Chapter 29 — Pride And Scholarship

In the middle of summer, before officially entering university, Royal School held the first "Rise Up" scholarship awarding ceremony for five excellent students with difficult circumstances in the new school year. Ms. Kim Ngan, as the founder of the fund, specially invited Hoai An back to school to participate in the ceremony as an honored guest, the inspiration for the whole program.

Standing on the stage, looking down at the faces of five new students, their eyes filled with excitement, anxiety mixed with hope, Hoai An couldn't help but remember herself three years ago, with the same mood when she first stepped into this strange school.

“Hello everyone,” she said, her voice warm and familiar, “I stand here today, not as a perfect success, but as someone who has experienced exactly what you may be feeling right now—anxiety, low self-esteem, and the fear of not knowing whether or not you can fit into your new environment.”

She shares sincerely about her journey, does not shy away from the difficulties and failures she has experienced, but recounts it honestly so that new students understand that the road ahead will not be easy, but it is completely possible to overcome it if they have enough strength and the right support.

"The thing I want to say the most," Hoai An said, ending her speech, "is that you should never let your background define your value. You deserve to be here, you deserve every opportunity you receive, because you have proven your abilities through your own unremitting efforts."

After the speech, she personally awarded scholarships to each student, not forgetting to give each student a personal, sincere word of encouragement. One of the little girls, with tears in her eyes, held Hoai An's hand tightly. “Thank you,” she said, her voice trembling, “listening to your story, I feel more motivated to try.”

“I believe you can do it,” Hoai An replied, smiling, gently squeezing her hand, “and if you have any difficulties, don't hesitate to come to me or anyone on the scholarship fund advisory board, we are always ready to support you.”

The ceremony ended in a warm, hopeful atmosphere. Bao Tran, also present to help organize the event, stood next to Hoai An as they both watched the new students take pictures with their families. “Looking at this scene,” Bao Tran said, her voice filled with emotion, “I remember ourselves three years ago.”

“Me too,” Hoai An nodded and smiled, “I didn't expect the cycle to be so beautiful — from a scholarship recipient, I can now become a scholarship giver, continuing the opportunities for the next generations.”

"You've created something truly meaningful," Bao Tran said, putting her arm around her friend's shoulder, "not only for yourself, but for the entire community of disadvantaged students out there. I'm proud to be your friend, Hoai An."

That afternoon, after the ceremony ended, Minh Khoi offered to take Hoai An to visit her father's grave, something he knew she always cherished but rarely had enough time to do amid her busy study schedule. At a quiet suburban cemetery, Hoai An knelt before his father's simple grave and placed a bouquet of white chrysanthemums on it.

“Dad,” she whispered, her voice choked up, “I have passed the medical university entrance exam, just like the dream I once told three childhoods. I have also found great friends, and also a sincere love. I hope dad is proud of me.”

Minh Khoi stood quietly behind, allowing her to have private space with her emotions. Only when she stood up did he approach, hold her hand, conveying a silent but warm comfort.

“Are you okay?” Minh Khoi asked, as the two walked out of the cemetery together, the gentle afternoon sunlight shining down on the small road.

"I'm fine," Hoai An replied, smiling, even though her eyes were still filled with tears, "I just want dad to know, even though he's no longer with me, I still try to live well, worthy of what he hoped for me."

“Your father is certainly very proud,” Minh Khoi said, gently squeezing her hand, “looking at what you have achieved and overcome, there is no father who would not feel proud of such a child.”

Hoai An nodded, resting his head on Minh Khoi's shoulder in that peaceful moment. “Thank you,” she said, “for bringing me here, for always accompanying me through every important moment in my life, whether happy or sad.”

“That's what I want to do,” Minh Khoi replied, his voice warm, “and I will continue to accompany you, through every step ahead, whether it's the upcoming college days or whatever life brings.”

The two continued to walk in the gentle sunset, hand in hand, carrying complete peace in their hearts, ready to welcome new and promising chapters of life, with the firm belief that, no matter what the future holds, they will always have each other to overcome all challenges together.

That night, when he returned home, Hoai An told his mother about the visit to his father's grave and about the meaningful scholarship awarding ceremony that morning. Ms. Hanh listened, her eyes filled with tenderness and emotion.

“Your dad is definitely smiling up there,” she said, holding her daughter's hand, “seeing you grow up so happy, that's what he always wanted most when he was alive.”

“I miss you so much,” Hoai An said, her voice low, “even though I only remember you through the faint memories of my childhood, I always feel that you are always watching and supporting me from somewhere.”

“I believe so too,” Ms. Hanh replied, hugging her daughter tightly, “and I believe, no matter what happens in the future, our family will always stick together and love each other, just like how we have overcome all difficulties together over the years.”

That night, before going to bed, Hoai An opened his notebook and wrote one last line for this memorable summer: "Three years of high school taught me that life is not always fair, but if I am resilient enough, sincere enough, I will always find a way to turn adversity into opportunity, turn hostility into friendship, and turn seemingly distant dreams into reality." She closed the notebook, preparing herself for a completely new journey waiting ahead - the door of the university classroom.

The next morning, Bao Tran stopped by Hoai An's house, bringing a small gift — a beautiful leather-bound notebook, with a handwritten message. “This is my gift to you,” she said, handing the notebook to you, “so you can continue to record your thoughts and memories in your upcoming college journey, just like you did during the past three years of high school.”

Hoai An accepted took the gift, opened the first page, read the words Bao Tran wrote: "Wish you always maintain the spirit of resilience and sincerity like what I have learned from you over the past three years. Even though we study at two different universities, this friendship will forever be strong, nothing can separate it."

“Thank you,” Hoai An said, hugging his best friend, tears welling up again from emotion, “I will cherish this gift, and our precious friendship, for the rest of my life.”

“Me too,” Bao Tran replied, hugging her back tightly, “no matter how busy I am with college in the future, I promise, we will always keep in touch, always make time to meet each other, just like the closest sisters.”

The two of them stood hugging each other in the middle of the small room, the early morning sunlight shining through the window, creating a warm, emotional scene, completely closing the last days of school life, before the two officially entered a completely new chapter of life, bringing with them the precious friendship that had been forged through many challenges as solid luggage for the future ahead.

Ms. Hanh, standing at the door of the room observing the emotional moment between the two girls, could not hide her warm smile. “You two are truly destined,” she said, entering the room, “from rivals to sisters, not everyone can have such a beautiful friendship.”

“I think so too,” Bao Tran replied, smiling brightly, “I'm really lucky to have a friend like Hoai An in my life.”

Ms. Hanh invited Bao Tran to stay for breakfast with her family, a habit that has become familiar over the past two years since the two girls officially became close friends. A simple but cozy breakfast took place amid bustling laughter, reviewing memorable memories, and discussing plans for the upcoming college year.

“What are you going to write about first when you go to college?” Ms. Hanh asked Bao Tran, curious about her literary dream.

“I think,” Bao Tran replied, her eyes shining with enthusiasm, “I want to write a story inspired by my friendship with Hoai An — about how two people, despite completely different backgrounds, can still find harmony and mutual understanding through many challenges.”

“That sounds great,” Ms. Hanh said, smiling, “I believe that story will inspire many people, just like how your real story has inspired me and so many others.”