Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy: Literature learners always have to be "poetic" from their hearts
Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, with its 35 years of history, not only left behind the imprints and kept its standings as a pioneering educational institution, as a leading force in the education department of the Capital, but had also become deeply ingrained in the important memories of teachers who have been with the school for a long time. During Hanoi - Amsterdam High School’s 35th anniversary, Ams Wide Web’s reporter had the opportunity to learn and share about one such dedicated teacher: Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy - The homeroom teacher of Class 10 Literature.
Having experienced a turbulent 2020, with worries that comes with having a national entrance exam during an epidemic, 35 students in grade 10, school year 20-23, were welcomed to Ams by Ms. Thuy - who, in just the first few minutes, had left a deep impression on us. Meeting our ‘second mother’ for the next 1000 days at Ams for the first time, we were reminded of the dress code and how to line up for the class, we listened to her rules and even got a better grasp of what a student, especially a Literature student, should have. During the Orientation Day 2020, the upperclassmen told us that we were lucky to have her as our homeroom teacher. And from that moment, as we sat in a classroom filled with sunlight, hanging on her words, we understood why they said that.
Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy on the opening day of the 2020-2021 school year
Literature in the eyes of people must be a difficult subject, hard to absorb, with lengthy sentences which never seems to end. But she taught us one thing: Literature is not only a subject, it doesn't just stop at the border of sentiment or ordinary knowledge, but Literature also makes a person more humane. Above all, a person who learns Literature needs to live in a way that conforms to the manner of a Literature learner, that is to have an organized life, so that one never has to be in a hurry and gallop through something. That's why, all of a sudden, 10 Literature has given itself a nickname based on what she once accidentally exclaimed: Literature 2023 ‘always in a hurry’! Under her care, we not only get to have Literature lectures or listen to relatable stories that contain her morals and experiences, but we also get to learn how to live, from the right way to live to how to live a good life.
Ms. Thuy has a stern face - with strict fashion rules and the ‘air’ of a Literature learner; nevertheless, there are many moments when we can comfortably talk with her, even getting teased by her for almost anything. She said that when a girl learns Literature, it is forbidden to hang around in the hallway to watch the boys from other classes, because girls who study Literature must "keep their values"! She always gives her all - in a discreet way - to support us in all activities, from enabling us to participate in the Talent Festival even when the Tent-making and the Dance Contest training often filled our schedule, or give us surprise food parties whenever she sees us struggling with "deadlines". It has only been 3 months with you, but why do we feel like we have been "taken care of" and "raised" by a true ‘second mother’. Perhaps, in Ams, we have actually returned home, in ‘Mother Thuy’'s loving arms.
Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy (rightmost) and other teachers at Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted
Throughout the years standing on the podium of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy has led many Literature classes, became the second mother of many students and contributed numerous achievements for the school. But perhaps her greatest contribution to Ams is the passion for her career, the love for her students, for all the children who have been mentored by her. Ms. Thuy is the ferryman that guides us across the endless river of knowledge, the one who opens the door of happiness to our 1000 magical days of high school.
For Ams is home, and you’re the best mother ever.
On the long 35-year journey of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, there is always the presence and contributions of many respected teachers. Together with the School Board and the student body, each teacher has contributed a part to Ams, to help create the Ams that we know today. On behalf of the 35 children who just arrived all atwitter at the doorstep of Ams as it celebrated its 35 birthday, the 10th graders of class Literature 20-23, I would like to send all teachers of Hanoi - Amsterdam High School in general and teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy - my ‘mother Thuy’ - in particular, the deepest gratitude.
Reporter: Thai An - Literature 2023
Photo: Facebook page of teacher Huynh Ai Tam
Translator: Le Minh Ha - English 1922
