Used to pick water spinach to eat for meals

Mr. Hoang Minh Ngoc - Principal of Phan Chu Trinh High School, Ea H'leo District, Dak Lak Province, shared about his difficult early days, when he had to pick wild vegetables to get by to overcome poverty. However, his love for the job and dedication have helped him to persevere throughout nearly 40 years of dedication to the cause of educating people.

Mr. Hoang Minh Ngoc, born in 1963 in the coastal city of Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh, volunteered to go to the Central Highlands to teach right after graduating from the Pedagogical University in 1986. At that time, the difficult life during the subsidy period made him and his colleagues struggle to maintain their passion for teaching.

Nearly 40 years of work is the amount of time that Mr. Hoang Minh Ngoc has devoted himself to the education career in Dak Lak.

Talking to Dan Viet reporter, Mr. Ngoc recounted in a very cheerful tone but could not hide his emotions: "Back then, there was not enough rice to eat, not enough warm clothes, many times we had to wake up at 3-4 am to line up to buy rice, even go pick watercress to eat to get through the meal. At that time, many people thought that it was a vegetable only for rabbits to eat, but we had to accept it."

The difficult times forced many of his colleagues to give up, but Mr. Ngoc still persevered, because of his love for the profession and his affection for his students. "In those days, teachers and students supported each other, teachers shared with students what they had, and students also supported teachers. Up to now, many of my students have become successful, have stable lives, but still keep in touch regularly, still consider me a spiritual support," he shared proudly.

Students and teachers prepared everything by themselves, from banners to performances, to dedicate to their beloved teacher.

Previously, on the morning of October 31, students and teachers of Phan Chu Trinh High School "secretly" held a farewell ceremony for Mr. Ngoc. The entire Phan Chu Trinh schoolyard was bustling but also full of emotion. More than 1,400 students and teachers in the school personally prepared everything to give to their beloved teacher and colleague. The farewell banner for the teacher read: "Mr. Hoang Minh Ngoc is forever the best".

"That day when I attended the school's extracurricular activities, I was really surprised and moved. Seeing the affection of the students and colleagues, I felt extremely happy," Mr. Ngoc shared.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, Vice Principal of the school said: "When we learned that Principal Hoang Minh Ngoc would retire from November 1, all students and teachers wanted to do something special to show their gratitude to him. From banners, images, to scripts, everything was discussed and exchanged by students and teachers. Everyone wanted to give him a surprise after nearly 40 years of dedication to the cause of educating people in the locality," Ms. Thu said emotionally.

The whole Phan Chu Trinh School yard was bustling but also full of emotion.

Student Phan Bao Chau, class 12A1, on behalf of his classmates, emotionally said: "This farewell ceremony is a deep gratitude that we want to send to you. You will always be a wonderful teacher, a spiritual support for us to overcome all difficulties in life."

For Mr. Ngoc, education is not only about imparting knowledge but also about love and devotion. He sent a message to the young generation of teachers at Phan Chu Trinh School: "Treat students with all your heart and love, take love as the main thing, then responsibility".

The clip recorded the image of students "secretly" holding a ceremony to honor the principal, making many people emotional.

When asked about his plans after retirement, Mr. Ngoc said he would spend time taking care of his bonsai garden and occasionally visit friends and old colleagues. But wherever he goes, he will always remember the days he spent at Phan Chu Trinh School, where he witnessed many generations of students grow up.

With passion, love for the profession and dedication, Mr. Hoang Minh Ngoc is always a shining example, a beloved teacher in the hearts of students and colleagues.

Source: https://danviet.vn/xuc-dong-le-tri-an-thay-hieu-truong-ve-huu-o-dak-lak-20241102113231984.htm