From Zero to Hero: A Sa Pa Girl's Journey to Language Proficiency

A journey of learning English from scratch
Sung Thi Dinh is from a Mong family in Lao Cai province. She dropped out of school and got married early, but she still loved learning.
Dinh joined a 3-month English class in 2019.
Dinh went to class because she liked it. She was a beginner and thought she might not master the language.
Dinh didn't understand English at first and was shy about her pronunciation.
Dinh used simple learning methods like memorizing new words and practicing pronunciation.
Dinh used new vocabulary in daily life and became more confident speaking.
Dinh wanted to share her ethnic culture with others and become a tour guide.
Dinh realized Sa Pa had potential for sustainable tourism, motivating her to learn English.
Dinh worked as a tour guide to earn extra income and improve her English.
The job helped Dinh communicate with foreign tourists and improve her pronunciation.
English changed Dinh's life
Dinh worked as a tour guide for a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dinh took on various jobs to earn a living during the pandemic.
Dinh applied for a job as a receptionist and manager at a homestay after tourism recovered.
Dinh learned to welcome guests, manage bookings, and handle issues at the homestay.
Dinh started her own tourism business with VND100 million in savings.
Dinh learned to use a computer, sell tours online, and improve her English writing.
Dinh learned the most during this time and achieved things she never dreamed of.
Dinh shares stories about ethnic cultures with visitors on every tour.
Dinh's business is successful, with a stable volume of guests and jobs created for 10 people.
Dinh wants to show that girls can master their finances and be free to do what they like.
Dinh operates tours, creates jobs, and opens a small English class to support students.
Dinh hopes everyone understands the importance of English in work and life.
Ha Nguyen