40 years of friendship with many interesting coincidences between two fathers

The two fathers studied in the same class from 6th grade to 12th grade, and their beautiful friendship has lasted for 40 years. They got married in the same year, had their first daughter in the same year, and their youngest son is the same age.

On the morning of March 29th, the grounds of Truong Dinh High School in Go Cong City, Tien Giang Province, became the meeting place for a 40-year friendship between two fathers: Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai and Mr. Nguyen Hieu Nhan, both 52 years old, residing in Go Cong, and former students of Truong Dinh High School, during the 2025 Exam Season Counseling program organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai (left) and Mr. Nguyen Hieu Nhan

PHOTO: THUY HANG

The friendship between father and son

Mr. Nguyen Hieu Nhan works at the Go Cong City Power Company. Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tai is a lawyer currently working at the Cao Minh Triet Law Office in Go Cong City. No matter how busy their week is, the two friends, Nhan and Tai, always meet up for coffee and to discuss work and life every weekend.

Attending the program to meet many teachers on the counseling panel and ask further questions to help their children choose the right major and university, the two fathers also reminisced about their old school days.

Mr. Tài recounted: "We studied together from the 6th grade, when we were 12 years old, in 1985. We both attended School No. 3, which had both primary and secondary levels in Gò Công. In high school, we were in the same class at Trương Định High School. Mr. Nhân's father was Mr. Nguyễn Văn Non, a physics teacher at the school, a renowned and excellent physics teacher in the Gò Công area. Mr. Non graduated from the University of Ho Chi Minh City (later separated into the University of Natural Sciences and the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, both belonging to the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), and passed away a few years ago. We grew up with his fascinating physics lessons."

Mr. Nhan (left) and Mr. Tai (right) pictured with Mr. Nguyen Thanh Hai, Principal of Truong Dinh High School.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

Both Mr. Nhan and Mr. Tai got married in 2003. Mr. Tai's wife is from Bien Hoa, Dong Nai , while Mr. Nhan's wife is from Go Cong. Interestingly, both Mr. Nhan and Mr. Tai had their first daughters in 2004. Both daughters were classmates in elementary and high school and are now university students. Both fathers also welcomed their youngest sons in 2007. Currently, both sons are in the same 12A2 class at Truong Dinh High School – the same school where both fathers studied.

Mr. Nhan said: "My son, Nguyen Hieu Tuan Anh, wants to apply to the artificial intelligence program. Mr. Tai's son, Nguyen Hoang Phuc, also likes information technology and is currently researching medical physics at the University of Science (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City) because he knows that this program has high admission scores but a large demand for personnel in the medical field."

The two have shared a beautiful friendship for 40 years, and Truong Dinh High School is about to celebrate its 70th anniversary.

PHOTO: THUY HANG

The most meaningful gift to give to your children.

Both Mr. Nhan and Mr. Tai encouraged their children to maintain their passion for learning, exploration, and research. They believed that only through learning could one change their own life. And whether parents were rich or poor, the most meaningful gift they could give their children after they were gone was their willpower, determination in their studies, and desire to succeed in life.

"My father was a teacher, and before that, my grandparents were farmers; our family was very poor. My father—who was also my teacher—always advised his children to study, to strive to learn, and to advance in life through education," Mr. Nhan shared.

Mr. Tài asked a question during the Exam Season Counseling program on the morning of March 29th.

PHOTO: DAO NGOC THACH

Mr. Tài confided: "My father didn't have the opportunity to pursue higher education like Mr. Non or many others; he was just an ordinary laborer. But the most valuable thing he instilled in us was motivation and a burning desire to learn. I also apply this to my children. Children need attention, encouragement, and motivation from their parents to strive for their dreams."

Mr. Tai's eldest daughter is a bachelor's student in diagnostic imaging at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, while Mr. Nhan's daughter is studying English pedagogy at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education. Their youngest child will be taking the high school graduation exam and entering university this year. The two fathers, with their beautiful friendship, always support their children and remind them that "mastering one skill brings honor and prosperity," urging them to strive for excellence in their respective fields, maintain ethical conduct, and cultivate a dedicated work ethic, ensuring that opportunities will always be abundant.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tinh-ban-40-nam-voi-nhieu-trung-hop-thu-vi-cua-hai-nguoi-cha-185250329205941445.htm