U80 seniors reunite after 55 years of graduation

48 former students of the Chemistry Department, aged 77-80, returned to the University of General Sciences (now the University of Natural Sciences, Vietnam National University, Hanoi) for a class reunion.

In recent days, the image of the elderly men and women of the 9th Chemistry class of Hanoi National University, gathering in front of the school campus, has been shared across forums, receiving millions of views and thousands of comments and shares.

Seeing the image of the elderly with white hair, some with canes, needing help to walk but still coming to meet friends, most expressed admiration, even comparing it to the class reunions of today's youth.

"The elders are old, many of them have difficulty moving around, but they still attended in large numbers, which touched me. Their friendship is truly precious," Thanh Tung, a student at Hanoi National University of Education, shared after seeing photos and videos of the elders' class reunion on social media.

Chemistry class 9 of Hanoi National University took a photo on campus on September 17. Photo: Provided by the character

Mrs. Bui Thi An, 80 years old, class monitor, shared her joy and pride in organizing a meaningful class reunion with her classmates. "We had a great victory when we mobilized the intelligence and resources of all members of the class," said Mrs. An.

Ms. An said that the Chemistry class of the 9th course (1964-1968) of Hanoi University had 84 students, studying and growing up together in a very difficult period. In 1965, when the US launched a war to destroy the North, the whole class had to evacuate to Dai Tu district, Thai Nguyen province.

In the difficult conditions, the whole class built tents and sheds to have a place to live, study and practice. From students diligently researching basic science, the members of the class became foremen, second workers, cassava farmers, self-sufficient.

"After graduating, no one became a tycoon, but they all asserted themselves, becoming medical and educational experts or generals and colonels in the army and police. The important thing is that we are all decent people, recognized by society," said Ms. An.

Before Covid-19, Mrs. An's class had met many times to eat and drink but had not organized a reunion with many formal activities. Therefore, on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of graduation, Mrs. An and her friends planned to organize a "decent" meeting to reminisce and review what they and their friends had done to show their gratitude to their teachers.

Seniors supporting each other during a class reunion. Photo: Nguyen Van Mao/Fanpage of University of Natural Sciences

To organize the event, three months ago, Ms. An and some friends discussed, agreed, assigned tasks, and connected everyone via Zalo.

Because it was not just a simple class reunion but also a yearbook with full personal information, work history, and achievements of each member, the organizing committee had to work very carefully and in detail. The class had 19 deceased members, and members contacted their relatives to get information.

Deciding to hold the class reunion on September 17, to create a highlight, Ms. An and the members decided to make uniforms. The shirt design with two colors red and yellow like the Vietnamese flag, along with the 55th anniversary number and the logo of the Chemistry department was approved by everyone.

On the day of the meeting, except for those who had passed away and some who were not in good health, all 48 members of the class were present early. Some from Ho Chi Minh City and Quang Ngai came to attend. Some who had difficulty walking were taken by their wives.

"With the presence of 11 teachers, this is the most complete, warm and grandest meeting of the class since graduation. Here, we do not care about each other's titles, we are just like friends, recalling beautiful memories of our youth, studying together under the same roof," Ms. An shared.

For Mrs. Nguyen Thi Quy, 77 years old, the class reunion on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of graduation was full of emotion. Before the meeting, she thought that her classmates would talk to each other in a mature manner, sometimes forced because of their age. But unexpectedly, everything was the same as before. Everyone seemed young again, excitedly giving each other their school uniforms, and chatting excitedly.

"I feel like we are always watching and participating in each other's journey. That is extremely valuable to the elderly," said Ms. Quy.

The Faculty of Chemistry, University of Science, Vietnam National University, Hanoi, was established in 1956, right after the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam decided to establish Hanoi University of Science. The mission of the faculty is to train teachers and researchers in Chemistry, serving the cause of national construction and defense.

The lecturers who taught Ms. An and Ms. Quy's classes were also former students of the department, who were sent to study at Moscow State University (Soviet Union) before returning to work.

Duong Tam

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/cac-cu-u80-hop-lop-sau-55-nam-ra-truong-4655879.html