The third day of the Lunar New Year was filled with warmth and affection between teachers and students.

For a long time, the folk saying "On the first day of Tet, visit your father; on the second day, visit your mother; on the third day, visit your teacher" has served as a reminder and a cultural practice every time Tet comes around. In a person's journey to adulthood, besides the contributions of parents in raising and nurturing them, the teaching efforts of teachers leave a unique mark that is difficult to fully express in words.

Tet, a time for family reunion. Photo: AI

After graduating from teacher training college, I was fortunate enough to be assigned to a secondary school near my home. I officially became a teacher at the young age of 21. My young age and relatively short career made me feel overwhelmed and subjected to a lot of unseen pressure.

Yet, time flies by in the blink of an eye. Thirteen years have passed since my first day teaching, and I have quietly steered many boats across the river of knowledge, smiles, and promises to return to express my gratitude to my teachers. They may visit on November 20th (Teachers' Day) and during the Lunar New Year holidays, gathering with their friends to come and wish me a happy new year.

As the years passed, the students grew and became more confident through new paths in life. The most precious thing that time left in the memories of both teachers and students is always the gathering on the morning of the third day of Tet (Lunar New Year).

Reuniting, each hug and handshake seemed to hold onto memories of mischievous school days. Their faces radiated happiness, and their eyes were filled with gratitude. Even the simple call of "Teacher!" stirred in me a wave of indescribable emotion.

Teachers and students sat together, but time seemed insufficient for heartfelt conversations, sharing, or self-reflection. The former class president still retained his serious demeanor. One classmate had gotten married. Three former classmates shared similar aspirations and partnered in business ventures.

The students told me so much about what they had accomplished in the past year, along with their plans for the new year. They were always eager to share their initial successes and to receive my advice on their journey ahead.

Perhaps, after all these years of teaching, the most precious and beautiful thing I've gained is the love and affection of so many generations of students. Seeing them from their innocent school days to their adulthood, I understand that the teaching profession has given me everything that I sometimes only fully appreciate on occasions like this.

Tet is approaching and knocking on doors everywhere. And on the third day of Tet this year, students will once again visit their former homeroom teacher. We will have another opportunity to meet and together practice the precious cultural tradition of "respecting teachers and valuing education" of our nation.

Duc Bao

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202602/mung-3-am-ap-tinh-thay-tro-3e615fb/