Drawing dreams with a single finger

Despite being a student with severe mobility impairment, Hoang Duc Son from class 10A10 at Vinh Linh High School has traveled to many places through the books he reads. Not only has he overcome his physical challenges and integrated with his peers, but recently, Son also made a significant mark by winning First Prize at the provincial level and Third Prize at the national level in the 2024 Cultural Ambassador Reading Contest.

Inspired by Teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky

The book Son presented in the contest was the autobiography Toi di hoc (I Go to School) by the renowned writer and teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ky. Through Son’s presentation, the stories of teacher Ky echoed in his own life—a student with disabilities who moves swiftly and efficiently on feet without toes, evoking deep emotions in those who listen.

Hoang Duc Son (sixth from the right) receives the Third Prize at the 2024 National Cultural Ambassador Reading Contest - Photo: L.T

Sơn first learned about Teacher Ky’s story when he was in first grade. “Back then, I couldn’t read fast or write well, but the story of Teacher Ky that my mother read to me stayed in my heart. I was amazed by his story of the ‘Miracle Feet.’ Teacher Ky had a tough childhood but overcame adversity to become a beloved teacher, an inspiration for many, including me,” Son said.

We visited Son’s family in Group 7, Nam Hung Village, Trung Nam Commune, shortly after he returned from the 2024 National Cultural Ambassador Reading Contest in Phu Tho, which was organized on October 24. During the celebration at home, Son’s mother, Tran Thi Hoa, told us about their journey of overcoming hardship together.

A mother's journey of strength

Hoa said that when she decided to marry Hoang Duc Bon (Sơn’s father), her family opposed it because he had a severe physical disability (no feet and only one finger on each hand). When Son was born with a similar condition, Hoa cried, torn between love for her child and sadness for their fate. Fortunately, her husband was determined, and they supported each other to overcome these difficult times.

At nearly 2.5 years old, Son could crawl but couldn’t walk due to the lack of feet to balance himself. "I can never forget teaching him to walk. It was so hard to keep his balance without feet. He kept falling, stumbling like a penguin, and when he fell, his young skin would scrape and bleed. We wrapped cloth around his feet to ease the pain," Hoa recalled.

Son’s teacher, Tran Thi Thu Hai, (far right) gives books from sponsors to Son - Photo: L.T

The struggles of independence and education

It wasn’t just about walking—Son had to face a long and difficult process to become independent in daily tasks like brushing his teeth, taking a bath, eating, writing, and going to school. Writing with hands that only had one finger was an especially challenging journey, filled with sweat and tears for both Sơn and his parents.

At first, Son tried holding a piece of chalk with both hands, but his hands couldn’t control it, and the chalk would break and fall. After a long time of practice, he began to draw horizontal and vertical lines on the cement yard in front of the house and slowly moved on to the alphabet and numbers.

"Every time I practiced, I was hunched over, sweating, my hands sore and swollen from gripping the chalk. My legs would cramp and stiffen. Sometimes I wanted to quit, but remembering Teacher Ky kept me going. I’m grateful to him for inspiring me through his book, and to my parents and teachers for their constant support,” Son said.

Though the first few years of writing were incredibly difficult, Son’s perseverance paid off. After two years, he could write small letters and no longer had trouble with chalk or pens. He gradually got used to writing on blackboards and notebooks, and his handwriting improved, making his school journey a bit less arduous. From there, Son began to dream bigger.

Opening a bright world through books

The person who helped Son open up the world of books was Tran Thi Thu Hai, the librarian at Trung Nam Primary and Secondary School. Deeply moved by Son’s determination, Hai guided him to find joy in books and supported him in the Cultural Ambassador Reading Contest. Not long ago, Hai also connected some sponsors to donate books to encourage Son to continue pursuing his dreams, including author Nguyen Bich Lan, who wrote "Khong guc nga" ("Never Surrender").

San shared that this was his first time participating in the Cultural Ambassador Reading Contest and introducing himself. He hoped to inspire his peers, especially those with disabilities, to be confident, study hard, and rise above their circumstances to become useful members of society.

"Even though I face challenges in walking, daily activities, and studying, I’m grateful that I have clear eyesight and a broad heart to appreciate the beauty of life. I have loving parents, a school, and teachers and friends who care for me. Life may not give us everything, but it doesn’t take everything away either," Sơn shared in his contest entry.

Hoang Duc Son (third from the left) in a discussion with his friends during an extracurricular activity session - Photo: L.T

The teacher’s view

Truong Thi Cam Van, Son’s homeroom teacher at Vinh Linh High School, expressed her admiration for him. "Son is the first student with severe dissabilities at our school, and at the 2024-2025 school year’s opening ceremony, he impressed everyone with his quick and lively demeanor. When his name was called, he confidently walked to the stage, while some other students hesitated. Son is a respectful, hardworking student who has overcome adversity with incredible strength. Though he’s only been at the school for a semester, he’s already integrated very well and is loved by teachers and classmates alike,” Van said.

An unstoppable dream

For nearly 10 years, Son has worked hard in school. Along with the love and guidance of his parents and teachers, books have helped him grow. Reading has made him more independent and confident, allowing him to appreciate life and understand its meaning better.

Son aims to read at least 10 pages a day, finishing one book a month (not including textbooks). His dream is to open a small bookstore—one that may not be big but will attract young people to read. This bookstore will be a place to connect with other disabled people, sharing inspiration and positive energy through books.

Lam Thanh - Ngan Ha