My beloved school

Although the first time I heard about Ams was in my 4th grade, my conception of Ams at that time was quite vague. Ams is the dream of thousands of capital students. Ams is a prestigious school for the gifted with countless admirable achievements. All the aforementioned are correct, but not sufficient, as talking about Ams in such a manner would make it identical to all other Hanoi’s specialized schools.
Entering 6th grade, as did all my peers, I took the chance to sit for the entrance examination to Ams. At that time, I was quite a good student at class but not once did I believe that I could pass. My biggest motivation was simply the childish dream of a modern, spacious school at number 1 Hoang Minh Giam Street: the impressive infrastructure of Ams far surpassed that of other public schools at that time.

When the results came out, I couldn’t believe in my own eyes: only after checking again and again did I smiled happily. Attaining an accomplishment that was seemingly out of my reach, an achievement that only 200 out of more than 2000 managed to reach, I found my ecstasy indescribable. Magically, Ams made the preparation for the new school year extremely exciting. Going to school every day suddenly became my most awaited activity all through the summer. Getting accustomed to new friends and teachers unexpectedly became what I would welcome with pleasure. With such a smooth headstart, Ams from a faraway dream became my pride and joy. Until now, the initial feelings remain unchanged, although four years with Ams has presented me with new memories.

Ams in my heart is a striking shade of luminescence. Ams is the hope-carrying turquoise luminosity of Nineternal 10-14. Ams is the burning, passionate red hue of English Class. Ams is the bluish tinge of back-to-school days in autumn. Ams is the dreamy violet of drape myrtle, red of phoenix flower, and the crispy sunny tint of cicadae every time summer draws near, heralding the time to leave Ams momentarily, and in the future eternally. Ams is the pink shade of endearing moments full of laughter. Ams is the black-and-white footage of silence, of sad memories. Ams is the strong amber hue of ambitious youth whose presence is ubiquitous. Huge Ams is also the immense blue shade whirling deep into one’s mind, stretching to the horizon and beyond.

Ams is the luminescence of different tones of feelings

The corridor of memories

A corner of the schoolyard

Ams in my heart, is my second home, the big home that has brought me three families, each has its own story. 7C was a harmonious, lovely community. 9C was a natural science class with the most boys in the grade, so the members were quite carefree and naughty, but the class was not so close-knit. In exchange, during my time in 9C, I learnt to adapt to unfavorable situations. Returning to Ams after the fierce entrance exam, I was welcomed to 10 English 1 family. Although we have only been together for nearly three month, the gap commonly seen among strangers has completely disappeared in our class. 10 English 1 is the fresh new breeze in my student life. For the first time in forever I have the chance to discover and express to the fullest my abilities. For the first time in forever I really feel fit in and want to stick to the class for long. For the first time in forever I feel lucky to study with those with the same ambitions.

7C – 9C – 10 English 1, my three little families under the roof of Ams

After over four years, Ams has become an indispensable part of me. Just like in a big city, strolling along every street – every little corner in the school arouses a specific memory in my mind. I could spend all day walking around Ams and still cannot discover all the corners of the school. Large as it is, Ams is still so dear to me. Ams has given me precious friends who will be close to me forever after. Ams paves the way for our passion, spreads our wings, nutures our ambitions. Ams is the safe haven; Ams is where time seems to stop, and love and memories seem to never last.

In the time to come, wherever I go, whatever situation I am in, I would still proudly say that I am an Amser. I chose Ams. Ams chose me. Ams belongs to me and I belong to Ams. Once, and forever…

Translator: Phuong Ha A1 13-16