‘Rooted in humble beginnings, shaped by adversity, transformed by education’

‘Rooted in humble beginnings, shaped by adversity, transformed by education’

This is how Ca Thi Cuc, a Thai ethnic minority student, described her journey to attain the Opportunity Scholarship at RMIT University Vietnam.

Mai Cuc (pictured left) received the Opportunity Scholarship at a recent ceremony taking place at RMIT Vietnam's Hanoi campus. Mai Cuc (pictured left) received the Opportunity Scholarship at a recent ceremony taking place at RMIT Vietnam's Hanoi campus.

Born into a farming family in a remote village in Son La province, Ca Thi Cuc (Mai Cuc) is passionate about education. Her family – a Thai ethnic minority group, live in a near-poor household in the commune, under difficult economic conditions.

“In my village, being able to attend school is a stroke of luck. Every day, I woke up at 4am to study, and then walked to school along a muddy road past a cemetery. I hardly ever had breakfast, but sometimes I brought along some leftover rice,” Cuc recalled.

For a family of five members at the time, Cuc's parents had to put forth significant effort to ensure that she and her elder siblings received a proper education. Her father only completed fifth grade while her mother was illiterate. Her mother was the one who motivated her on her educational journey, saying that, “The only way to reach the place you want to be and the person you want to become is through studying diligently.”

However, in 2020, the hopes for the future of the young Thai girl were shattered when her parents unexpectedly passed away amidst the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

“In April 2020, my mother unfortunately departed due to a stroke. In July 2020, my father also had a stroke and departed this life due to serious illness”.

Cuc reflected on the challenging period marked by a series of unfortunate consecutive family events that left her and her siblings with no one to rely on. “I completely broke down, both mentally and physically,” Cuc said.

In this moment of uncertainty, she discovered KOTO, Vietnam’s first social enterprise dedicated to helping disadvantaged children become educated and confident.

After attending school for 18 months, she was given a six-month internship opportunity at the prestigious five-star New World Phu Quoc Resort as a food and beverage waitress.

However, deep within her, the dream of attending university never waned. Cuc aspired to further her education so that, upon returning to her hometown, she could inspire the younger children in her village to pursue their studies, and convey the significance of education.

Thanks to KOTO’s introduction, Cuc learned about the Opportunity Scholarship at RMIT Vietnam. After finding information on the Graphic Design program, she seized this opportunity, propelling her life's journey forward.

“Since I was a kid, I have had a profound passion for art and aesthetics", Cuc said. “Since I was a kid, I have had a profound passion for art and aesthetics", Cuc said.

“Since I was a kid, I have had a profound passion for art and aesthetics. At KOTO, I channelled this talent to decorate coffee shops, brainstorm ideas, and adorn classrooms and my dormitory, filling me with immense joy as I created beautiful spaces.”

Cuc is driven by creativity and hopes that everyone could see and connect with the artworks she creates. “I’m proud of my products because I put my whole heart into them”, she said.

When Cuc knew the result of her Opportunity Scholarship application, she was emotional. “I could only look up at the sky and say, 'Mum, Dad! Are you watching me? I did it, and I know you'll be very proud of me!'" Cuc recalled.

Mr Jimmy Pham, the founder and CEO of KOTO, was the first person Cuc shared this exciting news with. He said, “This scholarship is also a celebration of her indomitable spirit, a resilient ethnic minority girl who was told constantly she would never amount to anything, now has the opportunity to re-ignite her dream again”.

“Mai Cuc's journey, from the depths of loss to the heights of scholarship, reminds us that no obstacle is insurmountable when you have a dream worth pursuing. She stands on the cusp of a new chapter in her life, ready to take flight. Her story is a beacon of hope and an inspiration to all who face adversity”.

Mai Cuc and Mr Jimmy Pham (wearing hat) at the Scholarship ceremony. Mai Cuc and Mr Jimmy Pham (wearing hat) at the Scholarship ceremony.

Jimmy also shared the impact of RMIT’s Opportunity Scholarship, “RMIT’s commitment to creating an educational pathway into leadership for our alumni has benefited more than ten individuals and counting. It gives hope to someone like Mai Cuc, who will undoubtedly go on to be the change they wish to see in this world”.

For Cuc, “It is vital to learn every day to become a better version of myself. I am able to live happily and healthily with knowledge, no matter if it is a little or a lot. One per cent is still an effort.”

Mai Cuc, named after the daisy – a pure and resilient wildflower, reflected, “Happiness is the path I access through education, self-improvement, and understanding the world around me. This happens when I am immersed in a civilised and compassionate educational environment like RMIT,” she said.

Story: June Pham

27 October 2023

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