The Unyielding Journey of Visually Impaired Young Man Nguyen Nhat Phuc

For Phuc, this is more than a passion or a livelihood. It is a way to affirm himself after a long journey marked by profound challenges.

Rising Above Adversity

A graduate of Thang Long High School for the Gifted in Da Lat, Nguyen Nhat Phuc (born in 1997) once had a promising future ahead as a student at the Foreign Trade University in Ho Chi Minh City, majoring in International Economics. Like many young people, he had clear goals, ambitions and a steady path toward building his future.

In 2019, his life took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had to undergo surgery during his fourth year at university. When he regained consciousness, he had lost his sight completely.

For nearly a year, Phuc and his family sought every possible treatment in the hope of restoring his sight, but nothing changed.

Losing his vision was a devastating blow for a young man in his prime. Yet Phuc refused to give in to fate. He gradually overcame the hardship, guided by a belief he still holds today: “Blindness is not a misfortune; it is merely an inconvenience.”

In the early days, he had to relearn everything—from mobility and using a phone to simple daily tasks such as pouring water, personal care and cooking. Falls, burns and cuts did not discourage him; instead, they strengthened his resolve.

Step by step, he adapted to life in darkness, regaining independence in daily living and household tasks.

As he grew accustomed to his new reality, his desire for knowledge reignited. Phuc decided to defer his studies at the Foreign Trade University and enrolled in Business Administration at Da Lat University.

As the only visually impaired student, he faced significant challenges. He relied on listening instead of reading, memorizing instead of seeing, and recording lectures to review them repeatedly. Through relentless effort, he successfully graduated.

Not stopping there, Phuc pursued a degree in English Language at Nha Trang University, graduating as valedictorian. He also earned the top distinction in simultaneous interpreting (cabin interpreting) and achieved an IELTS score of 7.5.

These remarkable accomplishments reflect a journey of perseverance, where every step forward demanded extraordinary effort.

Continuing the Dream

After graduation, Phuc worked as a medical translator and interpreter at the Pasteur Medical Center in Da Lat and as a freelance translator for the Cam Ly - Da Lat Ward People’s Committee.

Despite the high level of accuracy required, he performed well thanks to his linguistic ability and focus. At the same time, he embarked on a new path—starting a business inspired by his love for cooking.

“I’ve always enjoyed being in the kitchen. Da Lat is known for its yogurt, so I tried making some for friends and colleagues. To my surprise, they loved it and began placing orders. That’s how my yogurt shop was born,” Phuc shared.

With an initial investment of around VND 30 million, he launched his yogurt business in late 2024. From a small home kitchen, he gradually built his own model, promoting products on social media platforms and at local markets.

With passion and skill, Phuc created a range of appealing products, including fresh yogurt, dried yogurt and yogurt-based chocolate. What began as support from acquaintances has steadily grown into a customer base of local residents and tourists.

Today, he sells approximately 1,500 jars of yogurt per month, generating income and motivating him to further pursue his entrepreneurial journey.

Accompanying him throughout this journey, his mother, Do Thi Chuc, shared emotionally: when Phuc lost his sight, she was deeply shocked and heartbroken. She has always supported and encouraged him. Seeing him regain joy in life, strive in his studies, secure stable work and pursue his passion through entrepreneurship fills her with pride.

Nguyen Nhat Phuc’s story is not merely one of hardship, but also of resilience and determination. Though he no longer sees the light with his eyes, he has ignited his own light—through knowledge, perseverance and unwavering belief in himself.

From the humblest beginnings, he is quietly shaping a broader future—one where limitations are not defined by circumstances, but by how one chooses to overcome them.