Nguyen
Thanh Tung is like any 21-year-old - except that he does
with his feet what others do with their hands. Vu Khanh
Linh gets to know him. When an electrical accident
destroyed the ability of Nguyen Thanh Tung to use his
hands, doctors were forced to amputate and the door to a
bright future seemed to close for good.
But rather than let misfortune ruin his life, Tung has
overcome all the physical obstacles that once stood in
his way. His determination has allowed him to pursue a
career in information technology.
The keen computer specialist believes that after
finishing his ACCP (Aptech Certified Computer
Professional) course at Ha Noi Aptech Centre, he will be
able to make his dream of becoming an IT businessman come
true.
'Computer programmer by feet' is the nickname given to
him by teachers and friends at Ha Noi Aptech
Centre.People now accept that Tung works with his legs
instead of his hands. His toes are particularly important
for completing college work.
Tung's journey to become a student at an IT college
with a world class reputation is filled with inspiration
and courage.
Unfortunate childhood
Tung's childhood was filled with bad luck. Not only
did the accident destroy his hands, it also caused some
injuries that took a long time to emerge. In total, Tung
spent more than two years in treatment.
Although modern medicine was able to cure his
injuries, doctors were unable to heal the wound deep in
his heart. The length of treatment he needed meant that
Tung was forced to drop out of school. He stayed at home
and did nothing.
Tung watched children go to class every morning, but
he had little to do but play alone and endure a
succession of boring days.
A chance encounter with a kind-hearted neighbour meant
that Tung came into contact with a film which changed his
outlook on life.
He was given a video tape named Kim Co Ky Quan (Good
Examples of the Disabled) about a Chinese disabled woman.
She had lost her hands but still managed to do any job
she put her mind to. The tape completely changed Tung's
thoughts. "I can do it!" he kept telling himself when he
tried to perform everyday tasks with his legs, such as
learning to write with a pen.
After some time his confidence began to build and he
asked his parents if he could return to school. Although
surprised by the request, his parents were afraid that
their son would be unable to catch up with classmates.
Eventually, Tung's determination persuaded them. The
nationwide scholarship fund "Odon Vallet" provided by a
French professor to excellent students enabled him to
return to a life filled with education.
"When I returned to school, teachers would ask if I
needed more time for things like finishing exams, but I
would always refuse. There is only one thing different
between me and other people - I use my legs for writing
instead of my hands, that's all," Tung said happily.
Life has just begun
The high school student tasted a double dose of
happiness when he heard that he had passed the entrance
exam for Ha Noi Aptech Centre, one of the best education
institutes for training computer programmers. "A friend
of mine challenged me to register for the Aptech exam. I
took it because I wanted to test myself," he said.
"But I knew there would be another problem. The Aptech
fee is US$2,000 per year and my parents couldn't afford
for me to study there," Tung confided. Luckily, Dinh Tri
Dung, the director of Aprotrain - Aptech Centre knew
about Tung's case. He admired the energetic boy who
seemed to have an incredible thirst for knowledge.
Impressed by his spirit, the director gave Tung the
most valuable gift - a 99 per cent scholarship for the
Aptech course.
"It's amazing that I am studying in such an esteemed
environment. Everything is so different from what I
expected. It's a totally new horizon for me!," Tung
happily enthused.
To carry out tasks in class, he mainly uses his right
leg to control the keyboard and mouse. The awkward
movements gradually became easier. However, it takes Tung
at least four hours to revise lessons at home because the
programme is difficult.
Although he has a heavy study schedule, he uses his
spare time to socialise with friends and surf the
internet. He has received many letters from friends
around the country. Most of the letters are from disabled
and able-bodied people who support and encourage Tung,
and also share their experiences.
"I have many good friends, especially girlfriends.
They usually take me out but they are always the driver,"
Tung said mischievously. Since Tung began studying at the
Aptech centre, his life has been very busy. Unsatisfied
with his achievements so far, the computer specialist
concentrates on achieving future dreams and
ambitions.
"I want to become a successful businessman and hope to
secure a university degree in Economics," he said. His
huge ambition to conquer all challenges means that Tung
certainly faces a bright future. For a 21-year-old, he
has a very mature attitude and acts as a responsible
adult, but to his parents, he will always be 'little
Tung'.
"I hope that he will one day find a suitable job that
will fit in with his health and professional aspirations.
I want to see my son happy," Tung's mother said. -
VNS
Source: Viet
Nam News - 12 August
2007
