A mother's tears and the moment of growing up.

On the stage of the competition for female students with disabilities, Anh Ngoc shone with her intelligent and confident answer:I – a candle that bent twice – have grown up today. I still burn brightly, and so will you!"

Nguyen Khanh sent this to USSH.

Ánh Ngọc was crowned the winner of the "Beauty of the Crescent Moon" contest on the evening of April 14, 2013.

Anh Ngoc was born with scoliosis, so from the age of just 9 months, she had to endure endless months of treatment at the hospital. At the age of 4, due to her worsening condition, Anh Ngoc began to wear a spinal brace. Recalling those days, Ms. Tran Thi Giau – Anh Ngoc's mother – still sheds tears because she feels sorry for her daughter:The mother and daughter hadwrestling"We talked together every time we went to the Central Children's Hospital for treatment. Seeing my child in pain while wearing the brace, my heart ached, I felt so helpless.""Even illness seemed to prevent Anh Ngoc from receiving a normal education like her peers. These were the first challenges of life that came to Ngoc."

For many years, she wore a "protective vest" to school, and was often teased by her classmates. However, the innocence of childhood and her sociable nature helped Anh Ngoc get through those difficult times. Despite the inconveniences caused by her illness, Anh Ngoc excelled academically, enthusiastically participated in class activities, and served as an active class leader from grades 1 to 8. Her proactive and independent nature was also cultivated early on. In particular, she always strived and studied diligently, hoping to achieve the best grades to alleviate some of her parents' worries.

Jackie Chan/USSH

'We cannot change our destiny, but we can change our attitude towards life.'

"We cannot change our destiny, but we can change our attitude towards life."—Anh Ngoc realized a truth very early on—which is also a humane way of behaving, helping you to have a more optimistic and open view of life, and forming the foundation for future joy and happiness."

In ninth grade, in an effort to give their daughter a normal life, Anh Ngoc's parents saved up money to take her to the Vietnam-France Hospital for spinal surgery. The surgery failed. Anh Ngoc was left paralyzed on one side of her body and could no longer walk normally. Her parents suffered another major shock. Waking up in her hospital bed, when the doctor informed her of this truth, seeing the tears streaming down her mother's face, Ngoc knew she had to stand strong.That was the moment I realized I needed to grow up, to live more responsibly towards my parents and everyone else. I also suddenly realized that, despite the misfortunes, life is still so precious and worth living!"—Ngoc shared. Love for family and positive thoughts about life once again helped her overcome the pain."

Ngoc's perseverance and desire to succeed in life have earned her much sympathy and support from friends and those around her. Ngoc continued her studies with even greater determination, aiming to enroll in the Psychology program at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.They say: you make your way in life thanks to your friends. And it was the teachers and senior students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities who were the first to open their arms to welcome me."—Ngoc confided. Right before the entrance exam, Anh Ngoc was introduced to and got to know, exchanging experiences with disabled students at the Hoa Da Club (University of Social Sciences and Humanities), and the Hanoi Independent Living Center. The students from the University even went to her hometown in Hai Duong to persuade her parents to let her take the exam and study in Hanoi. Although worried about their daughter's ability to manage living alone in Hanoi, her parents were deeply moved by the kindness of her teachers and friends, and her determination. From then on, the days spent in Hanoi for the exam to the time she settled into her life and studies were filled with happiness for Anh Ngoc, thanks to the care and support of her friends, teachers, and the University."You are a lucky person!"—That's how Anh Ngoc always talks about herself, with a radiant smile always on her face."

Jackie Chan/USSH

With the help of senior students, Ngoc was able to rent a suitable house near the school. Although her mother wasn't always around, with the support of her friends, Ngoc still studied well and actively participated in social activities.

Speaking about the Miss Crescent Moon pageant, the psychology student said it was one of her most beautiful memories. The competition provided a platform for people with disabilities to interact and showcase their unique beauty and values. Anh Ngoc got to know and learn about the life stories of many other people with disabilities. Each person was unique, but to Ngoc, they were all beautiful, resilient, and eager to become useful members of society. Winning the top prize was an unimaginable joy for Anh Ngoc. She entered the competition simply to challenge herself and have more opportunities to socialize and make friends. Anh Ngoc experienced the competition with all its initial surprises and innocence. It was her first time standing on stage to give a speech about her mother in the talent competition, being made up and dressed beautifully for her performance, and her first time expressing her thoughts about life, about overcoming challenges, and affirming her own values. Ánh Ngọc's outstanding performance instilled confidence and inspiration in many audience members present in the hall during the final night. It was the image of a candle, even though it was a "curved twice"But it still shines brightly with its own strong will and unwavering belief in life."

After the competition, Ngoc returned to her work as a psychology student with the dream of becoming a psychotherapist in the future. She found many positive meanings in this profession, namely:Healing the emotional wounds of others is also a way of healing your own heart.Currently, Ngoc is also planning to work with friends on a project to establish a psychological therapy center for people with disabilities, while actively participating in social activities, especially community activities that help people with disabilities confidently integrate and develop their abilities, contributing to society.

Jackie Chan/USSH

"The most precious thing to me is my mother's love. She is irreplaceable in my life."

"What is the most important and valuable thing to you in life?"Anh Ngoc was moved to tears: "The most precious thing to me is my mother's love. My mother is irreplaceable in my life."Besides that are life experiences, there are joys and sorrows, sweetness and bitterness. But the important thing is that through these experiences, people become more mature, understand the values ​​of life, and learn to empathize and love others more."Life is about acceptance, struggle, and overcoming."—Anh Ngoc said—"Open your hearts and we will find moments of happiness."