Armless student rejects special treatment, determined to become a teacher

Unable to wear socks in winter because she uses her feet to write, Linh Thi Hong still diligently studies until 2:30 AM, driven by her dream of becoming an English teacher.

In a 9th-grade classroom at Ngoc Thanh Secondary School in Phu Tho province, there is a special seating arrangement. On a wooden platform placed next to the teacher's podium, Linh Thi Hong bends over, gripping a pen tightly with her right foot, meticulously writing each character on the page.

Born in 2007, at an age when many peers are entering university, Hong is currently a 9th-grade student. For many years, the San Diu ethnic student has diligently practiced writing, holding objects, and studying with her feet to attend school like her friends.

Hong was born without arms. From an early age, tasks that seem simple, such as holding things, eating, bathing, or getting dressed, were significant challenges. While she still needs her mother's help with some personal activities, she quickly learned to perform many daily tasks using her feet.

Her study corner in class. Photo: Khanh Linh

Hong began first grade at 10 years old. Before that, she started practicing writing and holding objects with her feet. Hong's pace was slower than her classmates, and her sitting posture was constrained, causing her to tire quickly. In elementary school, she felt self-conscious because she could not play freely like her friends. However, with encouragement from her family and teachers, Hong gradually became more open.

At Ngoc Thanh Secondary School, the former principal built a wooden platform for Hong to sit on during class. Her favorite subjects are English and Literature. The student shared that she excels most in Literature, and English helps her feel more confident. Outside of class, Hong enjoys reading stories and books in the school library. She hopes for more new books to read.

According to the school, despite being eligible for direct admission to 10th grade under Ministry of Education and Training regulations, Hong continues to attend 9th grade. She worries that she might not keep up with her friends in a new environment. In 8th grade, she achieved a good academic record. As she moved to 9th grade, the workload increased significantly, making her studies even more demanding. After regular classes, she attends evening tutoring, returns home for dinner, takes care of personal hygiene, and then studies until around 2:30 AM. The next morning, she wakes up at 6:30 AM to go to class.

Nguyen Thi Thuy, her English teacher, often feels heartbroken seeing her student in winter.

"Hong cannot wear socks because she uses her feet to write. Her feet are always freezing, but she rarely complains or asks for less homework", Ms. Thuy recounted. "For example, in English, if other students copy words 10 or 20 times, she does the same. Hong does not want her teacher to give her special treatment".

Ms. Thuy noted that Hong is sociable and actively participates in school and class activities. For small daily tasks like wearing a helmet, carrying her bag, tying her hair, or putting away books, her classmates proactively offer assistance.

The student's determined journey is also supported by her parents. According to her homeroom teacher, her parents actively communicate with teachers to stay updated on her academic situation, especially on days with bad weather or schedule changes.

Hong is currently focusing on her studies to solidify her knowledge for high school. She plans to choose the D01 subject combination (Mathematics, Literature, English) in high school to leverage her strengths in Literature and English.

"My role model is teacher Le Thi Tham, an armless teacher in Thanh Hoa", Hong said, adding that she will strive to attend university, earn a degree, and become an approachable and friendly English teacher for her students.