Despite being assigned a teacher to assist with writing, Nguyen Gia Lam - a candidate in Ho Chi Minh City - insisted on using his elbows to complete the entire literature exam by hand, determined to fully express his own ideas.

Nguyen Gia Lam, a 12th grader at Dien Hong Secondary and High School in Ho Chi Minh City, breathes a sigh of relief after handwriting his literature exam entirely by himself.

Lam was a standout candidate in this year's national graduation exam, having lost all four limbs due to complications from a congenital heart surgery when he was just two years old.

In earlier practice exams, Lam would dictate his responses to teachers, but found it challenging to convey his full meaning that way. “This time, I wanted to write it myself,” Lam shared. “The prompt was meaningful - about the nation's 'era of rising'. Since I write slowly, I focused on clarity over length. I’m only worried my last essay didn’t reach the 600-word requirement.”

Lam expects to score between 6 and 7 points on the exam.

At Nguyen Tri Phuong Secondary School in District 10, Lam was assigned a private testing room with two proctors and one support staff member.

He used both elbows to grip the pen, pressing it to paper and maneuvering with his arms to write. “Writing it myself is better than dictating. It’s hard to capture my full intent otherwise, and it takes longer,” Lam explained.

For multiple-choice subjects like Math, English, and Informatics, Lam will rely on support staff to fill in answers. After completing the subject he was most anxious about, Lam said he felt relieved and more confident for upcoming tests.

“Since becoming aware of my disability, I’ve never let it discourage me,” Lam said. “I try to study hard so my family won’t worry and so I can be financially independent one day.”

From primary school, Lam has handled daily tasks on his own. His twin brother helps take him to school, and classmates carry him when needed. He writes on his own and uses computers and phones with his elbows.

Nguyen Thi Manh, Lam’s mother, shared that he has worked exceptionally hard for this year's exam, driven by his dream to become a graphic design student. “The twins care deeply for each other and always support one another. I'm worried, but I believe both of them will do well,” she said.

On exam day, Lam's twin took the test at a different center, so their older sister brought Lam early to help him prepare mentally.

Volunteer students carried Lam to his private testing room on the second floor at Nguyen Tri Phuong Secondary School.

Lam remains optimistic, thanks to the love and support he receives from family, friends, and teachers. He plans to apply for a university graphic design program using a subject combination that includes Informatics - his favorite and strongest subject. His dream is to build a career in design and become financially independent.

Nguyen Hue