Learn to face life with proactive attitude
Originally an introverted person who hardly spoke to others, Nguyen Chung Tu eventually become a sociable guy since becoming involved with DRD. He is now a student leader, passing thousands of his peers across the country to enter the final round of Super Leaders contest by VTV6 (national televison channel).
“I joined DRD during the second half of freshman year; it wasn’t until after the 7th time of being told about the program that I dared to show up. I used to have very low self-esteem and a strong inferiority complex. I was born with weak legs, and repeatedly fell during the 1st grade, I started to limp, and was no longer able to walk after my 5th grade award ceremony. Since then, my mom has had to piggyback me to school. I am diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which is causing my limbs, and eventually my entire body, to deteriorate gradually. My left hand is now undergoing the same symptoms. This requires daily exercise in order to slow down the process.”
Such a harsh life to lead…
“With no estimate of when my body will become completely paralyzed, I am just living in the moment. Due to my condition, I tried my best to shorten my studies at the University of Science to only three and a half years. I finally graduated from the faculty of Information Technology last April. The burden is lifted off my mother, who has piggybacked me to school all those years. As already planned out, I will work with the web design team at DRD – PV to enhance my knowledge, and simultaneously find another job at a company that will help finance my dream of establishing a computer training center for underprivileged children in my hometown. After two years holding president role at Niềm Tin Club (Hope Club – a playground for students interested in community service), I feel confident that I am equipped with adequate qualifications.
People can hardly picture what kind of person I used to be. I did not socialize at all, and I easily intimidated whenever I was teased. Ever since my participation in DRD, I feel happy and engaged. Here I find other people from the same background; we share and listen to each other with all our heart.
Still, the love and dedication from your parents and friends served as a crucial part of your life, right?
I know I am fortunate. Still, it makes me feel inferior and ashamed whenever my mom piggybacks me out. While I am at the DRD among other disabled peers, however, I enjoy exchanging stories and common hardships, These interactions have widen my perspective and has helped me come to terms with the fact of my disability. A friend once said to me “If the disabled want the society to change views on them, they first need to change the way they perceive themselves.” Her attitude had such a powerful impact on me. I myself started to change, step by step, day by day. For example, instead of looking down, I now look into people’s eyes and feel confident when talking to them (grinning).
Have you ever felt discouraged?
I have never felt discouraged, but sometimes I am afraid of not to having enough physical capacity to pursue what I want. At the very beginning I completely lacked communication skills, but and received a lot of helpful feedbacks from other members. When elected president of the Niềm tin Club I was told “I have complete faith in your competence and know that you will make a great leader.” It was this form of encouragement that prevented me from lagging behind. After three years, I have changed drastically from the I once was.
Could you please share a good memory of yours?
Earlier this year I had the first chance ever to be out in the ocean while participating in a project at DRD. Prior to that, I only ever saw it on television. I love the feeling of being nervous, scared, overtaken, and then excited. I just wanted to be there forever… (smiling).
Learn to face life with proactive attitude
Originally an introverted person who hardly spoke to others, Nguyen Chung Tu eventually become a sociable guy since becoming involved with DRD. He is now a student leader, passing thousands of his peers across the country to enter the final round of Super Leaders contest by VTV6 (national televison channel).
“I joined DRD during the second half of freshman year; it wasn’t until after the 7th time of being told about the program that I dared to show up. I used to have very low self-esteem and a strong inferiority complex. I was born with weak legs, and repeatedly fell during the 1st grade, I started to limp, and was no longer able to walk after my 5th grade award ceremony. Since then, my mom has had to piggyback me to school. I am diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, which is causing my limbs, and eventually my entire body, to deteriorate gradually. My left hand is now undergoing the same symptoms. This requires daily exercise in order to slow down the process.”
Such a harsh life to lead…
“With no estimate of when my body will become completely paralyzed, I am just living in the moment. Due to my condition, I tried my best to shorten my studies at the University of Science to only three and a half years. I finally graduated from the faculty of Information Technology last April. The burden is lifted off my mother, who has piggybacked me to school all those years. As already planned out, I will work with the web design team at DRD – PV to enhance my knowledge, and simultaneously find another job at a company that will help finance my dream of establishing a computer training center for underprivileged children in my hometown. After two years holding president role at Niềm Tin Club (Hope Club – a playground for students interested in community service), I feel confident that I am equipped with adequate qualifications.
People can hardly picture what kind of person I used to be. I did not socialize at all, and I easily intimidated whenever I was teased. Ever since my participation in DRD, I feel happy and engaged. Here I find other people from the same background; we share and listen to each other with all our heart.
Still, the love and dedication from your parents and friends served as a crucial part of your life, right?
I know I am fortunate. Still, it makes me feel inferior and ashamed whenever my mom piggybacks me out. While I am at the DRD among other disabled peers, however, I enjoy exchanging stories and common hardships, These interactions have widen my perspective and has helped me come to terms with the fact of my disability. A friend once said to me “If the disabled want the society to change views on them, they first need to change the way they perceive themselves.” Her attitude had such a powerful impact on me. I myself started to change, step by step, day by day. For example, instead of looking down, I now look into people’s eyes and feel confident when talking to them (grinning).
Have you ever felt discouraged?
I have never felt discouraged, but sometimes I am afraid of not to having enough physical capacity to pursue what I want. At the very beginning I completely lacked communication skills, but and received a lot of helpful feedbacks from other members. When elected president of the Niềm tin Club I was told “I have complete faith in your competence and know that you will make a great leader.” It was this form of encouragement that prevented me from lagging behind. After three years, I have changed drastically from the I once was.
Could you please share a good memory of yours?
Earlier this year I had the first chance ever to be out in the ocean while participating in a project at DRD. Prior to that, I only ever saw it on television. I love the feeling of being nervous, scared, overtaken, and then excited. I just wanted to be there forever… (smiling).