That was the sincere yet thought-provoking reflection shared by Minh Nhật, a fifth-grade student from class 5Karan. Not known for an outstanding academic record, Minh Nhật’s first impression is of a quiet, single-lidded boy, reserved and shy around strangers. Yet behind that introverted and timid exterior lies a warm and compassionate heart.
When asked about Minh Nhật, Ms. Thu Hằng – his homeroom teacher – immediately recalled the image of a petite boy who always carried his beloved Capybara plush toy. “Minh Nhật quietly observes and shows his care for others through subtle, thoughtful gestures. If he notices the classroom chairs are out of place, he’ll straighten each one without being asked. Once, seeing a classmate crying while I was comforting them, he ran to the canteen and bought a sweet treat to cheer them up,” Ms. Hằng shared.
One memory in particular still moves her deeply: “It was a scorching day, and the class was getting back on the bus after a field trip. Minh Nhật was the last to board, and I scolded him for being late. Later, I found out he had stayed behind to buy me an ice cream. The line was long, and he had to wait for the vendor to return his change, but he patiently stood there because he noticed everyone else had something to eat, and he thought I, who had spent the whole day leading the group, hadn’t had anything.”
Minh Nhật’s growth at Dewey hasn’t come from a single breakthrough moment but from a consistent, steady journey of daily effort. When he transferred to Dewey in Grade 4, he struggled to keep up with the curriculum and had to attend after-school support classes. His home is over 20 kilometers from school, and he often doesn’t get home until after 6:30 p.m.—yet he never gave up. In the early days, Minh Nhật was afraid of making mistakes and hesitant when facing challenging assignments. But remembering his teacher’s mantra, “I can do it,” he gradually learned to stay calm and accept mistakes as a natural part of learning and improvement. Since joining Dewey, he has developed a love for reading, saying it helps him manage his emotions and reflect more deeply.
Despite the long commute, Minh Nhật has never been late to school. Even on days when his braces caused pain and eating was difficult, he still refused to miss class. When asked what he feels most grateful and happy about, he answered without hesitation: “My dad decided to let me stay at Dewey until Grade 12. I know it’s a big financial commitment, but seeing me happy and excited to go to school every day, he chose to give me that gift.”
Minh Nhật’s story of kindness, perseverance, and quiet generosity reaffirms our belief in the true values of education—where grades and achievements are not the only measure of a child’s worth. Academic success is admirable, but it is merely a small starting point in life. Before becoming accomplished individuals, we hope our students grow to be those who strive to improve themselves, love, and care for others. Because learning to be a kind person is the most solid foundation on the journey to becoming someone with both heart and vision. As one saying goes, “In a world full of rankings, medals, and accomplishments, no one truly lives by perfect scores. What sustains us is a heart that’s never been marked down.”
