JO: As a student who has been under the roof of Hanoi - Amsterdam for 5 years, can you introduce me to some of the traditional activities of the school every Tet Holiday? Do you have any memorable memories from the school's New Year's activities?

Xuan Anh: Every New Year's Day, Hanoi Ams School offers very interesting hands-on activities to welcome spring. Standing out among them are the Spring Fair with many beautiful booths with classes selling products, a thrilling "Golden Bell" contest, a calligraphy contest, and a chung cake wrapping activity. The most memorable memory for me was probably when the whole class came up with the idea of the class booth and self-prepared for the event, taking care of the items that would be sold. These activities not only give us a lot of memories, but also make us become more united.

Xuan Anh looking fresh in her school uniform

JO: The last school year was a volatile one because of the serious effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Can you tell me how your life has changed over the past year?

Xuan Anh: The biggest change in my life over the past year was that I had to study online at home due to the intensity of the epidemic. That's why I lost the opportunity to meet and study for exams with my friends, and that's also a huge motivation for my studying. In addition to that, I couldn't go to school to participate in activities and events that I'm really looking forward to, such as Orientation Day, Pandorams, Club Fair, Ngay Hoi Anh Tai (NHAT), etc. I hope that the epidemic will be put out soon and that all students will be able to participate in fun activities at school soon.

Xuan Anh (4th from the left) and students of the 9th grade team of the HSG examination.

JO: 2021 was a very difficult year, but I heard you've achieved great success. Xuan Anh, can you tell me what you've done over the past year that make you proud of?

Xuan Anh: Last year was a difficult year not only for me but also for everyone; however, it was a very successful school year as well. Thanks to the attention and guidance of teachers, especially Mrs. Thu Ngan, the teacher in charge of the geography team, I was able to win First Prize for the HSG citywide examination in Geography. Even better, in the entrance exam for the 10th grade of high school, I was valedictorian in Geography of the Hanoi - Amsterdam Specialized High School, and was also the student with the highest grade in the city. I would like to thank my parents and teachers; were there their lack of encouragement, I wouldn’t have gained those achievements. After I became a member of the Ams 3 home, I set a lot of goals for applying for clubs. Despite the failures, I gradually learned how to constantly change myself for the better and get accepted to my favorite clubs.

JO: Now that Tet Holiday is close, what preparations have your family made to welcome the new year?

Xuan Anh: Every year, my family goes back to our hometown early to spend Lunar New Year with my grandparents, so we don't decorate the house too much. My whole family cleaned the house together a few days ago. My dad bought a plant pot to decorate the house, and my mom is also preparing New Year's food such as jam, snacks, fruits, etc. to entertain guests. Even though it was just a simple preparation, I could feel the Tet atmosphere everywhere.

Xuan Anh and friends at the spring market stall

JO: As the year of the Tiger is approaching, can you share your big wishes and goals for the new year?

Xuan Anh: In 2022, what I want most is for my family, relatives, friends, and teachers to be healthy, and the Covid-19 epidemic will soon end so that life can return to the normal and stable condition. As for my personal intentions, I will try to study so that I can always get good grades at school, get high scores in certificate tests, and be active in clubs and extracurricular activities.

JO: On the occasion of the New Year's Day, do you have any wishes for teachers and students of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School, Xuan Anh?

Xuan Anh: For the new year, I wish all teachers and Amsers good health, peace and joy. I wish you more and more success and sublimation in your human cultivation career. May the Amers achieve good results, achieve their goals in the new year, and always do their best with their dreams.

JO: Xuan Anh, thank you for participating in this interview with your honest sharing. In the new year, I wish you good health, happiness, and passion for your goals.

For the new year of 2022, Ams Wide Web would like to give everyone our best wishes to teachers and students at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School. Happy New Year to all readers, and I hope you have a great Lunar New Year with your family and relatives, and especially gain splendid achievements for the next year!

JO: Tran Quynh Anh - Literature 2124

Photos: Provided by interviewee