From his sun-drenched, windswept home in Cua Viet, Quang Tri province, Ho Dan Chinh came to DTU to become a student who meets every challenge with remarkable willpower and optimism.
Dan Chinh received a special scholarship for disabled students who overcome
challenges to achieve academic excellence from the company Nam Duoc. Photo: DTU
Plastic chair to replace legs towards college
When just 18 months old, Dan Chinh was in a traffic accident that took away both his legs. This seemed like the end for a child who had only just learned to walk and run, but he chose stand on his own two hands instead.
“Maybe because the accident happened when I was so young, I didn’t fully understand the loss then,” Dan Chinh recalled. “Growing a bit older, I began to realize my difference and told myself that I had to keep trying and overcome my handicap.
“So, even though I move more slowly than my peers, my strong arms allowed me to help my mother deliver bread around the village for years, balancing on two small plastic stools.”
Most impressive about him is his positive attitude. “Many people ask me if I’m sad or feel sorry for myself for having lost my legs,” he explains. “I just smile and tell them I never had a sad day in my life. I feel like I’m just like everyone else: fortunate to still be healthy, to have my hands, to have my mind to study, to help my parents, and to live a meaningful life.”
Those words make many people stop and reflect, not because Dan Chinh has never faced hardship, but because he always views life with optimism and faith.
Witnessing his parents work tirelessly to make ends meet, and seeing his mother’s health decline due to gallstones, inspired him to make a life-changing decision.
“I decided to study Pharmacy and chose DTU because I want a stable career and a clear understanding of medicine and enough knowledge to personally take care of my mother and treat her,” Dan Chinh explains. “I only wish that my mom could get better, that my family would have an easier life, and that I could do something good for the people I love.”
Studying hard to become a pharmacist
Now a third-year Bachelor of Pharmacy student, Dan Chinh goes to university each day on his three-wheeled motorbike to diligently pursue his studies. He is very happy to have chosen the university he had always dreamed of attending.
“My classmates in DTU’s Pharmacy program and I study in a dynamic and creative environment. Our professors give dedicated guidance and share both their knowledge and all their practical experience with us.
“The subjects are well-designed, giving us an in-depth understanding of pharmacology and clinical pharmacy while developing practical skills and professional ethics. While still in the classroom, we get a clear understanding of the role of pharmacists in community healthcare and of improving quality of life.”
Dan Chinh with his classmates at DTU. Photo: DTU
Interning at major hospitals made Dan Chinh mature a lot. “Observing and learning from pharmacists and doctors every day gave me a much clearer understanding of the work I’m pursuing.
“Although moving around the hospital can be inconvenient at times, I think the obstacles aren’t really worth mentioning when everyone is focused on their objectives and wishes to do their best to achieve their dreams.
“I also receive a huge lot of support from my lecturers and classmates at DTU, throughout my studies and in everyday life. So I’m never lonely, and I’m truly grateful for that.”
Dan Chinh will never forget his first day at DTU, when he was awarded a 50% tuition scholarship to study Pharmacy. “That scholarship was more than just financial support; it was a priceless source of encouragement that kept me going in university. I was also honored to receive a special scholarship for disabled students who overcome challenges to achieve academic excellence from the company Nam Duoc. This motivates me to keep striving every day - not just for myself, but also to be worthy of the kindness and support that others have extended to me.”
Nick Vujicic, a man without arms and legs who nevertheless lives life to the fullest and spreads positive energy to millions around the world, has been a great source of inspiration for Dan Chinh, strengthening his faith in life.
Dan Chinh’s favorite quote from Nick Vujicic is: “If you can’t get a miracle, become one.”
“That quote reminds me not to wait for miracles and not to back down from any challenge,” Dan Chinh affirms, “but create a life worth living through your own efforts, and you’ll succeed for sure.”
(Media Center)