The first day she walked into our class, the impression Ms.Le Thi Tra left us was her small figure, confident manners, joyful attitude and attentiveness towards students.Being the young teacher with fascinating teaching methods, Ms.Tra has helped our class become more dedicated to History. In celebration of Vietnamese Women's Day 20-10, let's join in with Ams Wide Web in a conversation with her!

Interviewer: Hello ma’am! Firstly, thank you for accepting the invitation to participate in today's interview. Can you share with us the inspiration behind your choice to major in Teaching and to become a History teacher?

My dream to become a History teacher started since I was in high school. I was taught by an amazing History teacher, who made the numbers, the words that seemed so boring in textbooks become lively and interesting. I understood much more about World history. It was those vibrant lessons that sparked my love for History as well as my dream to become a History teacher. I hope I will be able to inspire my students in the same way.

Ms. Tra with a smile that never leaves her face

Interviewer: What is the thing you like most about being a teacher?

What I like most is to be able to see my students, who still have the innocence of student years but at the same time go through a major change in character crossing the line of childhood and adulthood. Sometimes, I remember my own image as a high school student, full of expectations like you. Amsers now are much stronger, more confident and more energetic than I was at that time. Not to mention, they have more opportunities to improve themselves. Whenever I'm upset, it is the love for my career and the trust I have in their abilities that help me endeavor more.

Interviewer: Can you please share with us your best memory in your high school years?

It is my last day as a high school student. My classmates signed on one another's uniform and we cried the entire day. Until now, I still keep that shirt. Whenever I reminisce, I can't help feeling emotional.

Ms.Tra in her gorgeous ao dai.

Interviewer:What is your opinion on the study of History for students in general and Amsers in particular?

History in Vietnam is still not valued as it should be. As the characteristics of learning history include having to remember statistics,  events, some students are still afraid of this subject.Sometimes they even "hate" History. The subject is even considered "dry" by many students. However, during my three years teaching at Amsterdam, I have witnessed my students' special interest in History. They have prepared presentations that are engaging, funny, easy to understand and suitable of their age. These slideshows effectively convey their deep understanding of the subject. I think their eagerness to learn and undying creativity make the lessons more interesting and therefore create amazing Amsers. Those are the things I have learned from you students.

Interviewer: What do students benefit from studying history?

First and foremost, what cannot be missed is that students can gain better knowledge of their country, the world and the development of mankind. In history, human beings play a vital role. Students get to learn about the culture, the viewpoint, the lifestyle of each era and the difference between then and now. From what they've learned, students can draw their own lessons and apply them to their daily life. On the other hand, history help students develop a more effective way of thinking. Apart from the help of their teachers, students can find their own efficient study method. They can raise questions for themselves and assess the issues on their own. This way of thinking also helps you guys in other subjects.

Interviewer: In your opinion, what are the ways to improve the study of history for students?

The solutions are practical study methods, historical documentaries, mind mapping and simplifying the events. These things make students feel more interested in learning. For example, when teaching about wars that have a lot of details, mind mapping combining with illustrations can help students understand the events in a more general and coherent way.

Ms.Tra at the opening ceremony of the 2014-2015 school year.

Interviewer: I was told that you have come to Hanoi to study and to work since you were in University. Being away from home and having to live independently in a big city, what were your struggles and how did you get over them?

My first difficulty was homesickness. The feeling of having to live in a strange place, interacting with people of a completely different lifestyle sometimes makes me want to give up and return home. In addition to that was getting used to the new lifestyle, doing everything on my own, from buying groceries to cooking, and failing in my studies at school. All of those things really got me down. However, my family was the motivation for me to move on. Despite  the distance, my family was always there for me, encouraging me to keeping moving forward. Just hearing the voices of my parents and receiving the carefully wrapped presents from them are enough for me not to quit and let them down.

Ms.Tra (first one from the right) on her Graduation day.

Interviewer: According to previous years, our school already had many students going abroad. Nowadays, even more students want to study overseas. Do you have any advice for them?

I hope they will have enough courage and passion to fulfill their dreams. In my experience, it’s true that “no pain, no gain”. If you try your very best, you will achieve the success you deserve. Not to mention, you can get a great deal of experience from it, too.  Moreover, the further we are from home, the more we will learn to appreciate our family and friends as they are the source of motivation, and they will always stand by you through every decision in your life. Don’t hesitate to dream and take action.

Ms.Tra (in the middle of the first line) with teachers from Literature and History

Interviewer: On the up-coming 20-10,do you have any wishes for the female students?

I would like to wish every girl here a meaningful 20/10. I hope they will always be beautiful on this special day, as well as forever being talented, active and confident. Also, I do hope they can do things passionately and never forget to cherish all the memories of their friends and teachers.

On  Vietnamese's Women's Day 20/10,we would like to thank Ms.Tra,for bringing life into the history lessons, as well as other teachers who have dedicated themselves to education.