Ngo Dang Hoang Mi, 15, a student at Duc Lan Secondary School (formerly Mo Duc), achieved a near-perfect score of 28.5 in the 10th-grade entrance exam in Quang Ngai. She scored 9.5 in math, literature, and English.

Mi is preparing to enroll at Tran Quang Dieu High School.

Her teachers said Mi’s results were not surprising, as she was the top student in her class. However, her resilience in overcoming health and life challenges is truly admirable.

Hoang Mi with her mother at the junior high graduation ceremony. Photo: Provided by the subject

Hoang Mi’s 20 m2 house is located west of National Highway 1, near the fields of Lan Phong commune (formerly Duc Lan and Duc Phong communes). Inside, there is only a bed, a table and chairs, two old desks, and an electric bicycle. The walls are adorned with certificates of merit and photos of the mother and daughter.

"I'm happy that my daughter achieved the top score, but I'm also worried about how I can support her," said Ngo Thi Kim Mai, 60. Hoang Mi reassured her, "Don't worry, Mom."

Kim Mai, Hoang Mi's mother, is the eldest in a large family. In her youth, she dedicated her time to supporting her parents and siblings, which led to her marrying later in life. At 45, she decided to become a single mother, and Hoang Mi was born. The girl grew up under her mother's care and with the support of her maternal family. Her maternal grandparents gave her mother a small roadside grocery store, which they converted into their home.

Hoang Mi in front of her 20 m2 house; to the left is the vehicle her mother uses to collect recyclables. Photo: Pham Linh

To make ends meet, in addition to rice farming, Hoang Mai collects and buys recyclables, earning about 80,000 VND per day.

At the age of 7, Hoang Mi was diagnosed with lymphoma in her neck. Complete removal was impossible due to its proximity to blood vessels. Every year, she has to go to the Children's Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for monitoring and treatment. The illness has weakened her health. Mi believes that only by excelling in her studies can she change her and her mother's lives.

Throughout her 9 years of schooling, Mi has always been an outstanding student, leading her class and achieving high results in district and provincial academic competitions. Most recently, she won second prize in the provincial math competition and first prize in the calculator math competition.

Hoang Mi said she was inspired to study by her aunt, a teacher. In secondary school, her teachers provided her with extra support and tutoring. A turning point came during the Covid-19 pandemic when schools switched to online learning. With a phone provided by her family, Mi explored and learned how to access online learning materials and lectures. In addition to math, her favorite subject, Hoang Mi also enjoys listening to podcasts for entertainment and additional knowledge.

She studies only until 10 PM every day to maintain her health and balance. "In high school, I want to take up a sport to improve my health," Mi said.

Hoang Mi next to a wall covered with certificates of merit. Photo: Pham Linh

Hoang Mi dreams of pursuing a career in information technology. She says she excels in math and believes it's a suitable foundation for this field.

"I know this profession is mostly male-dominated, but I will try my best because information technology is always trending," Mi said.

Vo Thi Xuan Lan, Mi's math teacher at Duc Lan Secondary School, describes her as bright and intelligent.

"I often have to research and prepare separate, more challenging exercises for her compared to her classmates. Hoang Mi always succeeds in any exam she takes. She always makes everyone proud," Lan said.

Pham Linh