Interviewer: Hello, miss! I would like to start off by thanking you for agreeing to sit down for today’s interview. Would you mind telling us what inspired you to pursue a career in teaching and become a Technology teacher?

Ms. Hang: When I was younger, I had quite the individuality. My parents urged me to follow this profession in hopes that it would discipline me and help me better get along with those around me. Education requires its pursuers to mind their mannerisms, as it is an industry with demanding ethical standards. For that, my parents chose this path so I would learn to listen and understand the people around me. 

Interviewer: After all those years in the teaching profession, what do you love most about your career? 

Ms. Hang: When I graduated from university, my prospects were boundless, though I ultimately chose to teach. At first, I was yet to decide whether I would pursue such a career, but what completely changed my mind was when I caught sight of my teachers - those men and women always brimming with genuine devotion, ready to give their students the world. In that very moment, I was truly touched by how they would always love and protect even me, the most difficult student among my classmates. The first few days of teaching was infinitely strenuous and taxing. As a fresh university graduate with frustratingly little experience and a myriad worries about life, I was more than a little discouraged. However, my very students were the reason why I love this profession so much. If I were to switch to another career right this instant, what I’ll sorely miss most would be the youthful and creative faces of those children - the force that drives me to keep going every day. 

Interviewer: Having successfully provided guidance for countless generations of students, is there any great difference between current students and those in the past? How so?

Ms. Hang: Personally, I think that there are quite a few major differences between the first and current generation I was put in charge of. Perhaps such a prominent difference was caused by society’s demands and influence, requiring students back then to grow into people corresponding to the developmental needs of their society. Therefore, it is only understandable for there to be distinction between different generations of students. 

The youthful and vivacious teacher, on holiday with her family

Interviewer: Technology is a subject that has made it into the curriculum of high school students. Though the knowledge is challenging to comprehend and slightly outside of our field of understanding, your classes remain constant in their captivating and amusing quality. What is your secret?

Ms. Hang: I hold fast to the opinion that once I decide to do something, I will put every fiber of myself into it. Even in my affection for someone, there are times when I feel like love has its ups and downs. Regardless, despite everything, my love will forever remain constant, unchanging. And when I invest actual effort, love and energy into my lectures, my classes will be filled with exuberance and I truly, genuinely believe that my students will feel the liveliness as well. That is the core drive that motivates me to always do my best in my work and turn dogmatic, dull lectures into something more vibrant.

Ms. Hang, elegant in her ao dai the color of flames, holding a bouquet of fresh sunflowers

Interviewer: Finally, would you mind sharing with us one of your most cherished moments between you and your beloved students on this 20th of November?

Ms. Hang: This actually happened quite a long time ago. On this occasion in prior years, because I was teaching the subject of agriculture, a student gifted me something related to this subject, which they had spent countless hours preparing at home. They had given me a watermelon as a gift, and it was the sweetest thing I’ve ever received. I still remember that the student was someone reserved in class, rarely ever expressing their personal opinions and emotions with their peers or with me. Because of that, on the 20th of November of that year, I was immensely surprised to receive a gift that showed me both their profound dedication and affection through such a simple item. They were also quite thoughtful to have recognized the connection between me and their gift. That was why, even until now, the simple gift still shines radiantly in my mind, not because of any costly material worth, but because of the warmth of its sentimental value, almost overspilling with love.

Interviewer: Thank you for participating in today’s interview. On this occasion of the 20th of November, I wish you good health and boundless happiness, as well as many more successes in your career!

The thoughts of Ms. Do Thi Vinh Hang - a youthful Technology teacher of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School - have lifted the curtains and allowed us a glimpse of the passion of each and every teacher on their journey to teach generations of talented and energetic students. On this Vietnamese Teacher’s Day, Ams Wide Web would like to wish every teacher good health, happiness, joy and passion in their teaching careers. Your efforts and enthusiasm will always leave a glowing imprint in our minds - the imprint of our talented and dedicated “captains”.

Author: Nguyen Vu Cam Linh - Literature (‘23 - ‘26)

Images: Provided by the person of interest

Translator: Nguyen Ngoc Anh - English 1 (‘23 - ‘26)