Tran Van Tri. Photo Q.H

We came to the house of Tran Van Tri, a 12^th grade student of Nguyen Tran high school, when his neighbors were congratulating him on being the only student in Binh Dinh having the highest point in the 2007 high school graduation exams.

Tri’s father is a fisherman and his mother’s job is to make girdle cakes, which is enough for their children to study. Although his conditions for studying haven’t been convenient, he has always overcome difficulties to be an excellent student of all grades thanks to his intelligence and diligence. In the high school graduation this year in Binh Dinh, he got the highest point of 57.5 for 6 subjects. “He has studied well since he was a child, and the family tried to create best conditions for him, but that was not enough. He is particularly interested in reading books on research, reference and Chinese history; however, we didn’t have enough money to buy them for him meanwhile the number of books in the library here is very limited. Last year, we had to sell pigs to buy an old computer for him,” said Tri’s mother, Do Thi Hong.

Tri always thinks that he studies well to help parents. He has strived to study by himself, so he rarely went for extra classes. In his opinion, studying from books and friends is to both practise the memory and save money for the family. Whenever he didn’t understand anything, he asked his friends or teachers at once. That’s why he always overcame difficulties in studying. “Tri studied all subjects well and diligently. He always listened to teacher when they were teaching, and he had a good memory. Also, he well behaved with his classmates, helping weak students study. Teachers and friends all loved him,” said his headteacher at the 11^th and 12^th grades, To Van Nen.

His classmate, Trinh Thanh Cong said: “Tri is very gentle and outspoken, and he was very enthusiastic when friends asked him in studying.” Helping friends is to help himself remember the knowledge and studying with friends is a good way to exchange the knowledge. Tri, the vice-monitor in charge of studying, was often called a “bantam” due to his small figure and diligence.

In the July university entrance exams, Tri applied for the university of People’s security. With his untiring endeavour, he is believed to overcome all difficulties.

• Written by Ngoc Oanh
• Translated by Hong Quang