Vietnamese Teachers’ Day on November 20th offers us a chance to express gratitude and reminisce about cherished moments with our educators. Teachers are not merely knowledge transmitters; they’re the nurturers of our dreams and aspirations. On this special occasion, let’s hear Fulbright students share their unforgettable memories with their teachers!

Ngoc Ha – Class of 2025

Dr. Tran Vinh Linh from the Applied Mathematics major stands out as one of the most impressive lecturers I’ve encountered. He not only conveys knowledge clearly but also shows genuine care for his students. Always approachable, he’s ready to listen and answer all my questions, fostering a comfortable and confident learning environment.

Each competition or program I participate in with him, regardless of scale, adds to my treasure trove of beautiful memories. During our trips, he has an uncanny ability to introduce us to amazing restaurants wherever we are. These dining experiences transcend mere culinary exploration—they’re opportunities for us to bond and chat. His fascinating stories about life, experiences, and academic journey have been a wellspring of motivation throughout my studies at Fulbright.

This Vietnamese Teachers’ Day, I wish you perpetual happiness, boundless energy, and a robust “stomach” to continue exploring culinary delights both at home and abroad.

Thao Vy – Class of 26

Have you ever felt so invigorated after meeting with a teacher that you wanted to immediately put an idea into action?

That’s precisely how I feel after every chat with Fulbright teachers outside class hours. During a Music Production course, I met with the teacher to develop a piece I was working on. I asked, “Is there a formula or principle for developing the drum part of a song?” The teacher’s response continues to inspire me: “For me, the drummer in a band is someone who enjoys the music, listens to the sounds from other instruments, and creates rhythms that respond to their perception.” This perspective has broadened my viewpoint, allowing me to think more freely when making music.

I’ve had similar realizations in film classes, multimedia arts, and research. At Fulbright, teachers constantly encourage students like me to cultivate our “uniqueness” through self-reflection, applying learned knowledge, and critical thinking. Beyond imparting knowledge, teachers are supporters who help students bring their ideas to life. This approach has instilled in me the confidence to develop independently, appreciate diversity in our community, and aspire to inspire future generations.

As November 20 approaches, I extend my warmest wishes for good health and joy to all Fulbright teachers. My gratitude knows no bounds!

Vinh An – Class of 2027

When it comes to memorable experiences with lecturers, “sister” Lan, who teaches Introduction to Psychology, immediately comes to mind. Dr. Lan’s enthusiasm, dedication, and care for her students are unparalleled. What particularly impresses me is her thoughtful gesture of preparing light snacks—cakes, milk, and tea—for us before each small test. She does this with genuine sincerity, and these small gifts help me feel more at ease and confident during exams.

While I’m not exceptionally good at test-taking, Ms. Lan’s evaluation goes beyond mere scores in Introduction to Psychology. She attentively observes my participation in group activities, my contributions in class, and even my interactions with peers. Her holistic approach to assessment made me feel valued and integral to the class. I not only gained knowledge but also honed important soft skills by observing her teaching methods. Remarkably, even after the course concluded, she invited me to dinner—a gesture that further exemplifies her dedication.

To “sister” Lan: I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you. You’re more than an educator; you’re a close “sister,” dedicated and inspiring, guiding me through my academic journey at Fulbright University.

Gia Huy – Class of 2028

Alongside the thrill of receiving my Fulbright admission letter came a wave of anxiety about the months ahead. Having studied at a high school in a small province, opting for a liberal arts education taught entirely in English felt like a leap into the unknown.

Despite my solid foundation in English, I grappled with expressing novel ideas and constructing arguments. In moments of doubt, I feared falling behind in Fulbright’s rigorous program.

Then came the Bridge program—a crucial stepping stone before the official academic year. This program equips new students with skills to navigate the new academic landscape. Here, I met Ms. Amanda Bradford, Mr. Patrick Thoendel, Ms. Maria Frank, and Ms. Le Thi Minh Hien—passionate educators from the Learning Support team.

From day one, these teachers instilled in me the courage to think and act boldly. One question still resonates with me: “How can you know what you’re good at if you haven’t tried?” They went beyond academics, imparting valuable soft skills to support my future studies. The most reassuring aspect was knowing that the learning support team would continue to guide me even after the course ended. With their support, I confidently tackled two major assignments for the Global Humanities course.

To Ms. Amanda, Mr. Patrick, Ms. Maria, and Ms. Hien: I extend my deepest gratitude for igniting my passion and equipping me with the tools essential for my academic journey of discovery!