Beloved Teacher: Steadfastly rowing the ocean of knowledge

The student who had to drop out of school to find a living far away returned to his old school to study hard and then became a teacher, a doctor...

When I called to congratulate Nguyen Van Dong on his new position, he confided: "I didn't think I would be where I am today. Without you, I would never have been where I am today..." Dong is currently the Head of Organization Department - Da Nang University of Education.

The cute and brave student

Nguyen Van Dong's words were not to please me, but were a student's sincere gratitude to his homeroom teacher, who had watched over them with all responsibility and love.

But if we talk about admiration, I am the one who admires Dong. Because, since the age of 15 - the age when he was not yet fully aware of the meaning of knowledge, he soon realized that "knowledge is power". Dong is a shining example of studious spirit, will and determination to rise from hardship.

Dong was born in 1977 in Binh Phu commune, Thang Binh district, Quang Nam province (now Da Nang city). He has a simple and honest personality, just like his simple name. As the class's deputy monitor, Dong always completes his tasks excellently, studies well, is diligent, is willing to help friends, and is active in all activities.

Nguyen Van Dong at the appointment ceremony of officials at Da Nang University of Education. (Photo provided by the character)

The image of a student wearing a conical hat, not minding the hardship, always taking on heavier tasks has moved me forever. I know many of my students were born into difficult circumstances and are used to suffering. After school, most of them have to help their families with the hard work of farming, from a young age they have been exposed to the sun and rain like adults.

Dong's house was more than 2 km from school. At that time, most students went to school on foot. Dong was one of the few male students wearing conical hats to school. That image made his friends and teachers sympathize and love him more. For Dong, appearance is not important, what is valuable is morality and personality inside. That is a very cute unique trait and also the courage of the little student.

With his straightforward personality and sense of responsibility, Dong is always the one to propose solutions whenever the class encounters problems. Even when some teachers' behavior is not appropriate for the pedagogical environment, he still does not hesitate to reflect to find a solution. Although he knows that doing so may be "checkmated" and noticed, he still accepts to speak up for the class. I appreciate him for that spirit, for his fairness and self-respect.

However, surprisingly, when the 8th grade was about to end, one evening, Dong came to find me and announced that he would quit school to follow his brother to the South to make a living. I was speechless, not remembering what I said. I only remember her eyes, her voice… and the feeling of regret that choked my heart. A class monitor who was good at math, loved literature, and loved history… now quietly left school.

Persevere towards your dream

A year later, on the opening day of the new school year, I was shocked to see Nguyen Van Dong suddenly return to ask to study in class 9A again - the class I was in charge of.

Later, in my memories, I couldn't help but be moved when thinking about Dong: "The sunset still shines brightly/ the letter you sent from the university lecture hall. The student who dropped out of school/ to find a living far away. Coming into contact with life early, you understood/ the lesson that day "knowledge is power"! You returned to school, studied diligently/ to prepare a solid foundation for the life ahead. If you want to reach the future, you must have a steady hand on the ocean of knowledge/ if you want to become a person, you must practice your talent, practice your virtue.../ learn wisdom from the colorful life.

And then I received your letter one morning/ The emotions in the letter were as joyful as waves: "You are honored to step into the wide horizon/ still keeping in your heart the image of the past. Will, faith, determination, dreams.../ All were inspired by the friendly school. "When drinking water, remember its source" is not just a theory/ but a reason for living so that you try hard every day/ to be worthy of being the owner of the future country"...

After graduating from secondary school, Dong was admitted to grade 10 at Tieu La High School, Thang Binh District (now Thang Binh Commune, Da Nang City). Because his house was far away, he had to stay in a rented house to attend school, and on weekends he rode his bicycle more than 15 km home to "collect" food. Returning to school, Dong's bike always carried rice, packaged rice, some simple dishes from the countryside, and even a bundle of dry firewood - the student's luggage for the days away from home.

The road was dusty, the rain was muddy, and he was skinny - it was not easy to travel, but just like that, the student got through high school well. Although he had to skip breakfast many times, save money to buy books and other necessities, but perhaps after more than a year of struggling in life, Dong understood that going to school was the happiest thing and only the path of studying could open the way to a bright future. Therefore, he never stopped trying. Studying - for him - is an irreplaceable passion.

Now, Dong has a PhD in economic law, holding many roles at Da Nang University of Education: Party Cell Secretary, Head of Organization Department, teaching, scientific research and community service. Every time we talk, he still maintains the same polite and sincere attitude as before. Occasionally, Dong recalls the letters I sent him years ago, and the memory of the night when I walked with the principal to his house in the middle of the night, trying to persuade him not to drop out of school.

The path Dong is taking today is truly worthy. It is not only suitable for his talents and strengths, but also true to his wish to bring knowledge and expertise to light up the dreams of generations of students, nurture talents for the country, and make life more beautiful.

I am proud of Nguyen Van Dong - both then and now. He is a beautiful symbol of studious spirit, of the will to overcome difficulties, of a youth who knows how to persevere in reaching for his dream.

Never back down

A decent house, a warm family with a virtuous wife and two well-behaved, studious children are also worthy and fair rewards that life has given to Nguyen Van Dong - a student who has gone through many hardships but has never backed down on his journey to conquer knowledge.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/nguoi-thay-kinh-yeu-vung-tay-cheo-tren-dai-duong-tri-thuc-196251005205549134.htm