The earless boy conquers the path of science

Pham Duc Chinh was born without a rim and ear canal, so it is hard to hear and slow to speak, but graduated with a good university degree, determined to become a chemist.

At 7 am, Chinh (26 years old, Thai Binh) was present at the laboratory of the Institute of Natural Products Research and Development, Hanoi University of Science and Technology. His usual working day begins with going to the lab to check the status of operating machinery while guiding students on graduation projects or experimenting to concentrate fruit juices.

Looking at the cranial deformed face, no cheekbones, cleft palate, no ear flaps and ear canal, few people think he graduated with excellent grades, being in the top 20 of the school, taking on the role of research assistant Research at the Institute. Chinh's job is dreamed by many people, but the way he came to this task is not "spreading roses."

Everyday Pham Duc Chinh cycles to school, although his home is only 1km away from the school.(Photo: Thuy An).

Chinh suffered from birth defects from an early age. Because of the lack of ear flap and ear canal, it is very difficult to hear. When he was three years old, he started to practice speaking. At 7 years old, in grade 1 Chinh clearly felt the difference with everyone.

"With looks unlike anyone, the incomplete facial structure forced me to learn to adapt and make efforts to go to school," he said. In 8th grade, Chinh was acquainted with Chemistry and was interested. He was enthralled, learned more about basic experiments or chemical reactions and thought "his future is here". Since then, the young Thai Binh suddenly found joy in going to school, and his academic achievements have improved. From the average student, Chinh has risen to become a good, excellent student, with a summary of chemistry at 9.

"Everyone thought that they could not go to school, even saying 'because of disability, teachers' support'. The insults were too numerous to mention in one day ," Chinh said.

Accidentally once, Chinh heard the teachers introduce about Hanoi University of Science and Technology, he decided to take an examination in the natural sciences department to pursue his dream of entering the university's faculty of chemical engineering.

Determining the path, Chinh exerts effort and is more strict with herself. Fortunately, he had the encouragement from his parents to have more motivation to move on."Chinh is an only child and has many disadvantages but never thought we would abandon her," said Vu Thi Oanh, Chinh's mother. Thanks to that, Chinh had never felt lost in his life.

In addition to his parents, Chinh has a close friend, Mr. Doan Trong Quang, 25 years old. From kindergarten, Quang went to school with Chinh. Rainy days, he went to take Chinh to school. During class time, he often repeated his teachers' words when Chinh could not hear clearly so everyone called them "friends to go forward". Quang also identifies himself as a loyal "guardian" and defends Chinh whenever he is teased by people.

"Everyone thinks that he is the one who helps Chinh but the opposite is true. Thanks to Chinh, I learned how to face up and live more meaningful everyday," Quang said.

8 hours at school, 2 hours at home, Chinh takes advantage of reading books, scientific documents and patents to find ways to apply accordingly.(Photo: Thuy An).

In 2012, Chinh passed the Hanoi University of Science and Technology with a score of 25.5 and subject 9 points. Being able to study far away from home would put additional burden on his parents, but the 1.5 meter boy wanted to try his new environment. In addition to self-study time, he is also supported by friends and teachers, to the lecture table where he could not hear.

"Here, I am welcomed because no one is discriminatory when interacting with a person with a disability. So I do not spend too much time settling down," Chinh said.

In 2017, he graduated with a good score of 3.2 and ranked in the top 20 of the school. Particularly, in the 1st and 3rd years, he is one of two people receiving A-class scholarships with a score of 3.9 / 4. During five years of schooling, Chinh regularly rode his bicycle to school, without a break, regardless of the weather. So far, he has written three scientific papers, including an international paper. He intends to continue scientific research to develop the competencies and subjects he is studying.

Two years later, he returned to graduate school and worked as an assistant to research and develop natural compound applications. According to Chinh, the research work was very busy and had to invest a lot of time. However, scientific research helps him forget all the troubles and difficulties in life. The boy immersed in experiments because to him, the joy of a scientist is to make interesting discoveries.

Chinh works in the laboratory.(Photo: Thuy An).

In addition to his free time, Chinh also likes to read books to improve his knowledge. The research books were laid down on his head, "like to reach out and read . " Claiming to be an optimist, Chinh has never felt sorry for being different. He always told himself to adapt and go up with his own ability.

"I don't want to be called disability, I want to be a normal person," Chinh said.