Interviewer (I): My deepest thanks for your acceptance of the invitation to an interview with Ams Wide Web. Reflecting on the past year of the Ox, is there anything that makes you feel remorseful? 

Ms Thanh Hang: Such a tough question. In the past year, I believe that everyone must have had their own plans, not all of which were realized due to the epidemic situation. For me, not being able to meet my students face-to-face is one of such intentions, as I really miss the feelings of travelling to school to meet our pupils

Mr Dinh: Personally, I feel really sorry for the 12th graders who graduated in the past year, parting with their school, their classes, and their friends without a single meet-up. MI12 was cancelled, Graduation Ceremony was shifted online…, all of which left void spaces in their protracted journey: The three-year journey of High school - the most magnificent one in a student’s life - yet left unfinished. Likewise, the 10th graders also experienced half the year without seeing their friends to enjoy the first fantastic moments as high schoolers, after one of the most consequential exams in a student’s journey. Just like some students who could not memorise their friends’ appearance, I’m also extremely regretful for not being able to remember anyone’s faces.

I: What a year full of regrets! However, Tet is only a few days away, do you sense any difference in the atmosphere nowadays, compared to other years?

Ms Thanh Hang: I reckon this year will probably be the same as the previous ones, though I’m one year older. *chuckles*

Mr Dinh: This year, Tet seems just as hustling, but people are more reserved with less enthusiasm. The question of whether the pandemic will persist in the year dwells tenaciously on the mind of many people to bother them, causing gatherings to end in a hasty manner with the reminders to stay safe. During Tet, I believe all of us just hope that everyone is still prosperous enough to reunite to share about the coming hassle and anxiety in the new year.

Mr Dinh with his family and friends during the traditional Tet holiday

I: Has your family prepared anything for Tet holiday yet? If so, could you please briefly describe some unique features in the process of preparation for this year?

Ms Hong Hanh: I have done up my house a little bit, and of course, involved myself in the process of making traditional Tet delicacies, especially Chung cake. Due to the strenuous pandemic, my family also streamlined all the preparatory work this year.

Ms Thanh Hang: Tet has always been the holiday to which I look forward the most, and just like every other year, preparing gifts, cleaning and bedecking our house are indispensable parts. However, this year, my family was heading towards a “greener” and more sustainable Tet by refraining from spending our money extravagantly, planting in lieu of purchasing an excessive number of flowers, or making use of more eco-friendly products. Hence, we can help protect the environment, whilst simultaneously retaining the traditional beauty of Tet holiday.

Teacher Pham Thanh Hang during Tet holiday

I: Do you have anything on your checklist for the upcoming 2022, or anything that you are determined to accomplish?

Mr Dinh: I hope that everyone will always stay alert, with a firm belief in a new year of happiness and health.

Ms Thanh Hang: I look forward to accompanying my students as a reliable advisor in many of their intriguing and meaningful projects in the approaching year

I: Finally, would you like to send any wishes to all the students in our school?

Ms Hong Hanh: I wish you all a jovial and fruitful new year!

Teacher Hong Hanh with her sharings, bursting with elation during the new year

Ms Thanh Hang: I suppose that the most common status among you all will be “New year, new me” right? Actually, you don’t need to become a completely different figure, but to turn into a better version of yourself instead. New year, better me. May all your hopes and plans be accomplished in the new year, may all of you stay resilient to break through all the challenges in your vicinity. A new year of dreams coming true. A new year over which you really take control!

I: Yes! Let’s hope that all the teachers’ wishes will be the motivation to propel all the students further on their chosen path. Reterativelt, I would like to express our deepest gratitude for your gripping anecdotes about the approaching new year, and I hope that all our teachers can stay lusty to have a blissful Tet holiday by their families, and to soon reunite with their students.

2022 has arrived, carrying the hopes for a new year bristling with experiences and delight. Ams Wide Web wish all students and educators from Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the gifted a joyful and luck-filled new year!

Journalist: Tran Khanh Chi - Van 2124

Translator: Le Trung Kien - English 2023

Photos: provided by interviewees