Reporter: First of all, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you for participating in this interview. Another countdown for New Year is starting, so I'm curious as to how this holiday makes you feel?

Ms. Hoa: It's a very busy time of the year for me. Everyone always has their hands full trying to prepare for the perfect New Year's Eve. Although very busy, everyone's happy and talking up a storm, anxiously waiting for that moment where we all welcome a new year. These days, I feel like I'm watching a slow-motion tape in reverse of my happiness, sadness, challenges and achievements of the old year.

The genial Ms. Phương Hoa

Reporter: Do you have any habits, traditions or “rituals” that you usually partake in whenever Lunar New Year arrives? If so, what are those traditions?

Ms. Hoa: Every year on this special occasion, I usually sit down and write on a piece of paper the things I managed to accomplish and the things I failed to accomplish, or did not have the chance to try my hands at. In the end, I am still grateful for the challenges and turmoil that came to me this year. To wish for a year filled with luck, my family usually eats momordica sticky rice.

Reporter: Lunar New Year has always been a meaningful tradition to every Vietnamese person. What do you think is the most significant aspect of Tet?

Ms. Hoa: I think that the most precious element of Tet is our time beside our families. No matter who we are and where we end up, we always miss and look forward to going back home to reunite with our families. Being able to count down to the new year together, shoot a breeze, catch up or reminisce about old times—these all are precious occasions that we hardly find anywhere else.

Ms. Hoa and her brother eating together

Reporter: Having been through many Tet holidays, which year was particularly remarkable for you? And from your perspective, what's special about Tet in Ams?

Ms. Hoa: One New Year's Eve when I was a kid, my parents had to work late, and there were only me and my grandfather at home, preparing a small meal. Knowing that we were alone, the neighbors dropped by and lent us a hand: some people cleaned and decorated, some prepared the chicken and cooked the rice. Though I was a bit sad without my parents, the kindness I received from my neighbors made up for it. A once quiet house was filled with conversations and laughter. Late in the night, when everybody had gone home, my parents returned just in time for midnight. It was an emotional night for me, and I never forgot it.

This is the first Tet I ever spent at Ams. Being able to celebrate Lunar New Year with you students made the beautiful memories come rushing back, and I felt like I went back to being a kid again. Whenever I see you guys smile, I feel warm and fuzzy inside, and it helps me continue in my choice of career more firmly than ever.

Ms. Hoa's smile as radiant as a flower

Reporter: Do you have any messages you would like to send to your students and colleagues at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School?

Ms. Hoa: I wish all the students happiness, confidence and I hope that they all shine in their own right. Don’t be too stressed out by schoolwork, and if you encounter challenges, share them with your loved ones. In addition, I would like to wish all teachers good health and lots of love from your students as well as, most importantly, success in your career.

Reporter: Once again, I would like to thank you for your time here today. I hope that you'll have the best new year, with good health and success in your chosen path as a teacher!

The countdown is starting for another year, bringing with it memories of the past and hope for a happy new year. We wish all students and teachers of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted a warm and fulfilling Tet by your families and a brilliant new year as you so desire.

Translator: Phan Khánh An - English 1 2225

Image: Self-provided