JO: Hello teacher. First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to join today’s interview and wish you will have a productive week! And so, Hanoi has entered the golden October with the colour of the chrysanthemum flowers; in this month, there is a special occasion, which is Vietnamese Women’s Day 20/10. As a mother, a teacher, a Vietnamese woman, how do you spend this celebration each year?

Teacher: To be honest, this day is not that different from other days. Since I have a liking for flowers, I would usually buy a pretty bouquet to display in the house to give off a festive atmosphere. If I am not busy that day, I will hang out for tea with a few of my friends, have a little chat about work and everyday life. And if I am occupied, I will make myself a hot cup of tea and relax by spending some time gazing at the balcony view; after that, I have to continue working, for despite that day being a holiday, work still cannot be neglected.

JO: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everybody has to abide by the regulation of the Ministry of Health in order to protect the health of both themselves and the community; thus, 20/10 of this year will definitely be different from the years before. What do you feel will be the changes in this year’s 20/10 occasion, and do those things give you any special feelings?

Teacher: This school year is special since all classes are online and travel is also restricted. Every year on this occasion, the school lobby will be more crowded than usual, with students going from class to class to give presents to each other or the teachers. Many keep hanging around outside other classrooms, which is rather funny. Now, not being able to teach offline, I do miss the school lobby, and I hope the pandemic will end soon for students and teachers to meet each other. Recently, a number of activities like exercising have been allowed again, cafés and restaurants have reopened, so everyone feels less constrained. What I enjoy most is cycling while looking around the streets, especially during the hazy weather of autumn, and stopping by the florist’s to buy a bouquet home. I often buy roses and daisies, but sometimes I have a change of choice and buy other types of flowers, which are unique but pretty.

JO: Everyone says that “A teacher is like a kind mother”, or “A teacher is the second mother”, which means for students, teachers are not only people who give them knowledge but also respectable women, teaching them many useful and new things. So how do you spend 20/10 with your students each year?

Teacher: I don’t really remember how the previous years have been celebrated since nowadays I tend to forget things because of the heavy workload (laughs). I only vaguely remember there are years with, without, or just a simple and cozy keeping. The students bought some flowers for me and their friends, or a cake to celebrate, some of them even sang for everyone, some male friends would represent the class to send wishes to the teacher and the girls. For me, the celebration is not very important, the main thing is that the teacher and students have fun.

Teacher Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy

JO: Such an anniversary will definitely leave you with special memories, can you share a bit about an unforgettable memory on 20/10 that you have?

Teacher: I still remember a class, which seems to be class 2011-2014, and they organized a treasure hunt on 20/10. At that time, Ams had just moved to a new location, with a much larger yard than that of the old school. So the whole class went around the school to find gifts the boys had prepared. The gifts were very "carefully" hidden; it took a while for us to find them. When we found the treasure based on the given instructions, both the girls and I were very happy, even though the gifts were simple and nothing too valuable. I remember that the class often take pictures, and later when they graduated from grade 12, they took those pictures to make yearbooks.

Indeed, this special occasion is also an opportunity for teachers and students to get closer to each other and create unforgettable memories together. On behalf of the Ams Wide Web editorial board as well as the students, I would like to send my best wishes to you and the teachers in particular, and the Vietnamese women in general, wishing everyone more success in their careers, good health and happiness on the occasion of 20/10! Although we can only see each other through the computer screen, our love, respect and gratitude for mothers and teachers will never change!

Reporter: Dieu Ly - Chinese 2