RP: Hello teacher, thank you very much for taking part in today’s interview. First of all, can you tell me your thoughts on Hanoi – Amsterdam High School after all these years with it?

Thank you Linh Chi for choosing me as your interviewer. I was lucky enough to be a part of Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted from its first days until now. In 1985, Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted was founded on Nam Cao street. The old Ams was nowhere near as spacious and modern as it is now, but it was still a wonderland, awakening all those dreams from our school years. Then, in 1985, Hanoi – Amsterdam High School for the Gifted was just a brand-new specialised high school – and the best one in the nation. Now, it has become a bright spot of the entire South East Asia region in secondary education. I feel extremely honoured to be a part of this school throughout its growth, as well as to have played a part, along with thousands of excellent teachers and students, in making the reputation of ‘Hanoi-Amsterdam’.

Teacher Đặng Nguyệt Anh during the first day of school tear 2017-2018

RP: Throughout your teaching career, are there any fond memories between you and your students that you always keep in your heart?

Throughout my 26 years, I have had countless memories with Amsers. But most memorable would be those with my ‘special’ students. Once, I instructed my 6^th grade students to put on a production of ‘Son Tinh Thuy Tinh’. In class, there were two really naughty boys, yet they hardly ever put up their hands to answer my questions. Yet, they enthusiastically prepared their play, and they put on a very creative and enjoyable show. Turns out, it was not that they did not Literature - but that they would like a more modern and creative approach. Another memory would be this bold boy from Russian English class. He is a very stubborn guy, and he caused innumerable headaches to his teachers and parents. Then, one day, out of the blue, he came to my house and had a heart-to-heart with me. Secrets were revealed, experiences were shared. From that day on, he started to open up more. Although he has graduated quite a while ago, but he still visits me from time to tie. Sometimes, not only do we need to teach students textbook knowledge, but we also need to know how they feel, so that they can comfortable tell us about their problems.

Teacher Nguyet Anh and class 12 Physics 2

RP: Being a Literature teacher, and teaching teenagers full of personality and the need to express themselves, have you ever found it difficult to work with your students?

On working with my students, I found two problems. Firstly, it is about activities in learning Literature or class businesses: the class that I manage have never seen a serious disagreement between teacher and student. If there is an opinion in class that goes against the majority, I will try to convince them, so that they would agree with me. Another problem would be the students’ feelings. I feel that, when I was younger, I was much closer to my students than I am now. Maybe, it was because, back then, I was prettier, had more free time or was funnier? Many students from previous classes still come to me and ask me to ‘advise’ them on many things, even though they have graduated decades ago. Now, I am older, and therefore, the students I teach are less inclined to open up to their teacher. Some who are more open are those that I become closer. I often ask them about their schoolwork, about their family. They even share meals at my house from time to time. I think, teachers should not only teach knowledge, but they should try to become close to their students.

Teacher Nguyet Anh and her beloved smile.

RP: Finally, do you have any words of wisdom to Amsers?

I want to tell my Amsers that: Although you are a student of the old Ams on Nam Cao Street, or the new Ams on Hoang Minh Giam Street, whether what your specialised subject is, we all share the same pride and responsibility of Amsers. That is the motivation that helps us thrive and helps connect generations of Amsers. I hope that from our first class of Amsers of yesteryear, to your generation today, to the generation of our children tomorrow, whenever we talk about Hanoi-Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, each and every one of us feels honoured and proud. I wish that the day you leave, there will be no regrets, because you did not work hard or behaved like a real Amser. Finally I wish you all health and happiness.

Those were the honest words of teacher Nguyet Anh. For me, she is a very special teacher – not only is she committed to her work but she is also committed to her students. She loves each and every one of her students, and she always try to know and to becomeclose to all of them. Although she is middle-aged, but she still has the youthfulness of years gone. In celebration of 20^th December, we wish you and all teachers of the school the best of health and happiness, and bring many generations of Amsers to success

Reporter: Linh Chi – Literature 1619

Translator: Anh Thái – English 1720

Photo taken from Facebook