Honoring Our Cherished Teachers

At PennSchool, teachers are more than guides and mentors; they are the inspirational flames that spark passion, understanding, and encouragement, leading students on their journey to achieve their dreams.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, November 20, 2024, PennSchool students conveyed heartfelt wishes through handwritten letters and vibrant bouquets as part of the “Box of Wishes” campaign organized by the Student Council. Grateful for the teachers’ unwavering dedication to imparting knowledge and supporting them through challenges, Nguyen Huynh Anh Thu, a Grade 9 student, shared: “During my time at PennSchool, I’ve been fortunate to receive the dedicated guidance of many teachers who have stood by me on my path toward achieving my dreams. From my heart, I am deeply grateful to them and promise to study diligently to make them proud. One teacher who holds a special place in my heart is Mr. Jacob. He is not just a teacher delivering knowledge through textbooks but also an inspiration and a moral guide for his students. Mr. Jacob is not only a teacher but also a trusted friend and a mentor whom every student admires and respects. His lessons and words stay in our minds and deeply resonate in our hearts, making him someone we will always love and remember.”

When asked about her fondest memory with Mr. Jacob, Anh Thư recalled, “One Thursday during my Grade 8, I was overwhelmed with challenges and didn’t know how to uplift my spirits. Struggles kept piling up, leaving me feeling powerless and exhausted. Unsure of whom to turn to, I decided to seek out Mr. Jacob, someone I trusted and whom I knew would understand a student’s perspective. He listened attentively to my concerns without interrupting or judging, his empathetic gaze making me feel heard. After I had poured out my heart, he gently said, “There’s a silver line connecting the clouds together.” He explained that no matter how gloomy the sky appears, there’s always a glimmer of hope connecting the clouds, reminding us that every storm will pass if we persevere and hold onto hope. That phrase has remained etched in my memory as a beacon during moments of struggle.” With the motivation inspired by Mr. Jacob, Anh Thu found renewed strength and began to view life’s challenges differently, improving steadily in her studies.

Reflecting on the invaluable lessons he has received from his teachers, Nguyen Vuong Hoang Tuan, a Grade 7 student, shared, “It is thanks to the dedication of my teachers that I’ve found confidence and motivation to overcome difficulties in both academics and life. To me, teachers do more than impart knowledge; they teach us life lessons. I will always cherish the intense yet exciting classes, their gentle and firm reminders, the small stories they shared, the laughter during extracurricular activities, and even the times we made mistakes and were met with compassion instead of scolding. Representing all PennSchool students, I extend my deepest gratitude to our teachers for their guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. These memories will always remain deeply rooted in my heart.” For Hoang Tuan, teachers are not only educators but also reliable companions in life. Beyond academic knowledge, he has learned invaluable lessons from their exemplary morals.

Vietnamese Teachers’ Day is a special occasion to honor those who continuously inspire, educate, and care for generations of students. Through their dedication, patience, and love, teachers help students grow day by day, empowering them to reach their dreams and achieve success in life. With heartfelt gratitude for his teachers, Hoang Tuan added, “Thank you to all my teachers for your endless efforts, patience, and encouragement in every circumstance. I wish you boundless energy to continue inspiring generations of students and achieving great success in your noble mission of education.”

Together with the #HomeOfTheEagles, the PennSchool family extends our heartfelt gratitude to all teachers – steadfast companions on the journey of nurturing knowledge and passion. Wishing you abundant health, overflowing enthusiasm, and endless joy as you continue your noble mission of shaping future leaders.