The dream of becoming a teacher of a poor female valedictorian in a coastal area

In the 2024 high school exam, Thanh Hoa province was honored to have a candidate who was the national valedictorian, that was To Thi Dieu, a student of class 12D1, Quang Xuong 4 High School (Thanh Hoa). She became the valedictorian of block C00 with 29.75 points (Literature 9.75, History 10, Geography 10).

Female student To Thi Dieu, student of Quang Xuong 4 High School (Thanh Hoa) - valedictorian of block C00 of the 2024 High School Exam with 29.75 points

Recalling that, when she received the exam results, Dieu was still nervous. She said that early in the morning, she and her mother sat at the computer to prepare to check the exam scores, and when the results appeared, the two of them hugged each other in joy.

"When the computer screen lit up and showed the score, my mother and I were very surprised with the score of 29.75. In my dreams, I never thought I would get such a high score. I was even happier when I received phone calls from teachers and friends congratulating me when I learned that I became the valedictorian of block C00 with 18 other candidates" - Dieu emotionally recounted.

To Thi Dieu with her mother, To Thi Nguyet

By becoming the national valedictorian of block C00, Dieu not only brought achievements to herself, her family, her village, but also to Quang Xuong 4 High School. Because, after 36 years since the school was founded, until now the school has only had one student who passed the exam as valedictorian.

Although she had excellent academic results, few people knew that Dieu's childhood was very difficult and not as fortunate as her peers. When she was 9 years old, Dieu lost her father. Since then, her mother worked hard to earn money to support Dieu and her sister.

Being aware of that, throughout 12 years of studying, Dieu always tried her best not to disappoint the care and nurturing of her mother, teachers and school. She has achieved many high results in her studies, winning many awards in the district-level Literature competition for excellent students, winning the Second Prize in Literature at the provincial level in grade 9, and winning the Encouragement Prize in Literature at the provincial level in grade 12.

Her father died early and her family was poor, but To Thi Dieu always tried to excel in her studies.

Talking about her daughter, Ms. To Thi Nguyet (born in 1974; residing in village 3, Quang Thai commune) could not hide her pride. She said that her life was hard, so no matter how hard it was, she did not care, she only wanted her children to study well, escape, and have a life less difficult than her husband and her. "In 2014, my husband passed away after a serious illness. At that time, I did not know if I could overcome it, but looking at my two young children, I was more determined to let my children study and become good people," Ms. Nguyet said.

To make money to support her life and take care of her two children, Ms. Nguyet did all kinds of jobs, sometimes selling scrap, sometimes working as a breakfast vendor, working as a kitchen assistant in a tourist area... she did whatever she was called to do, wherever there was work and people were needed, she was always ready.

"Although manual labor is very tiring, I am very happy that Dieu is always conscious in studying, knows how to support her mother with housework, and helps her younger sister study. Knowing that her mother is suffering, she also tries harder in studying. Before the graduation exam, she said she would try to get into a good school, get a scholarship, and after graduating, she would take care of her mother and younger sister. She understands things like that, I am very happy and warm-hearted" - Ms. Nguyet emotionally said.

To Thi Dieu (2nd from right) with her homeroom teacher Nguyen Thi He and her friends

Teacher Nguyen Thi He, homeroom teacher of class 12D1, said she was very happy to hear that Dieu was the valedictorian. According to Ms. He, despite her difficult family circumstances, Dieu is a diligent and studious student. "In this year's high school graduation exam, I and the teachers had high expectations for Dieu because her previous test results were very good. When we heard the news, everyone in the school was very happy and proud," Ms. He shared.

Mr. Le Van Tuan, Principal of Quang Xuong 4 High School, said that after 36 years of establishment, this is the first time the school has had a valedictorian. "Dieu's family is near-poor, she has very difficult circumstances as her father died early, Dieu has tried hard to study, excelling in social sciences. With good academic results, becoming valedictorian, she not only brings achievements to herself but also brings honor to the school" - Mr. Tuan said.

The school where To Thi Dieu studied throughout high school

Dream of becoming a teacher

Regarding her own study secrets, To Thi Dieu said that for social subjects, she usually grasps basic knowledge through books and reference materials. In class, she determines that she must learn and understand the knowledge, so she is not afraid to ask many questions to her teachers. In addition, during the study process, Dieu often combines online questions and teacher questions to gain more knowledge, good ways to compare, and face more difficult challenges.

Regarding her future plans, Dieu said she wants to become a teacher because this has been her dream since she was a child. "I will submit my first choice application to Hanoi Pedagogical University. This is not only a dream, but studying pedagogy, I will receive tuition support and priority in the dormitory to help my mother have less trouble," Dieu confided.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/uoc-mo-lam-co-giao-cua-nu-thu-khoa-ngheo-mien-bien-196240718114218333.htm