'In this race to the finish line, your teachers will always be there for you.'

Difficulties will forge stronger individuals.

"Strength, Good Fortune, and Fulfillment" are the wishes that the teachers sent to the 12th-grade students of the 21st cohort.Hoang Mai High School.Along with the greetings were photos capturing memorable moments of the students during their three years at the school.

The 2021-2022 school year concluded with many special moments for 12th-grade students. Photo: PV

How could we forget those memorable lessons, the cultural performances, the fun stories? Nor can we forget the final days of the school year when Hoang Mai became the focal point with the province's first Covid-19 case. In a single night, the school reported F1 and F2 cases, and classes that had been proceeding normally suddenly had to shift to a new mode: studying, reviewing for exams, and taking tests online…

The difficulties they faced and the training sessions during the pandemic have given the students unforgettable experiences and seemingly made them more resilient. Therefore, at this special time, the teachers hope that the students will continue to strive:Hello little darlings! We've been through a special year together, with special occasions and special circumstances. Now, let's become special people as we take these exams. As the Greek proverb says: "Even in a barren, rocky place, wildflowers still grow and bloom beautifully."

Online class for 12th grade students - Hoang Mai High School. Photo: PV

This morning, hundreds of K73 candidates...Nguyen Xuan On High SchoolMany other schools in Dien Chau district also had to start one day earlier to conduct screening tests.Covid-19- an unprecedented act…

Tomorrow and the day after, when the exams take place, many of the candidates may not be able to go home because their areas are still under lockdown, and some candidates' families are still under quarantine. The difficulties will only get worse.

Covid-19 testing for students in Dien Chau district before the 2021 high school graduation exam. Photo: PV

During these days, empathy has helped to strengthen the bond between teachers and students: The students have gone through a truly special school year with their teachers, a year full of challenges but also marked by many unforgettable memories.

Never before has a school year been so full of changes to the teaching and learning schedule (sometimes the plan was changed hourly). And never before has the school lacked such lively and boisterous activities, with the applause and infectious laughter of the students! The opening ceremony on November 20th… was also brief and rushed.

More importantly, the students were unable to have their usual end-of-year school ceremony, with so many cherished plans left unfulfilled. And then, their last class in the classroom was also announced without prior notice…

12th grade students - Nguyen Xuan On High School. Photo: PV

In conveying their love and trust, the teachers of Nguyen Xuan On High School also wish to send their students "a firm handshake, full of love and confidence." More importantly, with the tradition of the school and of the scholarly land of Nghe An, "the teachers believe that you will confidently overcome the challenges of the exam to continue venturing out into the wider world, towards the best possible future of your life"...

Heartwarming messages

A day before the 2021 high school graduation exam, many "messages" from teachers to students were posted on the official websites of various schools. This is perhaps the most effective means of communication at this time, when the pandemic is still developing in a very complex manner. Due to Covid-19, this school year had to end earlier. The farewell and graduation ceremonies for graduating students were not celebrated as fully as in previous years… No balloons, no hugs for the parting moments, not even words of advice…

We'll all meet again in tomorrow's exam. The pressure of exam season, the pressure on the students, is real.

Students of Ha Huy Tap High School on their farewell day. Photo: Provided by the school.

Sharing in the difficulties faced by the candidates, the encouragement from the teachers has given them more strength and confidence for the upcoming exam days. For the teachers at Ha Huy Tap High School, this school year has been very challenging for the students. But the teachers also believe that "online lessons and tests, and facing isolation and lockdowns, have helped them hone their skills."

Vinh City has been the epicenter of the pandemic these days, facing such difficulties that "even a short break to breathe fresh air and relax under the shade of trees on the sidewalk is impossible." Nevertheless, before the important exam, the teachers "still believe that the students will move forward because the graduation exam, the national exam, the exam that marks a milestone in their cognitive development, the exam that creates a turning point in many people's lives—they will surely succeed."

The final review sessions for 12th-grade students at Ha Huy Tap High School. Photo: MH

During the recent exam season, the students of the Provincial Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities also experienced unforgettable moments as the exam site was located close to a lockdown area. They had to put aside their longing for their parents and their villages as they embarked on the most important exam of their lives.

This is also one of the few exam centers where 100% of candidates take the exam to obtain results for university admission. The dream of attending university is also a dream of change, of striving to overcome the difficult adversities of life.

Teachers at the Provincial Boarding High School for Ethnic Minorities support boarding students during exam preparation days. Photo: PV

Writing about the students, the school's administration expressed their love with heartfelt words: "So, our three-year journey is now just three days away from its destination. Only three final days remain to conclude all the dreams, aspirations, efforts, and hardships of a vibrant student life. Looking back on the journey we've shared with you, it has truly been a journey full of effort. You are growing up, but you have to leave your parents' embrace so early. Your lives are now hundreds of kilometers away from your parents… During the exam days, while your friends were cared for and encouraged by their parents every minute and every day, you lacked the presence of your parents…"

High school seniors before the 2021 high school graduation exam. Photo: PV

The love and care further strengthen the bond between teachers and students at this special school. More importantly, the teachers want the students to feel and "see the reflection of their parents in their teachers." Furthermore, they want the children to understand that "in this race to the finish line, you are not alone. Your teachers are always there, behind you, watching, encouraging, and supporting you..."

12th grade students - Anh Son High School. Photo: MH

Tomorrow, the first-ever high school graduation exam begins: Nghe An province is still experiencing scorching heat, and the pandemic continues to rage… In this crucial race, let the students be warriors, let them be like "carp transforming into dragons, spectacularly leaping over the dragon gate." And teachers and families will be waiting for an impressive "ceremony of gratitude," a "celebration of achievement" to mark this day of victory and triumph./.