Nguyen Minh Nhat's performance at Van Lang University's graduation ceremony on 7/8 garnered millions of views and shares across digital platforms. Minh Nhat, who graduated with honors in graphic design, was selected as one of the students to speak at the event.

Minh Nhat's sharing and singing. *Video: Van Lang University*

After he finished singing the lines: "If one day I fly to the sky, then, my dear, I have lived very serenely. If one day I pass away, then, my dear, I have lived wonderfully," the entire hall applauded. The song, composed by musician Hua Kim Tuyen, speaks about life, sharing, and maintaining optimism in the face of loss and adversity.

Before the ceremony, Minh Nhat contacted the composer to request permission to sing the song and received approval. He stated he chose the song because its message resonated with his personal story. Minh Nhat loved singing since childhood, having competed in The Voice Kids 2017 but was eliminated early due to his voice breaking. one year later, he returned to the competition with better preparation. His performance of "Dem Mua Nho Me" (Rainy Night Missing Mother) as a 14-year-old deeply moved the coaches. Ultimately, Minh Nhat reached the top 10. "Although I didn't achieve a very high ranking, that milestone made me realize that as long as I don't give up, failure will become a new beginning," he said.

Minh Nhat during the blind auditions of The Voice Kids 2018. *Video: Cat Tien Sa*

His mother has suffered from chronic kidney failure for over 20 years. To facilitate her treatment, Minh Nhat's family moved from Gia Lai (formerly Binh Dinh) to TP HCM. His father took on various manual labor jobs to cover living expenses and his wife's medical costs. In 2022, a few months before graduating high school, Minh Nhat discovered he had the same illness as his mother, causing him distress. Encouraged by family and friends, he gradually learned to accept it. That same year, Minh Nhat became a university student, earning a 50% tuition scholarship.

His time at university strengthened Minh Nhat. Outside of his studies, he worked part-time to help his parents and pursue his passion for music. Minh Nhat won Van Lang's Got Talent and was the runner-up in the "Toa Sang Uoc Mo" (Shining Dreams) program. "Every experience is a lesson, helping me progress and become more resilient," he said.

According to Minh Nhat, every new graduate faces unique challenges, whether academic pressure, family circumstances, or health and mental issues. He urged his classmates to care for their emotions, love themselves, and their bodies. "Always carry gratitude, kindness, and self-belief on every journey," Minh Nhat said.

Minh Nhat with his parents on graduation day. *Photo courtesy of subject*

Tran Thi Duc, 47, Minh Nhat's mother, was overwhelmed with emotion witnessing her son's milestone. After graduation, Minh Nhat stated he wants to pursue a career in his studied field. Concurrently, he continues his passion for singing, practicing daily. "I want to build a strong foundation so that at the right time, I can confidently seize and develop this path," he said.

Tan Cao