Hanoi-Amsterdam Organization ::

Vice-Principal Lê Trọng Tuấn - our students' "great friend"

11am Oct 3rd, 2003 I arrived at his office on the second floor of the administration building. With a familiar smile, he warmly greeted me, a completely inexperienced journalist. It is not a big room but just enough for a “simple” vice-principal to rest after hardworking hours. The ash tray full of filter-tips was placed on the table with a “No smoking” sign. And our conversation began.

- How are you?

- I’m okay, as you can see.

- Should we start?

- Sure, I’m always ready.

- When did you start your teaching career?

- I graduated from the Teachers' College in 1973 and has been teaching Physics since then.

- It’s been 30 years, quite a long time, right? Was it your childhood dream?

- Actually, you could not even dream during that budget subsidy period. Everything was controlled by the government. After high school, I didn’t apply for Teachers' College but had to accept the government’s arrangement. Luckily, for the past 30 years, I’ve always been satisfied with my job.

- How many years have you been teaching at Hanoi-Amsterdam High School? Could you please tell us briefly about your career here?

- I came here in September, 1986, one year after the school’s foundation. I taught Physics from then till 1998, and I’ve been doing administration since September 1st, 1998.

- How about your most unforgettable memories at Ams?

- I don’t have any particular experiences but every class has left me a deep impression because I always try to get close to and understand my students.

- Amsers are always proud of their unique “Ams’s style”. What do you think about this?

- I agree that our students have created a very distinctive style of studying and living, as well. They are creative, active and confident, which is expected from the young generation.

- So is there anything you’re not satisfied with our students?

- Two things: too much freedom because of their background and selfishness because of the competitive environment. I hope the next classes will overcome these drawbacks.

- How would you judge yourself when you were a student?

- I majored in Physics, and was the monitor of my class, which “forced” me to set an example for others. Yet, what I lacked was the self-confidence and creativity that you guys possess now.

- What do you think was the reason you are loved and respected by everyone?

- Thank you very much for that. I always consider my students my kids. There is certainly a gap between students and teachers but I’ve always strived to narrow it down and become their “big friend”.

- What do you expect from the school and our students?

- I hope our school will keep up the good reputation and achievements and our students will develop both intellectually and morally.

- What is your daily schedule? Does it affect your personal life?

- From 7:00am to 5:30pm, I work at school. From 6:00pm to 7:45pm, I teach extra classes to get more teaching experience and improve income. The rest of time is for my family. We had four people before but now both of my sons are studying abroad, my wife is also working so we only see each other after 8p.m.

- What do you like to do in your free time?

- I like reading and watching Vietnamese movies because they are close to everyday life. I also enjoy going out with my wife in the evening.

- A lot of people might be curious about your love life when you were a student...?

- I had two girlfriends, both were at my college. The first one was in the first 2 years but we had to break up because of the difference between us. The middle of my junior year came my second love, who became my wife later. I believe in fate so I don’t regret. In general, we get along very well and we’ve been happy.

- So what are your most striking love experiences?

- All of my memories are related to the bicycle. I was very poor and didn’t even have a bicycle but she had one, so every Saturday and Sunday we went out on her bicycle. on our wedding, everyone, even the bride and the groom came by bicycle, which was “luxurious” at that time.

- What is your future plan?

- I’m happy with my life now, both my career and family. I will keep on working until I can’t so that I won’t have to regret later.

- What would you say about yourself in one sentence?

- I don't have anything to complain about my life.

- Last question, what would you advise us?

- As I said, you should keep up your self-confidence, virtues and the alumni network should be strengthened.

- Thank you very much for your interesting talk today.

We shook hands firmly.

Vietnamese Version by Le Duc Phuong H1 00-03
Translated by Nguyen Hien Trang, A1 98-01 & Dinh Huong Ly A1 99-02
Edited by Nguyen Quynh My
Posted by Nguyen Thu Hien V 98-01