Buzz
Prompt: Imagine 20 years from now, on a summer day, revisiting the old school
In addition to referring to sample essays or imagining 20 years from now, on a summer day, revisiting the old school, students also need to observe the school's activities and envision how the school might change in 20 years. Moreover, they can refer to this article to write profound essays about school.
Essay imagining 20 years from now revisiting the awesome old school, the best one
I. Outline Imagine 20 years from now, on a summer day, revisiting the old school
1. Introduction
- Introduce the context, time, and place of revisiting the old school: On what occasion? Is it an elementary, middle, or high school?
- My emotions during that school visit.
2. Body
- Narrate along with describing the changes of the school after 20 years:
+ General scenery of the school.
+ School facilities.
+ Feelings of teachers, students in the school.
- Recount the scene of meeting the old security guard, homeroom teacher, former teachers who once taught me,...
3. Conclusion
Reflecting on my emotions and thoughts towards the school after 20 years.
The end.
II. Imagining 20 years ahead, on a summer day, returning to my old school
1. Sample essay: Narrating a visit to my alma mater 20 years later, revisiting the very school I attend today
Greetings from Hanoi on this lovely day of... month... year...
Dear Vu,
It's been quite a while since we last communicated. We've come a long way since our days in 9th grade, haven't we? No longer the innocent and mischievous kids we once were. Now, each of us has grown, perhaps achieved our dreams. It's been ages since I last wrote to you. Firstly, I wish you and your family good health and happiness, and may you achieve great success in life. I heard you've realized your dream of becoming a journalist, as I've read some of your articles. As for me, I've also fulfilled my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. I hope all the beloved members of our old 9A5 class have achieved their dreams too.
Dear Vu, I always remember with gratitude the immense efforts of our teachers who tirelessly nurtured us under the roof of our old school. Yet, the busyness of life sometimes makes us forget them, forget our old school. We are at fault, aren't we Vu? And perhaps, if not for a chance business trip, I wouldn't even have thought about revisiting our old school.
On that day, during a summer day, I leisurely walked under the green canopy of trees. I was heading to supervise work at a branch near our beloved school. With each step, I suddenly felt something unfamiliar. I turned to look and there it was, unmistakably so. A wave of indescribable emotion washed over me as I laid eyes on the sign: 'M.V. Lomono Soap Private Secondary School.'
This is the school we were so attached to during our junior high years. Unable to contain my emotions, I stepped inside. The familiar sights and images greeted me; our school hadn't changed much, perhaps just the trees on the playground were greener, older. Lost in emotions, a voice interrupted:
- What brings you here, sir?
It was indeed that voice, the voice of the old security guard. After a moment of astonishment, I quickly replied:
- Hello, security guard. I used to be a student here, just passing by and thought of stopping by to visit the school.
The security guard chuckled and said:
- So you're also a former student of this school. I've been a security guard here for twenty years now. I wonder if I've had the pleasure of knowing you?
I replied:
- Perhaps you may not remember me, but I remember you very well.
Then I chatted with the security guard for a while, reminiscing about old memories. It felt like I was still a naive student under this school roof. Then, I continued inside, up the stairs to the second floor. Walking along the corridor, I once again felt the excitement and nostalgia as I did when I was a ninth-grade student. Reaching the door of our old classroom, seeing the sign for 9A5, it was like reliving twenty years ago.
In this cozy 'home,' forty members of our class studied, played, and shared joys, sorrows, thoughts, and innocent feelings of student life together. The blackboard, white chalk, rows of desks, class hours, notebooks... all seem like yesterday, still intact in my memories.
Oh, do you still remember our old seats? Second row, left side - where the literary talents of the class gathered, the nucleus of our parties and end-of-year gatherings. This seat was my companion for four years, filled with countless memories.
As the years passed by, each person, when leaving the school, carried with them countless memories. Just that alone, our class has become a 'repository of emotions' for many people, hasn't it, Vu?
Leaving the old classroom behind, I continued and stopped at the door of the principal's office. I knocked, and a familiar voice responded:
- Please come in!
I opened the door and stepped inside. Before me stood the principal of old, but time had silvered his hair. I respectfully bowed:
- Good afternoon, sir.
The principal spoke with a hesitant tone:
- I'm sorry, you are...
- Sir, you may not recognize me. I'm just one of the many students of our school. You weren't directly my teacher. But I, like all the other students, must thank you for your efforts, as well as the efforts of other teachers who guided us under this roof. That's why today, passing by here, I've come to visit the school, where our dreams were nurtured and took flight.
The principal looked at me with the same gentle, affectionate gaze as always:
- Thank you, thank you for the thoughts and feelings you've shown towards the teachers. I wish you success in life, may you make the most of what you've gained during your years of study and growth under this roof.
- Yes, sir! I will strive not to disappoint you and the other teachers. Now, may I have your permission to visit the school?
I've encountered many teachers from our school days, some freshly graduated back then, now with silvered hair. However, their spirits and enthusiasm haven't diminished. In my eyes, they're still young, dynamic educators, passionate about their profession.
That day, what I remember most is the meeting with Ms. Tâm, our Math teacher in the last two years of high school. You probably still remember, right? Now, she's much older, but she hasn't changed much. As soon as I saw her, I quickly greeted her:
- Good afternoon, Ms. Tâm!
Perhaps the principal may not recognize me, but Ms. Tâm is different, she recognized me after a moment of surprise.
- You're ... Tuấn, right? The Tuấn from class 9A5 back then, isn't it?
- Yes, indeed, I am Tuấn, Ma'am!
- After all this time, you've grown into such a mature and confident person. What are you doing now?
- Ma'am, I'm currently working as a deputy director at an import-export company. I'm here today during a business trip, giving me the opportunity to visit the school. Then, we went to the council room to talk. I suddenly remembered that I hadn't asked about your health:
- Ma'am, are you and your family doing well lately?
- Thank you, I'm doing well. And how about you? I suppose you're married by now, aren't you?
- Yes, Ma'am. Oh! By the way, do former students of our class often come to visit you?
- Some of them still come to visit me occasionally. But there are others I haven't seen in a long time.
Sample essay: Imagining 20 years later, on a summer day, revisiting the old school.
I replied, filled with regret:
- We truly apologize for not visiting you and the other teachers regularly.
- You also know that our lives are busy, so there's no blame on us. You don't need frequent visits from us, just keep the good memories of you and the old school in your hearts.
- Yes, thank you, Ma'am.
2. Imagining 20 years ahead, on a summer day, I revisit my old school number 2
Thái Nguyên, on the day of.... month.... year......
Dear Linh,
Receiving this letter from me must be quite surprising for you, Linh, isn't it? Yes! It's been so long.... After all these years, I finally sit down at a desk and write a letter to Linh, feeling awkward with the pen and what I want to say...
How is Linh doing now? Surely Linh is still healthy and her family is always filled with laughter and happiness, right?
I really miss Linh's little boy, Nam. He was such a well-behaved and adorable kid. The last time I saw him was when we said goodbye for Linh to move to the South, it's been 12 years already. He must have grown into a handsome young man, is he doing well in his studies, Linh?
As for me, I'm still healthy, life is still good. My husband got transferred, so we moved back to Thai Nguyen. Living in the familiar and cozy atmosphere of our hometown is truly wonderful, Linh.
Hey Linh! Do you remember our junior high school where we used to study? You probably haven't forgotten. It's where we met and became close friends until now, where warm love has lifted us on the journey of life! This year, my child is going to study in our old school! It's such a miraculous coincidence, isn't it, Linh?
Linh, it's been 20 years since I returned to that school. Sometimes, when I reflect, time flies so fast. It feels like just yesterday we were playing around with friends, living under the caring guidance of teachers, and now it's been 20 years. Perhaps what impressed me most about the school are the memories associated with summer. There were joyful summers for resting after a year of studying, there were days spent happily working at school, and there were farewell summers, having to say goodbye to teachers, friends, and our class A3, hugging each other and crying like children. I also revisited the school on a bright sunny summer day, with the sky so blue and vast. Perhaps that's why those memories come flooding back to me.
Oh, how can tears well up in my eyes just halfway through writing this letter, just like old times, with tears streaming down again,
Linh, don't laugh at me, okay!
Our school now is so different from when we studied there. The two-story buildings are now towering five-story structures with state-of-the-art learning equipment. Of course, since our time, the school has been a national standard school. Now, every classroom has a projector, a computer, a smart board. I went through all the classrooms in the school, it was fun, recalling so many memories. I remember, we didn't like using projectors back then. The lessons were so interesting and useful, now in Literature, we get to hear the warm, expressive voice of the teacher, and have comfortable group discussions on topics we care about; in Chemistry, we get to see experiments; in Physics, we get to deal with electrical circuits... many other schools would envy the students of our school.
The school's structure has changed, but the rows of lush green trees shading behind the school still remain, the stone benches still bear the marks of countless unforgettable memories. In the summer sunlight, amidst the trees, the blooming flower gardens, the school looks harmonious and strangely beautiful, it's vibrant, dignified, and always gives a sense of closeness, affection.
During this visit to the school, I met many teachers who taught me back then, the Literature teacher with warm, loving lessons, sometimes strict but always imparting lessons on interpersonal relationships, behavior, communication... helping us live well and meaningfully; the Physics teacher with lessons on electricity, sometimes difficult to understand but always trying to teach carefully; the History teacher with fascinating lessons about a bygone era, making us listen eagerly as if hearing a fairy tale. I cried, Linh! I didn't expect, after so many years, at 35, with my son all grown up, to meet the teachers again, to hear the teachers call me 'child,' address me as 'teacher' with such affection, sincerity. In that moment, I could only hold the teachers' hands, choked up and speechless, so happy yet tears streaming down. The teachers are about to retire, but they're still very healthy, devoted to their profession, enthusiastic and loving towards students, naturally, still full in their hearts. I never expected the teachers to remember me. With so many generations of students passing through, yet the Literature teacher, the Geography teacher still recognize me and ask, 'former student of the school, aren't you,' making me feel warmly touched. Yes, indeed, the teachers are the ones who always row the boat, sacrificing for the students. In that moment, I felt so ashamed, not knowing what to give to those who have guided every step.
Perhaps Linh couldn't imagine. But now, as I sit here writing this letter to Linh, the feeling of excitement and nostalgia before the school, the emotional upheaval when greeting the teachers, the lingering fondness when leaving still intact within me. Surely, when I have time, I will visit the teachers more often, the students' respect may not be much, but surely it's a way to express gratitude to the teachers, isn't it, Linh?
It's been a long time since Linh visited the North. Whenever you have time, come back, Linh, visit the hometown and the beloved school!
Though brief, let me conclude my letter here! Wishing Linh and her family robust health, prosperity, and happiness. May Nam always thrive in an environment where young saplings grow tall and mature, both in appearance and character, akin to our secondary school where we once studied and flourished.
- End -
3. Imagining 20 years ahead, on a summer day, revisiting our old school number 3
....., on the ... day of ... month, ... year ....
Dear Ngan,
It's been almost a year since we last communicated, hasn't it? Since the day I visited you in Hanoi last year. How have you and little Thuy been? Is work going smoothly these days? Is Thuy still excelling in her studies? As for me, I'm doing well.
You might be wondering why I'm writing this letter from Hue, aren't you Ngan? It's quite a coincidence and surprise, Ngan! After years of studying at university and working far from home, I've returned to work at Hue Central Hospital - in our beloved hometown.
Our hometown is beautiful now, Ngan! I took the bus to visit our old secondary school. The buses run more frequently, and the roads are much wider! The school emerges under the shade of lush trees. The words 'Dang Tat Secondary School' stand out boldly before my eyes, making me truly surprised.
Stepping off the car, I felt a mix of unfamiliarity and familiarity. The school has not only changed its name but also significantly improved its facilities, yet the shadowy corners and the cool shade of the phoenix trees remain just like old times...
Do you remember, Ngan? The classrooms for grades 8-9 back in the rainy season, they always used to leak, rainwater dripping down soaking the desks and chairs, yet the teachers lectured enthusiastically while we, the kids, listened attentively! But now, those classrooms have been transformed. From those 'crumbling rooms' they've become a 3-story block equipped with modern amenities: from electric lights illuminating every corner, air conditioning, to projectors, smart boards,... Back then, we didn't even like using projectors for learning!
The 2-story ODA teacher block has now become a 5-story structure. The library has also expanded several times over with a wide range of books, and it's even open 24/7!
Walking through the quiet schoolyard shaded by green trees, as it's summer vacation, there's no sound of kids playing around, only the occasional singing of birds and the chirping of crickets under the canopy of leaves. I entered the teachers' room, such a beautifully renovated space! I saw our old teachers, their hair now gray, their voices still warm as ever but slower.
- Is that Ly Na, huh? Do you recognize her?
By then, my eyes were teary, something choked me up, preventing me from answering her question. Thư's youthful, energetic beauty from the past was replaced by a gentler, more serene demeanor. It's been 20 years since I last saw her, heard her call me 'dear.' At 35, standing before her slender figure, I felt like I was back to being a 15-year-old girl. Through her words, I learned that some of our former teachers had retired, and some were no longer with us...
Perhaps it's because I visited the school on those hot summer days, the glaring sunlight sneaking through every leaf canopy, seeping through every crevice, reminding me of the memories of our final year, the farewell summer... Oh! The beautiful childhood memories flooding back into my mind. I remember the day the whole class, regardless of gender, ran out into the blazing sun in the middle of the schoolyard to play football, getting scolded by the headmaster for it, yet everyone still laughed when we returned to class; I remember the farewell party, girls busy cooking, boys busy with tables and chairs, dishes and bowls, everyone was cheerful, but later on, every girl was hugging each other in tears, and some of the boys in our class had teary eyes too...
Writing this, I can't help but miss those 'little ladies' and the 'mischief-makers of class 9/1' from our past, Ngan! Now everyone has gone their separate ways! Look! My tears are flowing again, it seems I'm still as 'sappy' as ever!
Dear Linh, How have you been? It's been quite some time since we last met. Do you remember our days in middle school, how we used to study and chat together? Now, we've grown up and moved on with our lives. Have you ever thought about visiting our old school again? I recently had the chance to go back and visit. I bet you're curious about how it looks now, so I'm writing this letter to tell you all about it.
Hey Linh, it's been a while, hasn't it? I hope everything's going well for you over there. Can you believe it's been over a decade since we first met in middle school? Remember how we used to hang out and study together? Time flies! By the way, have you ever wondered what our old school looks like now? I went back recently and it's changed quite a bit! Let me fill you in on all the details.
Imagine visiting our old middle school 20 years from now...
That morning when I visited our old school, I woke up early and took a stroll down memory lane. The familiar path we used to walk to school together has been paved with smooth concrete now. The old towering trees that used to guard our way are still there, and the scent of freshly cut grass fills the air. Everywhere I looked, there were reminders of our past. Lost in nostalgia, I found myself standing at the gates of our middle school before I even realized it. It's still the same school, yet somehow it feels different now.
Our school still stands tall amidst the lush greenery, but now it's much more elegant. The school gate is made of stainless steel, and it seems to have automatic sensors installed. As I stood before the gate, it chimed 'ting' and opened. The large gate revealed a scene both unfamiliar and yet nostalgic. Looking up, the wooden sign that once proudly displayed 'Middle School...' in bold red letters has been replaced by a modern electronic board with scrolling blue and red text. Stepping into the schoolyard, I was even more impressed. Our schoolyard is vast, perhaps even larger than before with the addition of a sports field. Sections of the yard are dedicated to tree planting, recreational areas with football, basketball, and badminton courts, and even a garden of books. I found myself under the same banyan tree where we used to sit and chat. It's amazing, Linh. All the trees in the school have been replanted except for this one. The security guard told me it's believed to bring luck to students and the school, and it's been here so long that no one has the heart to move it. Sitting under its shade, I couldn't help but reminisce about our days together. Such fond memories.
Walking towards the classrooms, everything has been rebuilt, Linh. The multipurpose area where we used to have extracurricular activities and scientific research is now a modern laboratory with state-of-the-art equipment. Our old classroom building has been expanded to five floors, each one beautiful and new. Each classroom is equipped with smart teaching devices, even speakers for foreign language classes. Today's students must be thrilled, don't you think? The administrative building has been redesigned to look sleek and impressive. I bet when you come back, you'll be amazed beyond words. Our school even opened a canteen for students. Remember how we used to sneak to the gate during break time to buy candy and snacks? You know, our sports field has turned into a mini stadium now. It has a retractable roof for rainy days and shades for sunny ones, and the grass is meticulously groomed. We used to wish for a sports field like this whenever we watched sports matches on TV, remember? Every staircase, every tree, every leaf bears the imprint of our memories, Linh. The school has become modern and advanced, with electronic bulletin boards, streetlights along the paths, and the sports field transformed into a miniature stadium, but to me, it's still filled with our memories.
There's one more special thing, can you guess what it is? The day I returned was also the day I met Mrs. Hanh, our ninth-grade homeroom teacher. She led me to our classroom, and despite the many batches of students she's taught since, it still felt like the first day. She remembers us vividly. She asked about each of us, including you. Then she told me about the changes here. The same voice, the same person, but the surroundings have changed while the memories remain. As I left, it was already past noon. Under the scorching summer sun, the school remained dignified and majestic. Taking one last look at the school, I headed home with excitement, eager to tell you all about today's encounter. Hopefully, one day not too far away, we'll return to our old school together, walk the familiar paths, and reminisce together.
Well, this letter has become quite long, and I think I should save some stories for when we meet in person. Take good care of yourself, and I hope we'll reunite someday.
Your best friend,
....
The end.
Inventive writing 20 years later, on a summer day, I revisit the old school number 6.
Nha Trang, on the 10th of... in the year 20...
Penning down this letter to send to Bi, my dearest childhood friend.
Hey Bi! How have you been? It feels like just yesterday we were kids, and now 20 years have flown by. Time really does fly! I miss our friends, our teachers, our school so much. Those memories are etched deep in my mind, longing for the days to rewind so the memories of our school days never fade away! After so many years apart, today I finally got the chance to revisit our school, where we shared countless memories with friends and teachers. From afar, I recognized the familiar gates and the imposing signboard: 'Mai Xuân Thưởng Middle School'. In the summer, the school seems emptier and quieter! Looking back at our old school, I felt like I was still a student being guided by our teachers, learning life's first steps. But now, those are just memories or words penned down during our school days! As I walked, so many thoughts flooded my mind: 'I wonder what new changes have come to this school in 20 years!?' At that moment, my heart raced faster. I paused to take a deep breath, the air still as refreshing as ever.
Did you know, Bi? The schoolyard is now paved with concrete instead of the dirt ground that used to make us teary-eyed whenever the wind blew, and our clothes got muddy during playtime. And in the summer, the scorching sun would shine all over the schoolyard, but now it's shaded. Thanks to the red maple trees and the lush green phoenix trees that provide shade for the entire schoolyard. Looking at the glittering rows of phoenix trees playing in the sun and wind, I remembered the day our class brought those tiny maple and phoenix trees to plant and took turns watering and caring for them. And now they've grown so big! Among the many stone benches under the trees, I spotted one under a phoenix tree, its paint faded over the years but still faintly inscribed with 'Class 9/2 Collective Gift'. It was the gift our class gave to the school as a memory in our final year. Do you remember, Bi? The new school now looks very different from the old one, with its three towering floors and a vibrant pink hue. The corridors and staircases are all paved with mosaic tiles, looking very clean, and the classrooms are much more spacious and elegant than before. It's as if the desks, chairs, blackboards, and white chalk are eagerly awaiting the first day of school...
Walking through the old school grounds, those changes made Bon feel like the stone benches were staring back, the sun playing with the majestic phoenix trees while cicadas chirped, and the chalk marks on the blackboard pulling Bon back to the innocent days of listening to teachers' words. But now, that feeling has passed along with the school memories! Bon knows no matter how hard one tries, time cannot bring us back to our school days, right Bi!? However, Bon wonders if for Bi or other classmates, the memories of school days and the old school are just forgotten past? But for Bon, memories of the old school will forever be etched deep in the heart, never fading away. In Bon's mind, the carefree school days suddenly reappear. Lost in those thoughts, a familiar voice interrupts: 'Is that you, Bon!?' Do you know whose voice it is, Bi!? It's Bin - a former member of our 'B 3 B Trio' where we used to play pranks on friends and teachers together. Both Bon and Bin were pleasantly surprised to meet again at our beloved old school. Bin still carries his charm like the old days! Bi! Bon feels incredibly happy to stumble upon those old images deeply embedded in memory and reunite with a friend after so many years. Both of us sat on that faded stone bench, reminiscing about our school days. A story none of us will ever forget: 'The day we put a frog in Ms. Thanh Hiệp's bag, and she fainted in front of the class from shock.' All three of us were scared something bad would happen to her, and if she found out, she might expel us. Bon didn't know what to do, just stood there holding hands tightly in fear. The next morning, she taught as usual and knew what we did, but she didn't punish us, just vaguely mentioned it in front of the class.
Until now, all three of us haven't had a chance to apologize to her. Returning here, Bon and Bin no longer have the opportunity to apologize and repay the teaching of Ms. Thanh Hiệp, because she has passed away. Bon and Bin can only spend a few silent minutes to mourn for her! Although she was just a Vietnamese literature teacher, not our homeroom teacher, she left a good impression on many students, not just us - Bon, Bin, Bi, or our class 9/2 as a whole. Because she never hit students, even when scolding, she only used gentle and psychological words. She always had an open heart for any student who admitted their mistakes, Bon was one of the students who always made her sad. If there were wishes in this life, Bon only wishes to return to our school days, and not let them pass by so regretfully. But that wish is just a mirage in Bon's life, it can only happen in dreams or memories that occasionally resurface. Now, Bon has become a musician, not a troublemaker anymore, Bon doesn't know how to repay the teaching of our teachers!? Bon can only use his emotions to write on melodies to praise the teaching of our teachers at the school intertwined with the childhood memories of many students, not just Bon... Standing here, Bon thinks: 'I wonder if 20 years later, there will be any classmates who revisit the school with the same emotions as Bon right now!?'
Honestly, Bon doesn't want to leave the school grounds at this moment, this moment reminds Bon of the moments of leaving school, the leaning phoenix flowers bidding farewell as before. Remembering that moment of separation, Bon couldn't shake off all the sadness, the melancholy when thinking of leaving school, it brings back a palpable sadness. Sitting here, Bon and Bin can only watch as time separates each of us at this old school. Bon's hands are too fragile and small, Bon doesn't know how to stop time. The steps away from school feel too heavy for Bon!? Bon just wants to stand still and hold onto this school tightly, but Bon can't! Bi ah! The road is long, tomorrow will continue, this letter isn't long, Bon promises to write again! If you have the chance, Bi, come back to visit the school, and don't forget to write to Bon!
Although Bon - Bin - Bi no longer sit in class at this school, let our memories of school days not just become forgotten pasts! For Bon, Bon only hopes this school will guide students to become better people and contribute to society. Hopefully time won't pass too quickly, the chalk dust won't fall too soon so that the hair of teachers won't turn gray, and they'll always lead the innocent footsteps of students. Goodbye Bi!
If only on this day I could still meet my grandparents.
But wait, Lan, there's more to the story. A surprising and emotional encounter awaited me on my trip back to our hometown. It was the unexpected visit to our old elementary school, where we used to 'open our minds and hearts' as kids. Did you know, Lan? The school still sits by the Bao Dinh River just like before. However, the once gentle river of our childhood is now a breathtaking sight. It may not be wide, nor does it boast tumultuous waves or mirror the sky's reflection. Yet, the river remains poetic, dreamy, and as serene as a faithful lover. The riverbanks, now lined with neatly paved stone embankments, are still shaded by coconut trees, surrounded by lush orchards and green rice fields. And the river, still murky with sediment, just like the days when we used to splash around and play. Without the familiar landmarks and unchanged school sign, I might not have recognized our old school. Do you know why? Because it no longer resembles our memories, meaning it's not just a row of thatched-roof houses, tree walls, built on high cement foundations to withstand floods. Now, the school has expanded, with modern multi-story buildings, painted walls, and stone cladding, rivaling the schools in your hometown, Lan. Seeing that scene, I felt a mix of joy and nostalgia. Joy for the progress our hometown has made, escaping poverty. Joy because the younger generation now gets to study in clean, beautiful classrooms.
But sadness lingers for the 'old souls' amidst the 'changed scenery.' The two phoenix trees we planted by the gate back then, now only one remains. I wonder what happened to the other tree. However, due to the schoolyard expansion, it now stands tall in the middle of the courtyard. It's huge, Lan. Its roots spread wide enough to embrace with two outstretched arms. I remember when we planted it to replace the withered cottonwood tree; it was just a sapling. Yet now it's become a 'venerable tree.' Its branches are stunning, Lan. Like long arms reaching out, waving hello. This season, it blooms with vibrant red flowers, like a torch burning in the sky, as if challenging the sun's fiery rays. The schoolyard now feels even more vast and spacious, paved with pristine asphalt. The painted lines marking the basketball court, running track... are clearly visible on the grounds. Looking at that vast playground, I'm reminded of the dusty playground of yesteryears, where we used to skip rope, play marbles, and hopscotch... On sunny days, it was dusty, and on rainy days, it was a muddy mess.
Even when the floods rushed in, and the school closed for the day, we could still sneak in to catch crabs, pick wildflowers.
Remember? Despite what I said, I still find my old schoolyard beautiful. Beautiful because of the abundance of greenery...
There were fish eggs, banyan trees, then bananas, and bamboo. Back then, in the back courtyard, there were two winter jasmine trees that I still called cherry blossoms. Every time the weather turned cold, the trees would bloom, signaling the upcoming Tet holiday. My heart would flutter with excitement! Nowadays, the school still has greenery, but the perimeter is no longer lined with prickly pear fences and hibiscus trees casting shade. Instead, there are iron fences and neatly trimmed flower beds. It's still beautiful because the flowers and leaves are meticulously cared for. However, I still prefer the simplicity and rustic charm of our old schoolyard. It felt cozy, warm somehow!
The school now has a back courtyard too. This area sits snug against the river. There's a lush green lawn area. A playground with slides, swings. There's even a cute little swimming pool and a lively bird garden. Seeing that scene, I suddenly thought how lucky the kids are. Luckier than us.
The school is deserted, dear. It's summer. Plus, all the staff have gone home for lunch. No sign of students either. The classrooms seem to be asleep. Occasionally, you can hear the faint chirping of birds. And the sun.
Sunlight floods the schoolyard, casting deep, mesmerizing shadows along the corridors. Seeing the sunlight streaking long lines on the walls, I'm reminded of the sun's egg-shaped shadows from the roof of our old classroom. Back then, it was common for the sunlight to trickle in and the rain to pour. In such classrooms, we still studied diligently. Do you remember, back in fifth grade, who our teacher was? It's been so long, I've forgotten the name. All I remember is a seasoned teacher, with graying hair, glasses perched on the nose, tall and thin. He often called me up to the board. He taught us mental arithmetic, challenging us with puzzles. He encouraged competition. Any student who solved correctly and quickly would receive a bright red ten, proudly displayed on the workbook. That perfect ten not only made our eyes sparkle with joy but also brought satisfaction to his eyes, sparkling with pride. He's probably no longer around now. But the weekend stories from our teacher remain etched in my memory.
Back then, our teacher often shared stories about 'Noble Souls' with us. I remember most vividly the story of the 'noble uncle,' accompanied by the teacher's advice: 'Your hands may be stained with mud, your clothes may be stained with paint because you have to work hard to earn a living. But don't let your heart become tainted. Don't let your soul become weak, dirty!' His teachings are engraved in my heart, guiding me through the trials and tribulations abroad, where I sweat for a meal but never compromise my integrity for fame and fortune. I always remind myself never to cheapen my soul for frivolous pursuits! Oh, my dear teacher, how I wish you could understand how significant you are in my journey to adulthood today. How I wish I could forever be a child by your side. How I wish I could meet you again...
Enough, Lan, forgive my verbosity as emotions overflow. I need to confide, to share.
And Lan, my dear friend, my old companion, my fellow countryman... you would understand me better than anyone else. One day, come back, bring your child along, and tell them: 'This is your mother's school, where she bathed in love, where her childhood was as fresh as the green leaves, where the teachers taught her to be human. It's right here, where she 'grew up'...
The end of it all.
8. Imagining 20 Years Later, on a Summer Day, Returning to My Old School Number 8
Indeed, time waits for no one. Just yesterday, I was a naive 7th grader, innocent and bewildered, yet now, after 20 years, I have become a busy adult tangled in the complexities of life. I returned to my old school on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, waves of emotions flooding in like a refreshing breeze through my soul.
Minh Khai School has undergone significant changes compared to 20 years ago, everything upgraded, renovated, expanded, and beautifully designed. Standing in front of the school gate, I reminisce about the narrow gate where we would crowd every dismissal hour, then smile fondly. Only the tall xà cừ trees remain, now ancient giants embracing the entire campus. The rows of buildings are immaculately painted and pristine as if freshly built, now with added laboratories, practical rooms, and auditoriums. The 50th-anniversary celebration was grand, with flags and balloons adorning the school, all students gathering in gratitude to the institution that shaped them. Meeting old friends was delightful; everyone has succeeded, stable jobs, many have started families and look blissfully happy. The teachers, after 20 years, appear noticeably aged, especially our 9th-grade homeroom teacher who still remembers me, inquiring about my current job situation.
