Unstoppable Spirit: Visually Impaired Student Secures Scholarship After Three-Year Journey

Blind Student's Tenacity Earns Prestigious Australian Government Scholarship

Individuals who are determined and resilient can achieve any dream in their lives despite any challenges thrown their way. Hoang Nhat Minh's journey to secure a scholarship was a testament to his unwavering spirit. Overcoming the challenges of visual impairment and facing two rejections, Minh never gave up on his dream. On his third attempt, his perseverance paid off as he was awarded an Australian Government scholarship. Born and raised in Ho Chi Minh City, Minh attended Nguyen Dinh Chieu Special School for the visually impaired, with his mother as his dedicated supporter. Her belief in the power of education and her encouragement fueled Minh's determination, proving that with grit and a supportive foundation, any dream is within reach.

At his special school, Minh was inspired by friends Nguyen Tuan Tu and Nguyen Thanh Vinh, who won scholarships to study at a prestigious international school, sparking his dream of securing a scholarship. After high school, Minh applied to five universities but was rejected by four, as they believed a blind student would struggle in creative fields. However, RMIT University Vietnam awarded him a full scholarship to study Professional Communication. Minh's major required practical skills like filming and photography, which many assumed a blind person couldn’t master. Initially doubting himself, Minh’s perspective changed with the support of teachers and friends. While studying was challenging, he found overcoming social prejudice even harder. He recalled that only his mother believed he could win the scholarship, and her unwavering faith helped him overcome all obstacles.

After graduating from RMIT, Minh became a Child Development and Special Education Specialist at Saigon Children's Charity, overseeing cyber safety projects and managing communications for the Special Education Program. He also mentored students at a vocational training centre for autistic youth and taught Aikido to students with Down syndrome at PEAWIL. Determined to overcome his limits, Minh applied for the highly competitive Australian Government Scholarship. After three years and two rejections, he succeeded on his third attempt. Minh was impressed by the program's person-centred approach, allowing students with disabilities to bring a support person throughout their studies.

This year, Minh was set to begin his Master of Education at Flinders University, focusing on Special Education and Inclusion, School Counselling, and Management. He hoped to use his studies to promote inclusive education reforms in Vietnam. After completing his program, Minh planned to work in Singapore or Malaysia for two to four years, learning from their advanced inclusive education systems and building connections with global experts.

He planned to return to Vietnam and establish a "Circle of Support" for people with disabilities, focusing on resources from family, community, and society. His goal was to create inclusive education programs and implement individualized learning plans for students with disabilities at Vietnamese universities. Through his relentless pursuit of education and inclusivity, Hoang Nhat Minh stands as a shining example of how determination, support, and resilience can break down barriers and inspire lasting change.

Editor's Note:

Hoang Nhat Minh's remarkable journey shows us how determination and hard work can change a life. It highlights the importance of parents believing in their children, as well as the support of friends, teachers, and the community in overcoming challenges. As Minh continues to break barriers and push for inclusive education, he serves as an inspiring example for others.

Skoobuzz encourages students to be inspired by Minh’s story and support efforts that promote inclusivity and accessibility in education