old, Le Thi Linh Tam (born in 2006) was abandoned by her mother at the Children's Hospital in Vinh City, Nghe An province. She was then transferred to the Nghe An Social Work Center for care and upbringing.

At the Nghe An Social Work Center, thanks to the love and care of everyone, especially her foster father (formerly the center's director), Linh Tam gradually grew up. Overcoming adversity, Tam strived in her studies, becoming the top-scoring student in the entrance exam for the Ho Chi Minh City University of Management and Technology and was selected by Tien Phong newspaper to receive the "Supporting Top Students" scholarship in 2024.

Top student overcomes adversity (image 1)

Linh Tâm and her adoptive father, Lê Trung Thực, on her high school graduation day.

Linh Tâm recounted that when she was in primary school, she was often teased by her classmates. At the time, she felt sad. But as she grew older and understood her circumstances better, Linh Tâm transformed those taunts into motivation to strive harder in her studies.

The result of Linh Tam's tireless efforts and dedication is that she consistently achieved good and excellent grades throughout her 12 years of high school. Notably, in the 2024 high school graduation exam, Linh Tam excelled, becoming the top-scoring student in the Multimedia Communication major at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Management and Technology, with 25 points and the C00 subject combination.

Leaving the Nghe An Social Work Center to step into the bustling city, Linh Tam carried with her a burning passion and the enthusiasm of youth. “Saigon gave me a familiar and comfortable feeling from the very first days I arrived. The environment here is not only dynamic and modern but also very open and friendly. I feel welcomed and easily integrate,” Linh Tam confided.

After settling into her new school, Le Thi Linh Tam began looking for part-time jobs to support herself and lessen the burden on her foster father. After trying various jobs, Tam has now found a stable job as a waitress at a restaurant, working from 4 PM to 9 PM. After work, Tam returns to her rented room, cooks meals, and studies to prepare for school the next day.

"I need to find a job quickly so my father can rest easy after those long nights worrying about my food and tuition fees," Linh Tam said, adding that with this scholarship, she will dedicate all her efforts to her studies and continue her education.