Reporter: First of all, I would like to congratulate Chau Giang here on becoming the new Ams Ambassador this year, and thank you for accepting the interview by Ams Wide Web. Let me ask, before reaching this top title, what inspired you to decide to participate in the Ams Ambassador 2022 competition?

Chau Giang: As a matter of fact, I had no intention of joining Ams Ambassador in the first place. In grade 10, due to the impact of the epidemic as well as because I joined the national olympiad team and being quite introverted and afraid of crowds myself, I did not interact with people at Ams much. I’m the “nerd” girl that people talk about in movies, just focusing on exams and my own world. By grade 11, with the encouragement of everyone in my friend group, I gradually became more outgoing, started participating in NHAT activities and marked this change as the decision to apply for the Ams Ambassador competition. After each round, I learned many new things, and I realized that life outside of books was not as scary and stressful as I thought; on the contrary, it also brought me joy and pride alongside difficulties and regrets.

La Chau Giang innocent and pristine in the "feverish" Ambassador photos

Reporter: As far as I know, you are currently a member of the  National Olympiad Chemistry team. I wonder that, in the race to become General Ambassador, did you face any difficulties or pressure when balancing between studying and  competing?

Chau Giang: I was touched when one of my former teachers shared, “People talk about aura and praise you, but I understand that behind it is full of pressure and hardship.” Yes, my journey to General Ambassador was not easy, and there were times when I wanted to give up because I was too tired and pressured. Perhaps my biggest challenge was balancing between studying and preparing for the Ambassador rounds. My schedule was always packed all week, from morning to night, and the workload for the Ambassador Contest never seemed to cease. I juggled between training for the Olympiad and the Ambassador contest, which made the teachers extremely anxious and insecure. Nonetheless, with the help from my family and everyone in class, I finally acquired the position of General Ambassador. I am very proud of my resilience and the people in the Chemistry Faction who wholeheartedly supported, helped, and believed in me!

La Chau Giang in the traditional costume

Reporter: Perhaps, the journey to become Ams Amsbassador 2022 has brought  Chau Giang a lot of precious memories. So can you share these with the readers of Ams Wide Web?

Chau Giang: There are so many memorable memories that I don't know what to choose to share, but most recently, it was probably on the Finale when I was placed in the Top 3 Ambassadors and participated in the speaking round. Reaching the finals, I did not expect to be in the Top 3 because I felt that I was not as competent as the other 9 ambassadors. Therefore, it came as a surprise to me and I was totally unprepared. My performance did not involve many deep lessons, but it was my truest feelings, immense appreciation, and gratitude that perhaps won the hearts of the judges. The moment when the Chemistry Faction was called up and applauded, it made me really happy and proud. Without them, I wouldn’t have made it there.

La Chau Giang and other radiant Top 3 Ambassadors on the stage of NHAT'22 Finals

Reporter: With your excellent performance at NHAT this year, what is your biggest change on the way to the title of General Ambassador?

Chau Giang: From a person afraid of crowds, afraid of the spotlight, I have become the General Ambassador of NHAT'22. On the way to this prestigious title, I was exposed to a world I had never known, experienced things that I may never have the opportunity to experience ever again, and interacted with talented and enthusiastic people. It all made me realize that if I had kept curling up in my protective shell, I would have never known how colorful and interesting the outside world truly had always been. One teacher told me too, "Ams is your friend, live with them."

Emotional moment when Ams Amsbassador of 2022 was announced

Reporter: Now that you have become the face of the most talented generation of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School, can you share a little about your plans as the General Ambassador 2022?

Chau Giang: Whether she is the General Ambassador or La Chau Giang of the Chemistry Faction, I’m still me, a flawed high school student who is gradually improving herself and always wants to spread positive energy as well as inspire people. Most importantly, I hope that no one will look at the image of the General Ambassador and then feel inferior and unhappy. “Everyone has a chapter they don't read aloud” – each person is a unique, colorful and emotional piece.

Thank you Chau Giang for accepting Ams Wide Web’s interview today! Facing a new school year, we hope that you will always keep this flame of passion inside and bring the spirit and youth of the prestigious Hanoi - Amsterdam High School to everyone as the new General Ambassador 2022!

Translator: Nguyễn Ngọc Khôi Nguyên - English 2 2023

Image: Self-provided