" My name is Le Phuoc Tiep. I am 38 years old. I was born and raised in Huong Thuy Town, Hue City, Thua Thien Hue province. Because of difficult family circumstances, at the age of 16, I had to give up my education to work as a mason with my father.
While working as a mason, I was electrocuted, and fell off the scaffold. The accident resulted in a spinal cord injury and I completely lost the ability to walk. For many years after, I struggled with depression, always thought of myself as a burden to my family, and had suicidal thoughts.
I gradually adapted to my new life, learned to take care of myself, and developed a more positive way of thinking. I began studying computers and started working online.
A friend helped me attach a motor to my wheelchair so that I could transport myself to different companies to apply for jobs. However, the requirement for formal qualifications remains a barrier to me because all the knowledge I learned is collected on the internet.
In 2018, I received a wheelchair from Giving it Back to Kids. Knowing my passion, Giving it Back to Kids – in partnership with the “Laurie’s Scholars,” sponsored me to study at Hue Information Technology Center for advanced studies in graphics, Corel, and Adobe courses.
In October 2018, I was so excited to receive the first diploma in my life. After completing the courses, I worked online for a media and marketing company. My specific daily job is to use software and tools to adjust the advertising images of the products of our partner companies.
I love the work that I do and I am constantly learning new things to further my career. Although there is a lot of pressure at work, I am very happy and proud. This has been an opportunity for me to learn, strengthen myself, and be able to contribute more to the job I love.
Through having a stable job with a good income, I have been able to improve my own life and can help my elderly parents. Throughout my life and career, I have developed friends and have joined groups and communities. I believe that if you persevere, happiness will come to you. I am truly grateful to Giving it Back to Kids and “Laurie’s Scholars” for beginning a journey of hope in my life. I am living proof that small acts of kindness make a big difference."
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