Despite being born into challenging circumstances, Nguyen Xuan Chuong refused to settle for less. He’s now enjoying the result of his efforts: a full scholarship to study in the USA.

Nguyen Xuan Chuong in New York, where he’s currently studying

Chuong was born to an impoverished family at Tu Xa Commune, Lam Thao District, Phu Tho Province. His parents are farmers.

Chuong achieved excellent marks in school without fail for 12 years. In 2007, he won second prize in a national mathematics competition. In the same year, he was also awarded a silver medal in the 48th International Mathematical Olympiad.

Furthermore, he passed the entrance examination to the Applied Mathematics and Informatics faculty of the Hanoi University of Science & Technology. Chuong continued to work ceaselessly at his studies until he was ultimately awarded a full scholarship to study in the USA. However, the reward is both a joy and a source of worry for his family.

This summer Chuong is ecstatic to have a chance to visit home.

He shared that the love and faith of his grandparents, parents and teachers have inspired him greatly to strive for excellence.

For Chuong, memories of difficult days, when he rode his bicycle 10 kilometres to school and saved every penny to buy new reference books, never fade.

Nguyen Xuan Chien, Chuong’s father said, “Even if my family has to live off of vegetables and rice porridge, I will never let my son leave school.”

Chuong shared his secret of learning Maths successfully: “I spent all my free time studying Maths. Before going to bed, I forced myself to recall a mathematical formula.”

Upon arriving in America, Chuong faced many challenges. After some time, however, he is getting used to his new environment. Still, he admits he misses his family, teachers and friends a great deal.

“I always try hard to achieve the best results. But I will never forget the fond care of my past teachers, even though I am now studying in the USA,” he shared.

Chuong added, “My communication skills in English are not so good. I am trying to improve my English to keep from being left behind. I think language plays a vital role in adapting to a new study and living environment. Moreover, class hours are limited, so I have to spend a lot of time studying on my own.”

Chuong with his family (Photo by Tu Lap)