Thùy Linh

by Thanh Bui

Daily, a group of kids would stop by and play with SM work campers. Today was no different, except we had a young parent. As I approached to talk to her, her broad smile and excitement left little doubt how she feels about  the newly built school.

In addition to a 5 months old daughter, whom many campers were taking turn to hold, she also has a 9 years old daughter Đỗ Thùy Linh. Before I could say anything, Thùy Linh told me that she is really looking forward to attending the new school. She will be in 4th grade. She also told me that she won’t have to attend a school 5 km away. The distance doesn’t seem far until one considers the rough terrain and roads which are filled with pot holes these students have to navigate to attend school. For us, that 5 km takes a good 25 minutes. I can only imagine what it was like for her during monsoon season.

SM volunteer Carissa Nguyen meets Thuy Linh’s mother and baby sister, along with other local children

For us, when our bus transverses that segment of the road, we can feel the zigzag the driver has to take to avoid big pot holes. For many students, having the newly built school right on their back yard means a shorter commute but more importantly a greater chance to obtain education and succeed in life. 

Yes, I understand why that young parent was smiling and excited! I can understand why Thùy Linh is looking forward to attending the new school!