Reporter: Hello Mrs Anh, firstly, it’s my honour to have you here, sharing stories relating to Hanoi-Amsterdam High School. Can you introduce a little bit about yourself, as well as your relationship with the school?

Mrs Anh: Hello AWW, I’m Nguyen Hoang Anh, Bio Amser 87-90, which was one of the earliest generations of Hanoi - Ams. I’m currently the Vice Head of Environmental Quality Control Department, working at the General Department of Environment. At that time, when information was not as popular and widely spread as it is these days, being able to apply and take tests for this school was really “lucky”. I can still clearly remember the day I took the test: crying because I forgot my identification card. It was so fortunate that a parent drove me back to Buoi, and when I had my card, there was only half of the time remaining. However, I still managed to get in, which is so thrilling even until now.

Mrs Anh’s joy when calling back old memories

Reporter: Despite such a long time, I’m sure that you still have so much love for Hanoi - Ams. So, what does this school mean to you?

Mrs Anh: My love towards this school is very deeply-rooted. From the starting point until graduation day, each of us sit in one corner of the school with our eyes full of tears, and we can still remember even a line of trees or a corner of the wall. Honestly, in my dreams, memories of the innocent, joyful days are always coming back, enlivening my busy daily routines.

Reporter: As I have known and researched, when you were studying, the school was still located on Nam Cao street, so can you tell us as well as Amsers of new generations some special features about the school at that time?

Mrs Anh: For us at that time, the school was the most beautiful, lovely and modern. In the past, streets were empty, houses were sparse, there was even a small pond on the side of Nui Truc street, but it was still so beautiful. Our class specialized in Biology so we were often allowed to plant trees (the line of beefwood now is also our work), and we even grew worms, which was so scary, however, I am still very proud to have been an Amser. Giang Vo lake nearby was large, was romantic, but it was nothing when compared to the P.E. lessons as we had to run around that lake. We once hoped that the lake could fit inside our palms (*laughed).

Reporter: After graduating, you must have come back to visit the school. Do you have any special memories when revisiting this old home of yours?

Mrs Anh: Of course. Whenever I come back, I will have a different impression about the school, the generations. As I am able to meet old teachers and friends, I feel like I am living back in the past. I can also be considered an active member of voluntary activities, tributes to teachers,... so Ams for me is always a family.

Reporter: In the world of technology, learning and working methods are also changing. Do you see any difference in the new generations of Amsers?

Mrs Anh: I really respect the history, as well as appreciate the present and hope for the future. Each period has its own methods, and we must change. Standing still means falling behind, especially for gifted Amsers, so we have to be courageous to adopt new values with careful consideration. That are the true Amsers!

Reporter: Lastly, do you want to say anything to the students and teachers - who are making this school better everyday?

Mrs Anh: I just want to say one thing: “Preserve and develop the values of Ams, so that Ams will continue growing more strongly in the future!”

Reporter: So that’s the end of this interview. AWW is very pleased to have your support and we hope that the love for Ams will always be in your heart!

Reporter: Tran Ngoc Minh - CE 1922

Photo: Mrs Anh

Translator: Truong Hai Ha - EC 1922