Dream
I am from a mountain area in Vietnam, where I grew up, never thinking that I could have a chance to study outside my country. Fortunately, I met Dr Lam Nguyen-Sy in my final year at HCM city university and he changed my mind and introduced me to his friend, Prof. Giang D Nguyen. Later, both of them brought me to their supervisor, Prof. Guy Houlsby who had offered many special opportunities to Vietnamese youngsters. I am sincerely most grateful to Prof. Guy Houlsby for what he has done for me so far. Prof. Guy Houlsby offered me a place to do a DPhil degree at Christ Church College Oxford, but my English was not good enough to satisfy entry requirements there. Doing research under the supervision of Professor Guy Houlsby would have been my dream, so Professor Guy Houlsby agreed to offer me another offer to do research under his supervision at Oxford, but I failed the second time. He then introduced me to his friend, Professor Mark Randolph and asked me where I would want to study, he would be happy to provide me with a supporting letter. At the time there were two main reasons why I chose to study at Imperial instead. First, the geotechnics section at Imperial is home to many leading figures, including one of the fathers of my research field, Sir Alec Skempton. Many alumni are Rankine lecturers who inspire me so much. Second, using particles in the simulations is a very powerful approach as everything in our lives is made of particles, from very tiny sands to giant stars. I think it is time for us to turn to use particles or combine both elements and particles in numerical simulations instead. Finally, Prof. Guy Houlsby and his former student, Prof. Giang D Nguyen got me into Imperial College by providing me with supporting letters. I have felt lucky that I have a chance to study in the geotechnics section at Imperial College where is home to many leading figures, the past members: Sir Alec Skempton, Professor Alan Bishop, Professor Peter Vaughan and the current members: Professor John Burland and Professor David Potts whose names are not unfamiliar to those who pursue research careers and work on geomechanics.
Without these privileges, I don’t know where I would stand now and how I could pursue my dream. I fully understand my privileged situation. I also understand that many youngsters in my country encounter great difficulties when pursuing their dream. I myself also have gone through all sorts of ups and downs in pursuit of my dream. I think I need to do something to help youngsters in my country. If they have chances to fulfil their potential they will be able to flourish in their chosen careers and contribute something to my country. I have been trying my best to help them have more opportunities to study in outstanding universities so that one day they can help more people in my country. (This was my dream when I applied for the Newton PhD scholarship).
I don’t know how much I can do to repay my benefactors for their assistance and encouragement, but I think I can do something for the talented ‘budding’ scientists (TBS project) in my country. Perhaps, this is the best way for me to express my gratitude.