The story of Sam Nang, in her final year of our Girls' Education Program

By Chau Doan 
Communication Manager 
Room to Read in Vietnam 

"I want people to see me as someone of value, someone who can stand on her own feet." – Sam Nang, a Grade 12 student in the 2026 class of Room to Read’s Gender Equality Program at the Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities in Vĩnh Long province, Vietnam  

Sam Nang is known for her academic achievements. First place in her district-level physics competition. Third place in the provincial-level science and technology contest. First place in the district-level Youth and Children's Creativity competition. And first place in the provincial-level physics experiment competition.  

"Many of my friends and family say I have big dreams," she said during our conversation, “but I don’t think of it that way. I just know that I have the ability to do it, and I am making it happen."

"My greatest strength is studying," she continued. "I can study intensely, forgetting to eat or sleep. Look at my hands covered in chalk! I just finished solving a math problem. I struggled with it, so I kept solving it over and over until I got it right. Once I solve it, I feel very satisfied."  


 

Last year, Sam Nang was the only student from ethnic minority communities in Vĩnh Long province — located in the Mekong Delta of southwestern Vietnam — selected to attend the National Commendation Ceremony for Outstanding Ethnic Minority Students in Hanoi. She was one of roughly 150 students chosen for academic excellence from more than 50 ethnic minority and historically under-resourced communities across Vietnam.  

Her selection, she acknowledged, with humble hesitancy, was a big deal. Sam Nang’s parents divorced when she was young, and she has since lived with her mother and grandmother. Her family has no farmland — essential for financial well-being in the agricultural-based economy of Vĩnh Long province — and most of their income is made through her mother’s wages as a laborer. Occasionally, her father provides financial support from selling lottery tickets. The entire family resides in government-subsidized housing.  

Sam Nang considers herself fortunate to study at the Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, where she receives support for accommodation, meals and other expenses. The additional aid from Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program allows her to focus entirely on learning and making choices about her future. Given her family’s limited means, she often has to work harder than her peers. 

"I want a better life," she said. "I want choices. I want to take care of my mother and grandmother."

Ms. Thạch Thị Sô Vương, a Room to Read Girls’ Education Program coordinator in Vietnam, describes Sam Nang as "a pioneering spirit who is unafraid to take on new challenges, always ready to take responsibility and complete tasks. She is an excellent class president. She is honest and straightforward, confident in public speaking, highly self-disciplined in learning and enjoys reading."    


 

When asked about the role of life skills classes in her personal and academic development, Sam Nang shared: "In these classes, we often act out hypothetical situations and problem-solve. One time, the teacher asked how we would handle a specific scenario. I came up with what I thought was a great solution, but when I heard a classmate’s response, I was surprised — it was much more flexible than mine. That’s when I realized my approach was still a bit rigid. Thanks to these classes, I’ve learned a lot about communication, speaking clearly and coherently, and handling situations tactfully."  

"Life skills education has helped me present my ideas in a structured, logical way," she added.   

Sam Nang once dreamed of becoming a doctor, but the expense, she noted, has her considering different professional paths. Becoming a teacher, she shared, is of interest as well. Beyond being more affordable, it would, she believes, bring her great fulfillment.

But for now, in this last year of school, she just wants to focus on her studies. 

"I want to study!" she said, passionately. "And I want to find a good job. I am in the process of asking myself what I truly enjoy and what I should pursue. Once I find that answer, I will dedicate myself completely to my goal. I want to become someone of value."

Learn how life skills SHape life choices