Undergraduate

Just as the door to university, and to his dreams, was opening, Ho Bao An suffered an unimaginable loss. A devastating fire in June 2026 claimed the lives of both his parents, leaving an immense void in his life. Recognizing An’s grief and the financial challenges he would face in pursuing his education and supporting himself, Duy Tan University (DTU) awarded him a full-tuition scholarship covering the entire Control and Automation Engineering program. The scholarship has renewed An’s hope and reassured him that, even in the face of adversity, there are always caring people ready to offer support.

Ho Bao An at Duy Tan University

On his journey toward fulfilling his dream of attending university, Bao An endured a loss from which recovery once seemed impossible. Yet his resilience and determination, together with the care, encouragement, and support of his teachers at Nguyen Thi Bich Chau High School in Ha Tinh Province, gave him the strength to carry on.

Throughout high school, Bao An was well-liked by his teachers and friends for being diligent and well-behaved. Like many of his peers, he devoted considerable time to his studies and researched various universities in search of the most suitable choice for his future.

“I have a strong interest in technology, machinery, and the applications of automation in everyday life. I first learned about DTU and its Control Engineering and Automation program during my early years of high school. I had always dreamed of studying there because I believed that DTU’s academic environment and curriculum would help me develop both professional expertise and practical skills, enabling me to become a capable engineer and contribute to society,” Bao An said.

This career aspiration motivated him to work hard every day. His parents fully supported him and did everything they could to help him focus on his studies and pursue his goals for the future.

However, just as he was about to enter university, a fire took the lives of both his parents, the two most important people in his life. The loss came so suddenly that Bao An struggled for a long time to accept what had happened.

“At times, I felt that nothing ahead of me had any meaning because the people who had always loved, protected, and encouraged me were no longer there. But then I thought that, if my parents were still here, they would certainly not want me to give up on my future. I also have a younger brother who is about to enter Grade 12. I need to be even stronger so that I can become someone he can rely on. I must also continue striving to fulfill the dreams that remain unfinished,” Bao An said.

Following his parents’ deaths, living and educational expenses became Bao An’s greatest concerns. Studying in Da Nang would involve not only tuition fees but also accommodation and daily living costs. At times, he wondered whether he would be able to continue his university journey. The two brothers must now face considerable hardship and financial uncertainty together.

Receiving a full tuition scholarship to continue his dream

“When I learned that I had received this invaluable scholarship, I was very surprised and deeply moved. I could hardly believe it. Tuition fees had always been one of my greatest concerns, so this scholarship has not only relieved a significant financial burden but also given me renewed confidence and motivation to focus on my studies and continue moving forward. I thought of my parents, and I believe that, wherever they may be, they would be very happy to hear this news,” Bao An said emotionally.

The person who helped connect Bao An with this scholarship opportunity was MSc. Trinh Dinh Thanh, a DTU lecturer responsible for admissions activities in Ha Tinh Province.

MSc.Trinh Dinh Thanh, a DTU lecturer, accompanies Bao An to DTU to complete his enrollment procedures.

“While working with high schools across Ha Tinh province, I was deeply moved by Ho Bao An’s exceptional circumstances. When I learned that he had placed his trust in DTU for the next stage of his education, I shared his story with the DTU Board of Provosts. The university immediately decided to award him a 100% tuition scholarship for his entire program, encouraging him to continue his education and pursue his career aspirations. DTU hopes that Bao An will remain resilient, overcome the challenges ahead, and continue moving forward,” MSc.Trinh Dinh Thanh said.

It was through this attentive approach to admissions, one in which educators look beyond applications and academic scores to listen to and understand the circumstances of each incoming student, that Ho Bao An’s story found a compassionate new chapter at DTU.

DTU’s decision ensured that Bao An would not have to face alone the many challenges confronting an incoming student who had lost both parents. More than simply providing financial assistance, the scholarship represents the university’s encouragement for a young man who found the strength to stand up again after a devastating loss. It also reflects DTU’s commitment to accompanying Bao An so that he will not be alone on the university journey ahead.

Each day, Bao An remains determined to live up to his parents’ hopes that he would establish a stable career, lead an independent life, and become a good person. He also hopes to find a part-time job so that he can gain experience, develop valuable life skills, and earn additional income to cover his living expenses.

“Being strong does not mean that we do not feel pain. It means that, despite the pain, we still choose to move forward.”

For Bao An, moving forward today means attending university, dedicating himself to his studies at DTU, and continuing the dream that his parents once entrusted to him.

(Media Center)