Mrs. Do Thu Huong, lecturer of Literature at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, is a dedicated teacher with many years of experience. With her young appearance as well as her effective and interesting teaching methods, she has turned the "boring" Literature lessons at science-specialized classes into the most enjoyable and most wanted periods. For such reasons, students at the Math class gave her a meaningful nickname: "The light of nature". On the occasion of the Vietnamese Teachers' Day, Mrs. Thu Huong shared her feelings and thoughts when she first came to Hanoi-Ams High School.

Reporter (R): How long have you been working as a teacher at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School? What were your impressions of our school’s changes over the years?

I am lucky to have been teaching at our school for 6 years. I would never forget the first time I came to Ams - an old school with moss walls and great crape myrtle trees on the schoolyard, quiet on the bustling urban street of Nam Cao. Our school is well known for the students' remarkable achievements in national and international competitions. Both teachers and Amsers take great pride in being a part of the most famous school in Hanoi. We are delighted now that the school has been relocated, expanded and refurbished with the most state-of-the-art equipment in the country and all over Southeast Asia. Hanoi-Ams high school is where the elite of Hanoi education sector meet. Thanks to the attention of the authority as well as great efforts from the school, our achievements grow more impressive over the years, represented by medals in contests held on an international scale. Ams is indeed an ideal environment for all Amsers to pursue their studies as they have been and will be enjoying the fruit of an advanced education system. I am confident that they would aim higher, reach further and elevate our school to new levels.

Mrs. Do Thu Huong at the School Opening Ceremony

R: What do you think about the students of Hanoi-Amsterdam High School?

To be honest, students of Hanoi-Ams High School are wonderful. They are intelligent, unique, talented, active and creative. The first time I attended NHAT in 2010, my family and I were truly astonished by the scale of such an event held by Amsers. During my period teaching at the school, I was lucky to have participated in charity activities as a part of field trips and have found Amsers not only hard-working and excellent at their studies but also very warm-hearted. All that beauty inside the heart and mind makes Amsers who they are and distinguishes them from other students in Hanoi. Whether they are currently studying at the school or have already graduated, this trait stands to the test of time. They should be proud of themselves and let the “Ams” inside them shine bright in the sky of human intellect.

R: As a teacher, what do you expect from your students, present and future Amsers?

I hope they will never stop perfecting themselves, find their interest in in-class subjects to achieve more, contribute to the good reputation and of our dear Hanoi-Ams High School. May youth, love and desire give you the strength to travel the length and breadth of life. Strive for success, stay optimistic to be happy, be selfless and humble to perfect yourself and become helpful citizens. Be flamed by passion and creativity, heat up your ambitions with bursting lava. Share your love for Ams and treasure what generations of teachers and students have built. Ams offers us the chance to shine, because Ams is more than a destination; it is the spring broad for dreams. We teachers place our trust on you, hoping that one day you will become deserved owners of the country.

R: Among so many choices and ambitions, what made you choose the teaching career?

I have always dreamt of standing in front of the class. My family has a tradition of teaching. Long ago both my grandmother and my mother were teachers who passed the passion flame to numerous generations of students. Every job has its own glory and prestige, and teaching to me is exceptionally special.

I am aware of my responsibility as an industrious and patient leader who guide students to a bright future with love, knowledge and morality. It is an honor to not only me but also all who are dedicated to this noble but demanding job to teach, to be loved by students, to be looked up to by the society.

R: Can you share with us the reason why you chose Hanoi-Amsterdam High School as your career's final destination?

Contributing to the development of the school is what I and many others enthusiastic about teaching dream about. Ams is the ideal environment for dedicated teachers, a miniature community with unceasing competition, forcing them to constantly change themselves for the better, enrich their understanding and be as active as possible to catch up with the development of mankind, to live up to the love and expectations of the students and the school. In spite of driving a hard bargain, we teachers always take pride in contributing a humble part to the advancement of the city's education sector in particular and the whole nation's education system in general. I am honored to teach many generations of Amsers, guide you to the path of learning to, honoring the school name that has been profoundly acknowledged by people in Hanoi.

Thank you very much for the talk today. On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers' Day, I wish you beauty and health in your career!

Reporter: Thien Long – Math2 1417

Translator: Diem Huyen English1 15-18