For all 12 years of school she was an excellent pupil; Ta Hong Lien (21, Gia Lam, Hanoi) is one of the first two pupils with disabilities admitted directly by the University of Languages and International Studies, Vietnam National University, Hanoi. This is a well-deserved reward for the student with a visual impairment who has worked so hard to rise up.
Unfortunately, Lien was born with one eye damaged, and in grade 7 her remaining eye became blurred, leaving her completely blind. When she stopped school to focus on treating her eyes, Lien was determined to learn Braille and gradually adapt to daily life so as not to be confused.
When she first returned to school, Lien faced many difficulties in study and life. But because her younger brother was also blind, she always told herself she must try hard to study and set an example for him to follow. For all three years of high school she was always the top pupil in her class.
One of the barriers for people with disabilities is facing stigma and discrimination from society. But Lien said she was lucky because she always received help and sympathy from those around her. In high school, studying alongside classmates at a mainstream school, she was always helped by her friends and treated like any other pupil.
Through her own efforts, Lien became one of the first two pupils with disabilities admitted directly by the University of Languages and International Studies. Yet Lien also said that foreign languages were not her first choice. “I like studying psychology, but I did not dare to register because I thought surely no one would listen to a person with a disability giving advice…” – Lien said sadly.
While studying at Nguyen Dinh Chieu Secondary School (Hanoi), Lien was often taught and encouraged to study English by volunteer students from the University of Languages and International Studies. From then on, Lien developed a passion for learning English and dreamed of becoming a student at the University of Languages and International Studies in the future.
Delighted to be a future student at the University of Languages and International Studies, Lien is still a little worried and under pressure. This is the first year the University of Languages and International Studies has admitted students with disabilities, so she also worries whether the teachers can help students like her so that, on graduation, they can become English translators in the future. If she could work at non-governmental organisations, she would have the chance to meet and help people with disabilities. “That is my dream and plan, but I see that a career is not easy for people with disabilities. When studying, you have to strive twice as hard as other pupils, but when you graduate, job opportunities are also twice as hard. The jobs specific to blind people are only making bamboo toothpicks and giving massages…” – Lien said.
Mr Bui Quang Thai, an officer in the Training Department, said: This is the first year the University of Languages and International Studies has boldly admitted students with disabilities. It was the students’ determination and efforts that motivated the university to see that it should accompany them over the four years of study. Although the university has no experience in training students with disabilities, it will try to create the best possible conditions for them.
Ngan Ha – http://daidoanket.vn/