Earlier this week, Ca Thi Phuong Thao, a former student of Tan Phu Vocational and Continuing Education Center (GDNN-GDTX), joyfully attended the opening ceremony at Ho Chi Minh City University of Science, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City.
She was admitted to the information technology program with a score of 960/1200 on the competency assessment exam. According to the score distribution announced by Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, only 6% of the over 133,500 candidates who took the exam this year achieved more than 900 points. Approximately 1,500 students scored between 941 and 960.
Behind this success lies a journey of significant effort, as Thao had to take nearly two years off from school due to difficult family circumstances.
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Ca Thi Phuong Thao holding a city-level excellent student certificate. *Photo courtesy of interviewee*
In 2021, Thao passed the entrance exam for 10th grade at Mac Dinh Chi High School. For the next two years, she achieved excellent academic results. However, in the first semester of 12th grade, a crisis forced her to submit a leave of absence request.
Her father's neurological condition worsened, and despite treatment, it did not improve. The family's burden fell on her mother, who managed a small grocery stall while also caring for a newborn baby.
"It was not an easy decision. Even if I continued my studies and got into university, my family would not have the money for tuition fees," the student stated. She expressed regret, noting that she had worked hard for four years in middle school to gain admission to Mac Dinh Chi High School, one of the city's top schools.
"But I had no other choice. I had to work, earn money to cover expenses, and only then could I think about continuing my education."
After leaving school, Thao worked as a packer at a handbag store from 13h to 17h daily, earning 2-3 million VND per month. In the mornings, she helped her mother sell groceries and looked after her younger sibling. Despite this, Thao never forgot her studies. Every evening, she would sit down and review her knowledge.
In 9/2025, Thao decided to re-enroll in 12th grade at Tan Phu Vocational and Continuing Education Center to pursue her dream of university. Since classes were only in the mornings, she could still work part-time in the afternoons.
Despite a break of over 1,5 years from school, Thao's strong foundation meant she did not struggle much upon her return. She was even selected for the city-level excellent student math competition team. Without money for extra classes, Thao used her savings to buy a used printer to self-print materials and enrolled in online courses, supplementing her learning with YouTube lectures.
"I have always explored and learned on my own. If something was unclear, I would review it multiple times," Thao shared.
Thanks to these efforts, the student won first prize in mathematics at the city-level excellent student competition and achieved an impressive score on the competency assessment exam, securing her place in the information technology program.
Mr. Tran Ngoc Hien, her tutor, remarked that Thao possesses outstanding aptitude in applied mathematics and the resilience to overcome adversity. The center has many students with special circumstances, but Thao stood out because she meticulously planned and found ways to achieve her goals.
"The team usually studied all day on sundays, and she was never absent," Mr. Hien recounted.
The four-year tuition for the information technology program is approximately 200 million VND. The student proactively sought financial assistance and secured a 0% interest loan from a fund. In return, she committed to maintaining a GPA above 7.0 each semester.
"My goal is to graduate with honors, achieving a GPA above 8.0 and an IELTS score of 7.5," Thao affirmed.
Reflecting on her journey, Thao believes she has achieved her set goals. "I stepped back to move forward faster," the student said. However, Thao recognizes she is a few years behind her peers and is determined to focus intensely on her studies in the coming period.
Nguyen Quyen
