Brian Jeffrey
The senior student, Thanh, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to Can Tho University for granting him the opportunity to pursue his education despite his advanced age.
During the ceremony, Thanh conveyed his gratitude for the university’s gesture towards him and stated his determination to reciprocate with hard work and dedication in his studies.
Thanh’s academic journey has been marked by challenges, ranging from life-threatening experiences in his childhood to a persistent pursuit of knowledge despite educational interruptions. Coming from a humble background, his passion for learning remained unwavering even after a fifty-year hiatus in his studies.
Dr. Tran Trung Tinh, the President of Can Tho University, commended Thanh’s remarkable dedication to education, acknowledging him as a unique student exemplifying lifelong learning.
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Can Tho University bestowed upon Thanh the “Lifetime Learning Spirit” scholarship worth 24 million VND in support of his academic aspirations.
Despite facing adversity, including life-threatening incidents and personal losses, Thanh’s enthusiasm for learning endured. After a prolonged academic pause due to family obligations, he decided to resume his studies with a firm resolve to earn his master’s degree.
With grown and accomplished children, three of whom are educators, Thanh has rekindled his academic pursuits, emphasizing his determination to realize his dream of attaining a master’s degree despite his age.
Emphasizing the perpetual nature of learning, Thanh considers it a lifelong pursuit with infinite possibilities, aiming to inspire younger individuals to approach their educational endeavors with seriousness and determination.
With aspirations to expand his research and make substantial contributions to literature, culture, and education following his master’s degree, Thanh views culture and the arts as expansive domains necessitating continual learning. He envisions pursuing a doctorate if his health allows, forging ahead on his educational odyssey of lifelong learning.
