A journey shaped by resilience

As a recipient of RMIT Vietnam’s Opportunity Scholarship in 2025, Hoang Thi Quynh has found strength in adversity and set her sights on a future in psychology. From the forests of Kon Tum to her independent life in Hanoi, Quynh is unlocking new doors for her own future.

Every afternoon after school, young Hoang Thi Quynh would return home to help her mother collect latex from rubber trees. From grade 5 to grade 12, this routine became a part of her life. Amidst the vast rubber plantations, the image of her mother working tirelessly became the driving force behind Quynh’s determination to excel in both study and life.

Those years were far from easy, but they laid the foundation for Quynh’s unwavering spirit and strong desire to learn.

Growing up in a remote commune in the former Kon Tum province (now part of Quang Ngai province), Quynh worked hard to become the best version of herself, eventually becoming the valedictorian of Tran Quoc Tuan High School in the 2023 national high school graduation exam.

Each day, she travelled 15 kilometres along steep mountain roads to get to school but always brought a sense of optimism to class.

“What impresses me the most about Quynh is her determination to channel adversity into a source of strength and progress,” recalled Ms Bui Thi Hanh, Quynh’s grade 12 homeroom teacher. “She often worked after school to support her family but never let it affect her studies.”

After graduating from high school, Quynh was accepted into a university in Hanoi. Her mother took out a bank loan by mortgaging their small house so Quynh could study in the capital city like her peers.

With no relatives or acquaintances in Hanoi, Quynh was entirely on her own in the big city. After one semester, she had to pause her studies due to financial strain and her mother’s declining health caused by severe bone and joint deterioration. Instead of returning home, Quynh chose to stay in Hanoi to work and save up for a new opportunity to continue her studies.

Working to live and learn

Over the past two years, Quynh has mainly worked as a private tutor, teaching mathematics and Vietnamese to primary and secondary school students, earning around VND100,000-200,000 per session. She also volunteers to teach children with visual impairment, spreading hope and care to those striving to grow on their own journeys. Beyond that, she actively participates in social and community projects to learn new skills and expand her network.

One of Quynh’s most notable achievements is her role as co-founder and project manager of GreenHeart, a project under the VN&5C community. In this capacity, she coordinates the sale of handmade items crafted from recycled materials, along with other eco-friendly products, to raise funds for children in mountainous regions. Under her leadership, the project has attracted numerous volunteers from both Vietnam and abroad.

“Old doesn’t mean useless – just give it a chance, and it will shine in its own way,” is the message Quynh and her team want to convey through each recycled item.

A new beginning with the RMIT scholarship

Quynh learned about RMIT Vietnam’s Opportunity Scholarship from an alumnus who had previously received it. After thorough research, she applied and was officially named one of four recipients in October 2025.

The scholarship covers tuition fees for English and undergraduate programs, a monthly living stipend, a laptop, and a home travel allowance. For Quynh, these are invaluable resources that allow her to continue her academic journey.

Starting February 2026, Quynh will enrol in RMIT’s UniSTART program to improve her English and academic skills in an international learning environment. She will then begin her Bachelor of Psychology program.

To be better prepared for next year, Quynh is currently taking one-on-one English classes with Ha Viet Tinh, a former Opportunity Scholarship recipient, in addition to daily self-study. Though the journey ahead will be challenging with new friends to make and a new environment to get accustomed to, Quynh believes such difficulties will become growth opportunities.

“If everything goes well, I hope to pursue a master’s degree and become a therapist in a hospital or a lecturer in psychology,” Quynh said.

“I’ve been passionate about psychology since I was 16. I’m truly happy to be getting closer to this dream of mine.”

From the winding mountain roads of Kon Tum to an international university, Hoang Thi Quynh is a living testament to the power of resilience and initiative. She has not only overcome adversity but also turned challenges into opportunities to learn, contribute, and inspire others.

Story: Ngoc Hoang