Let go of the pain for a harmonious life
With a beautiful face and friendly appearance, Pham Thi Thu makes those around her feel at ease. The girl who grew up with a lot of pain now has become a strong person, willing to stand up for her own opinions and take lead of her own life based on her real capabilities.
“Unfortunately, I was born not being able to see the color of sunlight, the color of flowers or the face of human beings. Because I am blind, I was bullied and mocked by other children. Other parents forbid their kids to hang out with me, thinking that my blindness was contagious. I cried out often and suffered from cruel discrimination. People would say “she’s got pig’s eyes,” “Look at her family, she is blind and her father is deaf.”… I was not allowed to go to school. But then leaving my hometown in Hai Duong and moving to Saigon, I stood a chance to live with other children from similar backgrounds at the shelter, and could go to the same school with normal children. I still cannot completely let go of all the haunting memories and feelings of inferiority.
It was only after I got to share my painful experiences, that I began to stop hiding myself. I have learned to bridge the gap between myself and surrounding people; look up to others to improve myself; not to pass judgment based on people’s situation, but instead have a holistic consideration from different points of views. Coping with the surrounding environment was challenging at the beginning; I had to learn how to express myself little by little and convey my affection…I now have an absolute confidence in myself. At the moment, I am taking evening courses at the Faculty of English, University of Social Sciences and Humanities HCMC. Regardless of the fact that I cannot see and there are no peculiar materials designed for the disabled, I keep studying English by listening to the lectures, and do not let the reality pull me down. I plan to work for a company upon graduation. When adequate experience is obtained, I will switch to teaching English for underprivileged/ disabled children like myself.
Many people suggested that I work as a masseuse so that I could earn money immediately. For me, all professions are equally significant; the problem is that this is not my passion. I have learned the importance of recognizing my own values and pursuing my passions. People with disabilities are those who have a physical defect. Just like everybody else, they have their hearts, their brains and their feelings. I have encountered a lot of bright potential in people who, unfortunately, are not capable of developing. What I wish for is that society will look at us with respect and treat us with equal opportunities like everybody else…”
Let go of the pain for a harmonious life
With a beautiful face and friendly appearance, Pham Thi Thu makes those around her feel at ease. The girl who grew up with a lot of pain now has become a strong person, willing to stand up for her own opinions and take lead of her own life based on her real capabilities.
“Unfortunately, I was born not being able to see the color of sunlight, the color of flowers or the face of human beings. Because I am blind, I was bullied and mocked by other children. Other parents forbid their kids to hang out with me, thinking that my blindness was contagious. I cried out often and suffered from cruel discrimination. People would say “she’s got pig’s eyes,” “Look at her family, she is blind and her father is deaf.”… I was not allowed to go to school. But then leaving my hometown in Hai Duong and moving to Saigon, I stood a chance to live with other children from similar backgrounds at the shelter, and could go to the same school with normal children. I still cannot completely let go of all the haunting memories and feelings of inferiority.
It was only after I got to share my painful experiences, that I began to stop hiding myself. I have learned to bridge the gap between myself and surrounding people; look up to others to improve myself; not to pass judgment based on people’s situation, but instead have a holistic consideration from different points of views. Coping with the surrounding environment was challenging at the beginning; I had to learn how to express myself little by little and convey my affection…I now have an absolute confidence in myself. At the moment, I am taking evening courses at the Faculty of English, University of Social Sciences and Humanities HCMC. Regardless of the fact that I cannot see and there are no peculiar materials designed for the disabled, I keep studying English by listening to the lectures, and do not let the reality pull me down. I plan to work for a company upon graduation. When adequate experience is obtained, I will switch to teaching English for underprivileged/ disabled children like myself.
Many people suggested that I work as a masseuse so that I could earn money immediately. For me, all professions are equally significant; the problem is that this is not my passion. I have learned the importance of recognizing my own values and pursuing my passions. People with disabilities are those who have a physical defect. Just like everybody else, they have their hearts, their brains and their feelings. I have encountered a lot of bright potential in people who, unfortunately, are not capable of developing. What I wish for is that society will look at us with respect and treat us with equal opportunities like everybody else…”