Initially a literature teacher, Pham Kim Hoang (born in 1951, living in Cai Lay district, Tien Giang province), has successfully defended her Master of Business Administration thesis at Van Hien University, at the age of 71. Intending to set an example for her children and grandchildren, she travels 200km through 6 buses to campus to study. This is an inspirational story for young people about the spirit of lifelong learning.
Ms. Pham shared, "Investing in knowledge is never a loss of capital. I hope that if I am eager to learn, my children will see that and be more determined". Under the scientific and dedicated guidance of Assoc.Prof.Dr. Doan Thi My Hanh, a full-time lecturer at Van Hien University, her topic "Satisfaction of domestic tourists to Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village in Tien Giang province" was highly appreciated by members of the Council for good analytical data, presentation method, and theoretical basis. She successfully defended the thesis with a result of 7.4 points. It's not simply about gaining a master's degree; the lessons we can learn from her are highly precious.
Ms. Pham in the master's thesis defense session
Lifelong learning role model for children
"The road to the Master of Business Administration program was an unexpected decision. I have been teaching literature for a long time. I want to learn another field to change the atmosphere. Hopefully, with the knowledge I have learned, I will have good advice for my children. Because of old age, I'm not familiar with technology, studying economic subjects also poses many difficulties for me, while I'm more familiar with the literature. But I have foreseen these things, so I am still determined to overcome them. If others can do it, I can do it too." Ms. Pham said.
Over 200km with six trips to school
Every day, Ms. Pham has to travel 200km through 6 buses to go to the campus
To study at 6 pm, Ms. Pham took a bus from 2 pm, departing from Cai Lay (Tien Giang). Arriving at the Western bus station (HCMC), she continued to take bus number 14 to Le Dai Hanh street (District 11, HCMC). From there, continue to take bus 27 to Van Hien University (613 Au Co campus, Tan Phu district).
She said with a smile: "The regular bus that took her to complete her MBA program was number 14 and number 27. Every day she goes back 200km and six trips. There were late classes, and the bus ended; I had to take the grab car to the Western bus station and take the bus home, sometimes arriving home at 11 pm. Her class has many friends who live far away, have small children, etc. but still manage to school. She found herself still much more comfortable. If you have made a choice, you must be determined to do it" she said optimistically.
See learning as joy and happiness
Ms. Pham Kim Hoang (bottom row, right) took a commemorative photo with the Review Board of the Master Thesis
Sometimes, she was "angry" with her friends because she had to go to school, absent from meetings. But she believes that each retiree has a different way of spending free time. She considers going to school a joy every day; from joy comes happiness.
Ms. Pham confided: "Coming from the countryside to school was very tiring. But the security guards always greeted me warmly, and the sanitary staff also asked if I was tired from the tríp. Those things are small, but I feel happy, and the atmosphere at school is like a family."
While studying in Master of Business Administration at Van Hien University, the thing that impressed her the most was the teaching staff. Because teachers, in addition to teaching in the classroom, also take on many important positions in businesses, the knowledge imparted to students is efficient and valuable. If you still have questions, you can email or phone the teachers to ask, and they answer timely. But besides that, the teachers are also very strict with studying.
With the topic "Satisfaction of domestic tourists to Dong Hoa Hiep ancient village in Tien Giang province," Ms. Hoang wishes to contribute a small part to the development of her homeland
Asking for a message to young people, she shared: "Actually, everyone has a different choice. If it is not because of barriers that force us to stop, let's continue to move on, determined to do it to the end. As long as there is a will, the difficulties are not a barrier to prevent us from achieving our goals.”
Sharing about this "special student", Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thien - Honorary Rector of Van Hien University said: "Ms. Pham is an image I admire very much about the spirit of "lifelong learning", constantly improve knowledge. For older students like Ms. Pham, the university always creates the best learning conditions, flexibility in terms of time, etc. to help students complete the course.”
“Besides the prestige and brand of Van Hien University, Ms. Pham is an "inspiration" for young people as well as the elderly to realize their dreams with many different fields of study.”