I was impressed with Shu Yi Zhou’s lecture. She told us a powerful story about how she managed to overcome her fears and challenges to pursue a peaceful education. I was touched because we have some similarities in both background and desire. She inspired me to step out of the fear of my underprivileged environment and chase my dreams no matter where life takes me.
I come from an underprivileged family. When I was 15 years old, I felt extremely disappointed when my parents rejected my suggestion to study English at an English centre. They could not afford it. But I did not wait for my chance. I started to create it. I bought English materials and borrowed books and a dictionary from the library. Sometimes, I could not comprehend whole passages. But after three years, I finally made a way.
After leaving YYGS, I realized how important English is and the precious opportunities that it could bring. My best friend from home and I started a project in Vietnam called “Little books, better me” which aims at helping those who can not afford to study IELTS at English centres. In recent decades, most organizations, companies, and universities in Vietnam require employees and students with advanced English. It is not easy to master, especially for low-income people who cannot afford to attend expensive courses at English centres. I created a Facebook website in which I guide them on how to memorize difficult vocabulary effectively, recommend them some useful books, and tell stories and challenges about how I taught myself English in only 3 years.
After two months working, I have received many grateful messages that were very touching. For example, one of them: “I was so confused about where and how to start. I come from an underprivileged family and I cannot afford to study at an English centre. Thank you so much for your sharings.” I founded Little books, better me with the belief that I could help as many people as I can and inspire others like YYGS inspired me. Little books, better me has reached over 1900 followers around Vietnam on Facebook. I hope Little books, better me will reach more people from different areas and be able to expand in various fields in English and in other languages.