In mid-June, the atmosphere at the Hoa Phuong Social Work and Child Protection Center in Hai Phong was more bustling than usual. Tran Van Bao, a student at Le Loi Secondary School, had just received news that he became a co-valedictorian for the specialized history class at Tran Phu High School for the Gifted, achieving 46,5 points. His scores included 9,5 for Mathematics, 8,5 for Literature, 9 for English, and 6,25 for specialized History.

"When I heard the news that I got high scores, everyone was overwhelmed with joy", Bao recalled. Immediately, the student texted his teachers and then ran to share the news with his foster mothers and aunts at the center.

Seeing their tears, Bao understood that this achievement was not only a source of pride, but also a profound sense of relief for them after many years of raising a child with a special fate like his.

Tran Van Bao, co-valedictorian of the specialized history class at Tran Phu High School for the Gifted. *Photo: Provided by subject*

Bao does not know where he was born, nor who his biological parents are. His earliest childhood memories are of days wandering the streets. Bao's life took a significant turn when he was welcomed by the Hoa Phuong Center in 2016.

Upon his arrival, staff at the center had to take him for bone X-rays to determine his age before creating a birth certificate. It was then that he was given the name Tran Van Bao. Due to his weak physical condition, Bao often suffered from high fevers, sometimes exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. His foster mothers and aunts at the center frequently stayed up all night to care for him, wiping him down and changing compresses. During severe illnesses that required hospitalization, they took turns, staying by his side day and night.

"That care for me was not just the responsibility of social workers; it was like the love of a biological mother", Bao recalled.

Because of his unique circumstances, Bao started school later than his peers. In the 8th grade, he experienced a crisis and seriously considered dropping out.

"At 17, while my friends were preparing to enter university or plan their futures, I was in 8th grade, feeling out of place among children four or five years younger than me", the student recounted. "Because of this, I once thought I would finish middle school and then quit school to work and earn money."

When he confided in the aunts and uncles at the Hoa Phuong Center, Bao was strongly encouraged to continue high school. Teachers in his extra classes also provided support, waiving his tuition fees. These acts of kindness motivated Bao to redouble his efforts in his studies.

"They accepted my differences, helping me stand up with their compassion and humanity", Bao shared.

Furthermore, Bao found a strong spiritual anchor in History, a subject he is passionate about. He realized that Vietnam, despite enduring immense suffering, loss, and wartime devastation, had ancestors who never surrendered. This perspective made his own feelings of inferiority and difficulties seem very small. The lessons from history also taught him how to confront his own past to overcome challenges and rise above them.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai Huong, Principal of Le Loi Secondary School, described Bao as mature, diligent, and responsible. She noted that he is beloved by his teachers and respected by his friends. Bao was elected class monitor starting in the 6th grade.

"Bao is very diligent and has the willpower to overcome adversity", Ms. Huong said. She added that before becoming the top scorer in History, Bao had already won first prize in school-level and ward-level excellent student competitions, and third prize at the city level.

In the upcoming three years at Tran Phu High School for the Gifted, Bao aims to strive for the opportunity to compete in the national excellent student competition for History. He also plans to actively participate in extracurricular activities and school clubs to develop soft skills and become more dynamic.

Looking further ahead, Bao hopes to pass university entrance exams or secure an overseas study scholarship. Regardless of his path, the student said he will continue to spread his love for History and become a useful member of society.

"Circumstances can be special, but if we don't give up, we can still shine in our own way", Bao advised the younger children at the Hoa Phuong home.

Le Tan