Top 10 Stories of Overcoming Challenges and Excelling in Studies

Last weekend, I went to visit Mai's house. On that day, I heard many interesting stories from Mai. Among them, the story that impressed me the most was about Linh - Mai's classmate - a true example of perseverance in overcoming challenges in studies.

According to Mai, Linh is a tall, thin, but resilient person, full of life like a bamboo. He is always well-behaved, excellent in studies, loved by teachers and friends. However, what surprises everyone is Linh's family background. He grew up in a poor family. His father passed away early, and his mother, struggling to make ends meet, can't handle heavy work due to her illness. Therefore, Linh helps his mother with farming chores, sells vegetables in the market every day, and takes care of household tasks. Despite his busy schedule, Linh excels in his studies. Mai said Linh has never skipped homework or neglected to review lessons. In every class, he is focused, actively participating, and consistently ranks in the top 5 of the class. Last year, he even won the third prize in the city-level Math competition. It's truly remarkable. Despite the family's financial difficulties, Linh always strives to study diligently and achieves high academic results. Every day, he puts in effort, constantly trying to be an excellent student and a filial child. That's why Linh is loved and respected by everyone.

On the way back home, I kept thinking about Linh's story of overcoming challenges in studies. The more I thought, the more ashamed I felt about myself. Despite having a comfortable life, I have been lazy in my studies. Many times, I neglected homework and didn't put in my best effort in studying. From today onwards, I've decided to change myself. I will strive to study diligently, avoiding distractions and negligence. At the same time, I will spend time helping my parents with household tasks that I can do.

For me, Linh is not just a character in a story. He is a shining example, a motivation for me to follow and improve myself positively. I hope he remains healthy, excels in his studies, and achieves success in life.

In the 5th-grade school year, I had a close friend named Tuan. He was an excellent student, a role model in academics, and always helpful to friends.

Tuan was the most reliable person for both the teacher and classmates. In class, he actively participated and contributed the most opinions in every subject. His assignments always scored 9 or 10 points. For unclear topics, Tuan patiently explained them to his classmates. During break time, Tuan spent 10 minutes reviewing lessons for weaker students.

Once, I forgot my pen box at home. Tuan knew about it but didn't tell the teacher. Instead, he willingly sacrificed his only pen for me to borrow, and we secretly took turns using it to copy our assignments. That day, Tuan's actions impressed me, and my admiration for him grew stronger.

Another time, I was sick and had to stay home for two days. I planned to call Tuan for help with the lessons. Before I could dial the number, Tuan called me: “Hey Duy! Do you have a home? I'm coming to visit you!”. Surprisingly, Tuan had already completed his homework, brought his notebook, and explained the lessons to me. He even took additional notes for me. That day, I was so moved that I almost cried. Thanks to that, the friendship between Tuan and me became even closer and more intimate.

One day, during break time, Tuan and I were sitting on a stone bench, reading a story. Suddenly, we saw another classmate fall in front of us, holding his leg in pain. Tuan quickly ran over to help him up, dusted off his clothes, and asked: “Are you hurt? Let me help you.” Surprisingly, I remained sitting on the stone bench, holding the book, looking at Tuan. Tuan returned to his seat without blaming me and happily continued reading the story with me. Perhaps Tuan wanted to preserve our friendship.

In class, he often volunteered to assist other students. In the grade-level competitions, our class always won the first or second prize thanks to him. Everyone in the class was proud of Tuan.

Being loved by the teacher, trusted and relied upon by classmates, Tuan remained humble and admirable. Tuan is truly a good grandchild of Uncle Ho.

I am very proud to have a close friend like Tuan. I feel I still have much to learn from Tuan. Through these events, I will strive to become like Tuan, always in the eyes of the teacher and classmates, to become an excellent student, a well-behaved child, and a good grandchild of Uncle Ho.

Diligence is a beautiful tradition that has been passed down through generations of the Vietnamese people. In our dear class, we have a shining example worthy of admiration for overcoming difficulties and excelling in studies.

The person who overcomes all difficulties to excel in our class, known to everyone, is Nguyen Vu Anh Thu. Thu is the most disadvantaged student in the class. Since childhood, Thu has lived with his grandparents because his parents passed away in an accident. His grandparents are now over seventy years old. All family activities depend on his grandfather's modest war veteran pension. Thu also has to go to school, making conditions at home extremely difficult. Understanding the hardship of his grandparents, Thu is always obedient, helping them with everything at home. While we wear new clothes bought by our parents, Thu wears only old, worn-out clothes. While we joyfully go out to play after school, Thu hurries home, cooks rice, cleans, and helps his grandmother make cakes to sell for extra income.

Grandma Thu makes delicious sticky rice cakes, usually sold near the village temple or occasionally in front of the school gate. People, aware of Thu's situation and sympathizing with his old grandparents, often buy and support him a lot. Some classmates who don't understand often make sarcastic remarks when they see him carrying the cake basket.

During such times, Thu just bows his head and says nothing. Many times, I saw Thu carrying the cake basket for his grandmother while reading a book. Whenever someone buys, he puts the book down to sell cakes, and when there are no customers, he picks up the book to continue reading. I greatly admire Thu. All of Thu's books are old, mostly given to him, never purchased. Many times the teacher told the whole class to buy books, and Thu always stayed behind to ask the teacher. He asked not to buy books but to wait for classmates to read first and then borrow them later. The teacher agreed.

Due to poverty, Thu cannot attend extra classes. During that time, he stays at home taking care of his grandparents. But Thu is always an outstanding student in the class. His academic achievements always rank first in the class. Rain or shine, people always see the small, diligent figure cutting grass for the buffalo. Or on late nights, neighbors still see the dim oil lamp through Thu's window. Staying up late and waking up early, any time Thu can spare, he studies, reviews lessons. Our class often teases Thu, comparing him to Trang Nguyen from the past. But everyone respects him. Especially in that year's provincial excellent student competition, Thu won the First Prize. Not only with excellent academic achievements, Thu is also a kind and helpful friend, always ready to help classmates in the class. Any difficult homework or unclear topic, just ask him, and he will explain patiently. During many charity drives to support people with disabilities, I saw Thu participate, even with just a few small coins. Curious, I asked:

- Your family has been through a lot. I think you don't need to contribute.

- My family is really difficult, but I'm lucky to have a healthy body compared to many others.

Thu smiled and answered. Thu's words made me realize many things. From Thu's story, I love and admire the example of overcoming difficulties and excelling in studies. No matter how difficult life is, with determination and optimism, we can all succeed.

Among us, surely everyone has heard the inspiring tale of teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ki, who, despite the unfortunate circumstance of having both hands paralyzed, exhibited a strong spirit of eagerness for learning. It is the extraordinary determination and relentless effort that propelled Teacher Nguyen Ngoc Ki to the pinnacle of success.

The story of the studious boy Nguyen Ngoc Ki: Nguyen Ngoc Ki, a boy born with both hands paralyzed, cannot attend school like his peers. Nevertheless, he possesses an intense desire for learning and attends classes to listen to the teacher.

One day, the teacher noticed a boy struggling outside the door and went out to inquire. Nguyen Ngoc Ki expressed his aspirations to the teacher. Although touched by his eagerness to learn, when the teacher touched Ki's two limp arms, she felt sorry but had to apologize to the boy. With hands like his, he couldn't hold a pen and study like his peers.

Despite the sadness, Nguyen Ngoc Ki, instead of giving up, practiced writing every day using his feet. Due to poverty and the lack of paper and pens, Ki often clasped small stones and drew crude strokes on the ground.

During a visit to Ki's home, the teacher witnessed him practicing writing, deeply moved. The teacher bought Ki a pen and a notebook. With the new notebook, Ki enthusiastically practiced writing. Initially, the characters were irregular and unclear, but due to diligent training, Nguyen Ngoc Ki not only learned to write but also developed beautiful handwriting.

Relentless effort to overcome obstacles transformed Nguyen Ngoc Ki from a handicapped boy into an exemplary teacher, a symbol of triumph for millions of people striving for education and self-improvement.

'Friends are the embodiment of mutual love,

Through thick and thin, caring for each other.'

That is the thought and action of our class community. Minh Hoang is one of the positive role models in our class. I and Minh Hoang have been close throughout elementary school. I understand him a lot.

Hoang is intelligent and studious. Due to a poor family, Hoang has to help his mother sell bread on the sidewalk. Despite the hardships, Hoang overcomes all difficulties to study. Hoang always cares for friends, especially those who are weak or facing difficulties in life. Hoang is not afraid to accompany others to help them progress. Every day, after helping parents with all the chores, Hoang seizes the time to study, do homework, and the remaining time is spent going to the homes of weaker friends to encourage them, help them overcome challenging problems. In class, Hoang patiently explains each exercise in literature, every math problem, and even guides how to write correctly and present compositions. There were times when I secretly thought: Growing up, he should become a teacher. That made me admire Hoang even more.

Quietly, Hoang helps weaker friends rise every day without waiting for the teacher's intervention. Hoang is very dedicated to his friends. Hoang is happy when friends progress, and he feels sad when they score lower than him. Patience has helped Hoang and the teacher improve the quality of the weaker students in the class. Hoang persistently helps everyone progress. Therefore, the teacher and the class community highly appreciate Hoang. Following Hoang's example, our class always promotes the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, helping each other to progress together.

We love our class, our school, our teachers, and our friends. I am even prouder to have a friend like Hoang.

In the small alley 24/106, belonging to precinct 5, ward 3, Binh Thanh district, where my family resides, everyone knows the difficult circumstances of your family, Duc.

Duc is in the same class as me. He followed his parents from Quang Ngai to the city to make a living for 3 years now. Every day, Duc's father works as a construction worker, his mother sells goods on a carrying pole, earning money to support their four children. As the eldest son, Duc realizes early on that he has to take responsibility to ease the burden on his parents.

Six people live in a rented room that is just over ten square meters. The household items are not valuable, but looking around, outsiders can see the neatness and cleanliness of the owner. Cleaning the house, Duc takes care of everything to reassure his parents. In the morning, Duc wakes up early to help his mother cook breakfast for the whole family. Afterward, his mother carries vegetables to the market, his father goes to work, and Duc goes to school. Several times I asked Duc why he was so busy but still excelled in studying, he just smiled gently: 'I love my parents very much!'.

For three consecutive years, Duc has achieved the title of Excellent Student. This makes his parents very proud among the neighbors. Every evening, Duc's house is crowded with guests. These are nearby children who come to him for guidance on how to do their homework. Duc kindly instructs, sparing no time. Therefore, he is admired by many.

I have never heard Duc complain about his family's poor situation. In class, Duc is still friendly with everyone, without any complex. The thing I see most clearly in Duc is his diligence and hard work, both in studying and in daily activities. Duc likes to bring joy to everyone through words and everyday actions.

One day, on the way home from school, seeing an old lady wanting to cross the street, Duc said to me: 'Let's help the old lady!'. When we reached the other side, the old lady thanked us, and Duc politely replied: 'You're welcome! Goodbye!'. Then Duc softly said: 'Looking at the old lady, I miss my grandmother in the countryside so much!'. I understand the deep affection he has for his relatives.

Although the same age and studying together, I feel that Duc is much 'bigger' than me! My mother often reminds me: 'You don't have to look far to find a role model, just follow Duc. Being diligent and excelling in studies like Duc makes me happy!'. If I could be like Duc, I must try harder!

I have a close friend named Linh Chi. She is widely loved by everyone for her compassionate heart, rich love, and constant assistance to others.

Linh Chi is the eldest sister in a family of three siblings. Every day, her parents are busy with their heavy workload. Chi single-handedly takes care of household chores and looks after her two siblings. Therefore, she always appears mature compared to peers.

Speaking of academic achievements, Linh Chi is not an outstanding student. Her grades are always at a satisfactory level. However, this does not affect the affection people have for Chi. She always studies diligently and gives her best effort. In assigned tasks from teachers, Chi always completes them thoroughly. If there's any question, she will ask her classmates or teachers instead of skipping or copying solutions.

In addition to her perseverance and diligence in studying, Chi is also an honest and kind girl. She often helps others freely without asking for anything in return. Once, during our physical education class, a classmate forgot to bring sports shoes. We still had a high jump competition that day, and without proper shoes, it would be challenging. Right after the competition, Chi lent her shoes to the friend in need and walked barefoot for the rest of the class. Another time, a classmate had a stomachache and had to leave early, but it happened to be their scheduled duty at the end of the class. When the whole class didn't know how to handle it, Chi volunteered to take on that responsibility. Chi's actions make us deeply admire and respect her.

Every time I think of Chi, it's like having extra motivation to strive for self-improvement. Hopefully, in the future, Chi will continue to be an angel with a kind heart just like now.

Among the shining examples of academic excellence overcoming adversity that I know, Minh Duc is the one I love and admire the most. He is not only my classmate but also my desk mate.

Minh Duc is tall but slightly thin. His dark complexion sets him apart from other male classmates. Duc has a round face, short black hair, and bright eyes that reflect intelligence and quick-wittedness. Minh Duc is always cheerful, sociable with everyone, making him well-liked by both classmates and the school community. In previous years, he consistently achieved the title of the comprehensive outstanding student. Last year, in the fourth grade, Minh Duc won the First Prize in the provincial Mathematics competition. Our class is extremely proud of him. In class, he always leads in academic results. As a responsible class monitor, every study session, Duc goes to the board to guide others on solving exercises they find challenging. Moreover, during break times, Duc takes the opportunity to patiently tutor classmates who are struggling. He is not only academically excellent but also a role model, polite student. We never see him arriving late for class, even when his bike broke down, he still woke up very early to arrive on time.

With such academic achievements, people would assume Minh Duc was born into a relatively wealthy family with the means for additional learning support and private tutors, but the reality is different. Duc's family situation is very difficult. Due to a workplace accident, his father passed away when he was in the first grade. Duc's mother, despite her poor health, works tirelessly to support Duc's education. Every day, she wakes up early to sell vegetables at the market and takes on odd jobs that people hire her for. In addition to studying, Duc also helps his mother with household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and taking care of the family's chickens. He loves his mother very much. In a literature class, Duc wrote an essay describing his mother's hands, which moved the teacher and the whole class. Those hands nurture him every day. They are thin and calloused due to the hardships of life.

Duc's dream is to become a successful entrepreneur. He wants to contribute to making his hometown and country richer and more beautiful. What's especially admirable is Minh Duc's desire to help and support the school fees of students in difficult circumstances, allowing them to study without worry. To achieve this dream in the near future, Duc always strives to study. He utilizes any free time to do additional exercises to enhance his knowledge.

Minh Duc has become a shining example of overcoming adversity in our class and school. We admire his determination to overcome challenges. He is a bright model for us to follow in our studies. As a friend of Duc, I wish him success in achieving his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.

At Nguyen Binh Khiem Primary School in Hoa Minh Ward, Lien Chieu District, I have heard touching stories of poor students facing extremely difficult family circumstances but still excelling academically. One student, in particular, left the strongest impression on me—Le Hong An, a fifth-grader.

Even though An's family faces very challenging circumstances, with his mother working hard to support him and his sister, An has consistently excelled in his studies. An's mother, Ms. Phan Thi Le, shared, 'Everything in our home, including the furniture, was purchased by relatives. I work as a laborer in the industrial zone, and the salary is very low. We have to spend very frugally to afford education for my two children. Sometimes, An has to skip breakfast to save money to buy study materials. But I am happy to have a child who is excellent and well-behaved like him.'

Despite the difficult family situation, An has been the comprehensive outstanding student of the school for six consecutive years. Every year, he receives scholarships from the city for his studiousness and perseverance in learning. Additionally, he also receives scholarships from the district's Promotion of Learning Association, Hue Beer Company, and a plastic factory. An is not only a diligent and excellent student but also actively participates in various school activities. Ms. Thuy My Duc, Head of the Student Affairs Department, commented, 'An is the most outstanding young pioneer leader of Duy Tan Primary School. In grade 6, he is both a class monitor and a dynamic, enthusiastic youth union leader. He is a student who contributes a lot to the school's movements.'

An excels in all subjects, and he particularly stood out by winning the third prize in the city-level excellent student competition in grade 5. Besides academics, he also shows talents in various fields such as drawing, playing musical instruments, and creating study tools. Notably, in sports, he won the second prize in table tennis in grade 4 and the third prize at the district level in grade 6. An is at the forefront of creating beautiful and meaningful class wall newspapers. Being an excellent student with good moral qualities, he is highly respected by teachers and classmates. Ms. Phan Thi My Van, the homeroom teacher, remarked, 'An is a well-behaved and excellent student in all subjects. He achieved the highest academic results in the first semester of the 2008-2009 school year (9.5). Moreover, he is a dynamic, enthusiastic class monitor, so I feel very reassured when entrusting him with class management.'

Furthermore, An is a student with a strong sense of compassion, always ready to help weaker classmates progress in their studies. Nguyen Quang Dat, a classmate, praised, 'An is a very good friend, enthusiastically helping me in my studies. Studying in a group with An has significantly improved my performance.' An is not only excellent but also eager to learn and has a resilient spirit. At school, he is an outstanding and beloved student by teachers and friends. At home, he is an extremely filial child, always performing household chores when his mother is away. Despite being young, he is aware of the family's difficulties and shortcomings, so he puts in efforts to study. He has revealed his dream: 'I will try to study very well to become an architect, fulfilling the expectations of my family, teachers, and friends. I want to alleviate my mother's hardships.'

With comprehensive academic abilities and relentless efforts to 'rise above circumstances,' along with guidance from teachers, support from organizations, and the youth union, I believe An will realize his dream. An's spirit of eagerness to learn and determination to rise continually is truly admirable. He is a shining example for other students to follow.

I was born and raised in a poor but academically rich rural area. I am surrounded by many inspiring examples of overcoming adversity and excelling in studies, and one person, my classmate Phuoc Anh, stands out remarkably in my admiration.

Phuoc Anh, despite her petite and delicate stature, is remarkably graceful, agile, with a face that radiates happiness. Her large round eyes, slightly darkened skin from wind and mist, long, glossy black hair, and a warm and gentle smile define her.

Phuoc Anh's family, known for their extremely difficult circumstances, has not stopped her from rising above and becoming a comprehensive outstanding student, a shining example of ethics and lifestyle for us to follow. Her family consists of her mother, grandmother, and her, living together. Her frail grandmother, often in poor health, and her mother, who tirelessly supports the family economically, face the burdens of life—both the struggle for survival and the burden of past debts from Phuoc Anh's father's severe illness and subsequent passing. Phuoc Anh's mother shared during a visit by our class, 'Our family faces many difficulties, but I will do my utmost to work diligently to take care of my grandmother and Phuoc Anh. I am determined to ensure Phuoc Anh receives a proper education. She loves and listens to me, making me very happy.'

Despite such challenging family circumstances, Phuoc Anh has achieved the title of a comprehensive outstanding student for six consecutive years. In class, she is diligent, obedient, attentive to teachers, and friendly with classmates. She always focuses on her studies and readily helps others, earning her the love and admiration of everyone. Phuoc Anh actively participates in various school activities.

Beyond her academic responsibilities, Phuoc Anh takes on household duties at home. Her mother works as a laborer, and due to financial difficulties, she often takes additional jobs and overtime, hoping for extra income to support the family. Therefore, Phuoc Anh manages most household chores, caring for her grandmother meticulously—serving her meals, bathing her, and attending to her every need. She takes charge of tasks like chopping vegetables for pigs, preparing rice for chickens, planting vegetables, watering plants, and helping with the rice and straw harvest, all single-handedly.

Phuoc Anh excels comprehensively, and her performance in every subject makes every teacher consider her a favorite student. Although she studies all subjects well, her favorite is Literature. Phuoc Anh has a talent for storytelling and expressing her thoughts in a poignant and touching way. She aspires to become a genuine journalist, using her pen to combat the negative aspects of society and writing truthful articles about people's lives. In the recent excellent student competition, Phuoc Anh achieved first place at the district level and second place at the provincial level in the Literature category. Both teachers and classmates are proud of her accomplishments.

As an excellent student with a strong drive to learn and a resilient spirit, Phuoc Anh is highly esteemed by teachers and friends. At home, she is incredibly filial, taking over her mother's role in caring for her grandmother and efficiently managing household chores. The admirable spirit of eagerness to learn and the determined will to rise above adversity make Phuoc Anh truly commendable. With all the courage she possesses, I am confident that Phuoc Anh will have a bright future.

I am proud to have a friend like Phuoc Anh. I see many areas where I need improvement, and not only me, but many other young friends also have a lot to learn from Phuoc Anh.