Remaining unbroken

One morning, as warm sunlight streamed through the window, Trinh Minh Thuy sat in front of her mirror. She took a moment to apply light makeup, enough to bring a fresh and energetic brightness to her face. Watching his daughter, who walked with crutches, step onto her three-wheeled motorcycle to go to work with an optimistic spirit, her father, Trinh Van Tinh, felt a quiet warmth in his heart. He had been the one who stayed close, accompanying and supporting her as she overcame the hardships caused by her disability since childhood.

Trinh Minh Thuy (second from left) guides trainees at Sao Viet IT Center in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province

Now, Thuy is both a renowned instructor at an IT center and an outstanding programmer, holding a key position at a technology company located in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province.

Overcoming personal limitations

Tinh shared, “When Thuy was just one year old, she suffered a severe fever. Despite taking her to many medical facilities, she became paralyzed and was unable to walk. Her childhood was filled with tears and hardship. However, as she grew up, with all the love, encouragement, and guidance from her family, Thuy worked hard to lift herself up, graduated from high school, and chose to study IT to change her destiny.”

In 2007, after graduating with a diploma in IT, specializing in system analysis programming in Dong Nai, Thuy continued her studies at Van Lang University in Ho Chi Minh City with a major in training as a programming technician. After five years of dedicated study, Thuy received her first job opportunity in 2010, when she was selected from over 100 candidates to work at a company in Thu Duc High-Tech Park. “During the waiting period, I was only afraid of being rejected because of my disability. I always longed for a chance, believing that if given the opportunity, I would definitely be able to do it. When I received the acceptance notice, I was overwhelmed with joy,” Thuy shared.

Instructor Trinh Minh Thuy joined Sao Viet IT Center in 2023. In every task assigned to her, we have consistently received positive feedback from both students and colleagues. Through the course of collaboration, Thuy’s significant contributions, particularly in the subjects of Graphic Design and Programming, which she oversees, have helped the center continue to grow. In addition to teaching IT knowledge, Thuy serves as a role model of resilience, inspiring many students to transform themselves.

TRAN VAN HUNG, Director of Sao Viet IT Center, Tran Bien Ward, Dong Nai Province

However, life challenged her once again. Less than a year into her job, while traveling to work, Thuy was unfortunately involved in a traffic accident that resulted in a broken leg. After two months of treatment, she was discharged and returned to work. Concerned for her safety, her father insisted on accompanying her on the commute, and for many years, he drove her back and forth on the 60-kilometer journey each day. Thuy said, “My father’s care gave me the strength to keep pushing forward. I worked as a programmer for 13 years and later developed skills in teaching graphic IT. Currently, I have moved into the design field, handling UI/UX at AMF Apex Mekong Future Joint Stock Company (in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province), and I can now commute to work on my own.”

With formal training and a strong sense of responsibility, at AMF Apex Mekong Future Joint Stock Company, Thuy has consistently stood out for her work efficiency, while also spreading a positive spirit to her colleagues, encouraging everyone to progress together.

Nguyen Trung Hieu, Head of the Marketing Department at AMF Apex Mekong Future Joint Stock Company, said, “Among the colleagues I have worked with, Thuy has left a particularly strong impression. Despite her disability, she always maintains an optimistic attitude and works with high discipline, which has delivered clear results. With her maturity, friendliness, and professionalism, Thuy also shares valuable knowledge and experience, giving younger colleagues opportunities to learn.”

An inspiring teacher

By working in IT, Thuy is truly able to pursue her passion. Therefore, after regular office hours at the company, she continues to collaborate as an instructor in the evenings, teaching at Sao Viet IT Center (in Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province).

She said, “Everyone has a 24-hour day. How we use those 24 hours depends on each individual. For me, being an IT instructor is a source of happiness. We live in the digital and technological era and digital life, where every aspect of social life relies on information technology. Therefore, being able to teach, share my knowledge, and witness the success of each training course and the graduation of every student is something I greatly cherish.”

Trinh Minh Thuy consistently demonstrates strong competence. She takes initiative to complete every assigned task excellently, playing a key role in ensuring the company’s projects stay on schedule. Thuy has strived to overcome her personal limitations in work, study, and contribution. Since joining the company, her optimistic spirit and strong resilience have spread positive energy to everyone, making the company’s work environment more dynamic, vibrant, and effective.

NGUYEN DUC ANH, General Director of AMF Apex Mekong Future Joint Stock Company, Tran Bien ward, Dong Nai province

Despite her disability, Thuy has always built a personal motto for living and working in a disciplined and methodical way. She said, “When my health is weak, I make up for it with optimistic and strong spirit. Happiness lies in positive thinking and believing in the good in each day. I may move slowly, but I have never stepped back, because I believe that as long as we do not give up, we can live fully and turn even the darkest fates into bright days.”

By Quang Minh – Translated by Huyen Trang, Thu Ha