The Orphan Boy's Willpower

(Baonghean) - In a purely agricultural village in Nghi Xa commune (Nghi Loc), there is a boy who is orphaned but still tries to excel in life as well as in studying, and is loved by teachers, friends and neighbors. That is Nguyen Trong Men - a student of class 8A, Nghi Xa Secondary School.

I arrived at hamlet 4, Nghi Xa commune, on a scorching hot afternoon, Men was busy hoeing weeds in the garden. Men told me that he was staying with his half-brother. Quickly wiping the sweat rolling down his thin face, dripping onto his faded brown shirt, Nguyen Trong Men told me about his sad and unhappy childhood days.

Men was born in 2001, in a poor farming family in Hamlet 4, Nghi Xa Commune (Nghi Loc). In 2008, when Men was just 7 years old, his father, Mr. Nguyen Trong Phuong, passed away after a serious illness. Losing his beloved father, the burden of the family fell on the thin shoulders of his mother who worked hard all year round. Despite her poor health, in addition to farming, Men's mother - Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy worked hard every day to raise her children. Loving her mother, outside of school hours, Men helped her mother with everything, from heavy farming to small chores around the house to make her mother less tired. Those days were hard for Men but also very cozy because Men still had the warmth and support of her mother. 5 years after Men's father passed away, in early 2013, Men's mother was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Despite the efforts of his brothers and relatives to seek treatment in many places, by mid-October 2013, Men's beloved mother also passed away. The 12-year-old boy became an orphan, living on the care of his half-brother's family and relatives on both sides.

Nguyen Trong Men helps his brother and sister in the garden.

Men's family also depends entirely on agriculture, and has many children, so life is very difficult. Understanding that, when moving in with her brother and sister, Men voluntarily did housework, farm work... Although she had such an isolated childhood, Men always tried to excel in her studies. Confiding in us, Men choked up: "I always tell myself not to give up, not to surrender to fate, to try hard in my studies for my parents and myself."

Every day, whether it is not yet dawn or when the wind is cold, Men wakes up on time to review lessons, prepares books and supplies for class. At school, he always pays attention to lectures, takes full notes and is very diligent in asking teachers and friends about things he does not understand. Thanks to that, during his primary school years, Men was always an advanced student or above, and in grades 4 and 5 he was an excellent student in all areas. In the 2013-2014 school year, Men was an excellent student in Literature at the district level. In particular, although he was born with a cleft lip and palate, which made pronunciation difficult, Men really enjoyed learning English. In his role as a deputy class leader in charge of labor, Men also actively participated in class and school activities.

Talking about the poor and hardworking orphan student, teacher Tran Thi Thuc - Principal of Nghi Xa Secondary School, said: "Nguyen Trong Men is a poor student, orphaned by both parents, living in very difficult conditions, but he has overcome his circumstances to study well. In particular, he studies all subjects, actively participates in activities with enthusiasm, passion and responsibility, and is a worthy example for students in the whole school to learn from. The school's Board of Directors has exempted all contributions for the year, and mobilized students and teachers to support him with books and school supplies." It is also known that every year, during Tet and at the beginning of the school year, Men is also given gifts of encouragement by the district and commune's Learning Promotion Association.

When asked about his future dreams, Men answered very maturely: "I will try to study well to become a police officer or a professional soldier to protect security and sovereignty of borders and islands". Hopefully, the well-behaved orphan Nguyen Trong Men will continue to receive attention, support and help from his paternal and maternal families, local authorities, mass organizations and schools to help him overcome difficulties and realize his dream.

Minh Quan