If “yes” or  if “no”, Please go to this poem to enjoy and share with us the deepest and most lovely emotion here

The following there is the most impressive poem I have heard, have undergone and have had. I will put it in my mind forever

Poem Dedicated to My Students in Cohort 1                                                  Vietnam National University and Southern New Hampshire University MS TEFL

Hanoi, Vietnam April, 2008 

In the month of January, year 2008

   something wonderful was about to happen – something really great.

In Vietnam, there was a class

   of graduate students & a post-grad certificate, they did pass.

Their university, VNU

   was about to try something new.

Together with another university from the USA

   there was a joint Masters Program to begin a new day.

This is the story of Cohort Number One

   that was comprised of serious students, but who also liked to have fun.

There was a special ceremony to mark the date.

     All the students were on time – no one was late.

From the U.S. their professor came.

   Rosemary Orlando was her name.

She was excited and happy to begin the class.

   And this is the story that came to pass.

There was one student who was there that day

   but for only one course he was able to stay.

We cannot forget Mr. Nguyen Trinh, here in Jan –u-a-ry

   Who on the first day said to Rosemary “We love you already!”

The students were asked to talk about a positive learning experience they had

   It had to be good – not something bad.

As they went around the class, all the students spoke out loud.

   Rosemary had a reason for this, for she wanted the students to feel proud.

The students were surprised and said “You didn’t correct our grammar, you let

           us finish our thought.”

   And Rosemary said “That is the way my class is taught!”

The professor knew there was a lot of experience & knowledge in their heads.

   She just needed to bring it out & help their confidence spread.

With all the planning of lessons and reading & writing they had to do

   Rosemary mixed in a little humor to help them get through.

These students were dedicated & hardworking and wanted to do well,

   And so for that time in January, there were improvements – one could tell!

When we had a good-bye luncheon in January, there was lots of food,

   and even though we were a little sad, it was mostly a joyful mood!

For Rosemary would be returning to teach Course Number 3

   So we knew in April, each other we would see.

You welcomed me into your country, your culture, and your heart,

   And when I returned in April, it was another joyful start!

It was nice to see my ladies and my men.

   We became reacquainted, saying “Nice to see you again!”

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This time it was Reading & Writing as the focus of the class,

   And right away it seemed as though just a little time had passed.

Once again the students had to show some ways that were new,

   And it was very popular for the students to say “2 groups– group 1 & group 2”

One day the class hired a driver and a private bus,

   So that we could go to the countryside – It was wonderful for us!

We had a memorable day and the students were generous and kind.

   And we will all keep these memories forever in our mind.

This class now too, is drawing to a close

   And once again the students will say good-bye to Rose.

Ah!  But the students from Cohort 1, you have yet to meet.

   So, please, get comfortable and take a seat.

We begin with Miss Moon, the class monitor,

   Who for the class, did a lot more.

She organized parties, & luncheons & trips by bus.

   Moon did a lot to take care of us.

And then there was Tam, who teaches younger students in the countryside.

   She is excellent at that, is organized and for other teachers is a true guide.

There is Vinh Ha with her lovely laugh and strong voice.

   She knows how to teach & control the class, yet give them a choice.

Teaching at a medical college, Miss Hanh at first was rather shy.

   She often used health & medicine in her lessons & to improve, she really tried.

We also had Violet with a soft voice and face.

   But if the class got too noisy, “Silence please!” she would say just in case.

There is Mr. Son who had taught English in the military yard.

   and sometimes in small villages, acted as Rosemary’s bodyguard.

There is a student named “Hang”, nickname “Internet”.

   She works with computers and & in January in class had her cell phone all set.

And then there is quiet Thuy with beautiful dark eyes,

   But as her confidence has blossomed, you’d be surprised!

Mr. Tai might be quiet, but he reads and knows a lot.

   And over the course of a month, increased skill and confidence, he got!

There is Xuan, known as “Spring”, who’s expecting a baby later on.

   She travels very far to come to Hanoi to learn new ways to work upon.

There is another guy, Mr. Phong, who is friendly and likes to chat.

   You’ll often find him among the ladies, or taking photos wearing a straw hat.

Le, who teaches at a university of physical education & sport,

   sometimes based her lessons on ski jumping, wind surfing, or players on a

     basketball court.

We also have Mr. Ngoc who taught with high energy & a big smile.

   He loves vocabulary and grammar and sang beautiful love songs to us on the

     bus for awhile.

Huong was a quiet student who taught with kind – ness,

   but when she needed to be strong, she did it with success!

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Oanh worked very hard and spoke so carefully.

   She used her face & gestures and her voice had a melody.

And then there was Catherine, also known as Miss Nam.

   With her kind face and excellent teaching, is kind of like Class Mom.

Alas, we cannot forget the godfather of the class, Mr. Tau.

   He is a leader in the group and should take a bow.

He stirred things up with a twinkle in his eye.

   It will be very difficult to finally say good-bye.

And so to Catherine, Moon, Violet, and Hanh,

   To Internet, Thuy, Tau, and Tam.

And Vinh Ha, Oanh, Ngoc, and Huong,

   Spring, Tai, Son, and Phong.

And we cannot forget little Le.

To all of you, this is what I want to say:

Although I am glad the courses were successful, my heart is mixed with sorrow,

   For after class today, I cannot say “See you tomorrow!”

But even though we will be in different countries and will be far apart,

Please know that this special group of students, this class,

   will always be in my heart.

I will always remember my very special class from January and April 2008.

Hanoi, Vietnam

April 25, 2008