A local visually impaired high schooler has overcome the odds to earn herself a spot, and a scholarship, at a reputable university in Ho Chi Minh City.

Yang Van Nhu, a student at Nguyen An Ninh High School in Ho Chi Minh City, was born with 87 percent vision loss, a significant obstacle for any child with big dreams.

By the time Nhu was seven years old she had developed a deep passion for learning. 

That passion, coupled with her desire to be treated equally to her peers, led her to make the decision to quit specialized classes for blind students and begin learning Braille in order to keep up with her classmates.

Still, Braille had its own limitations for Nhu, particularly in subjects depended on symbols such as math and physics. 

To overcome such obstacles, Nhu began to read and write using extra big notebooks and markers to create large, bold handwriting.

Nhu’s notebooks were four or five times larger than her friends’ in order to allow for larger print. 

Unfortunately, that meant days of caring up to 15kg of notebooks to school.

Nhu’s notebooks are four or five times bigger than her friends’. Photo: Trong Nhan / Tuoi Tre

She also managed to master subjects that required taking a lot of notes with the help of her laptop, a specially designed version for the blind with voice supporting features.

Nhu was gifted in Vietnamese literature and captured the hearts of her high school teachers with a smart and exclusive writing style which earned her first place in several competitions.

“Reading helps people gain knowledge and strengthens our language use, which is essential for those with disabilities like me,” said Nhu about her love for Vietnamese literature.

Many teachers also praised Nhu for her punctuality, self-discipline, and kindness towards teachers and schoolmates.

Huynh An An, Nhu’s mother, said that the encouragement and support from family members, school teachers, and friends were a key factor in helping her reach her life’s achievements.

“Nhu’s physical conditional is still much better than others with disabilities, so I hope she will be confident in herself and become a good person in the future,” she said.

Nhu recently won a scholarship to study Vietnamese Literary Education at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, which put her one step closer to becoming a professional writer.

“I will try my best to get my name printed on written Vietnamese works one day,” her eyes gleamed with hope.

Van Nhu uses magnifying lens to read. Photo: Trong Nhan / Tuoi Tre

Tong Phuoc Loc, the head teacher at Nguyen An Ninh High School, said that the school provides specialized tools for students with vision loss and makes every effort to help them get the best education they deserved.

“Students like Nhu have an extraordinary determination to gain knowledge,” he said.

“It’s an inspiration for others.”

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