Success Begins With Living Wholeheartedly and Seizing Every Opportunity

As an educational school experiencing remarkable growth, Sydney School takes great pride in entering its third academic year on the journey of nurturing happy digital citizens. Accompanying this growth is a team of teachers who are fearless in stepping forward, open to new challenges, and consistently radiate positivity in every activity. It is this very spirit that has empowered Sydney School, though still young, to thrive with vibrant strength and great potential.

Join us as we meet Ms. Tran Vu Nam Binh – a shining representative of the Sydney School community and the proud recipient of the Golden Apple Award 2025 – as she shares heartfelt reflections on her inspiring and emotional journey.

How did you feel when your name was announced as the winner of the Golden Apple Award?

Being nominated for the Golden Apple Award was an immense honor during my time working within the Group. It was not only a recognition of my efforts in fulfilling my teaching duties and assigned responsibilities over the past academic year, but also a meaningful affirmation through the positive feedback I received on my work.

However, the other nominees from Sydney School were also incredibly talented. No matter who was named, I knew I would wholeheartedly celebrate them, because each one truly deserved the award. That’s why I wasn’t too anxious, yet when it came time to announce the winner, I paused and listened carefully. Only when my full name was read aloud did I truly believe that I was the one who had received this precious award. At that moment, I was overwhelmed with emotion when I finally held the Golden Apple Award.

As someone who’s always present in school-wide and the Group-wide activities, what keeps you so energetic and enthusiastic?

Those who know me often describe me as “dynamic and full of energy,” or more playfully, as someone who “can’t resist a good time.” I tend to find small joys in everything I do, which helps me fully enjoy my work. With a passion for the arts and no fear of the camera, I love participating in collective activities such as recording songs, filming music videos, or performing in year-end shows. To me, these are not just outlets for creativity – they also uplift my emotions, which in turn enhances my performance at work.

I also see every invitation to join a school-wide event as an opportunity to challenge myself. From emceeing events to organizing activities for teachers and team-building sessions, I’ve gained invaluable experience and grown in many ways. Seizing an opportunity is one thing, but turning it into success requires dedication. I constantly remind myself to take every task seriously. Regardless of the outcome, I always give my best and take pride in the effort I’ve put in. That’s the source of my energy. To me, no effort is ever wasted.

The Golden Apple Award is not only a recognition of the present but also a testament to a long journey of dedication. Looking back at your early days at Sydney School, what makes you most proud?

It truly has been a long journey. I’ve been with RT Holdings for nearly 5 years, and 2 of those years have been at Sydney School. Looking back at my early days, what I’m most proud of and what challenged me the most was the time when I single-handedly took charge of the Grade 5 class at Sydney. The most intense period was the end of Semester II, when the students were preparing for their final exams before moving on to middle school. That period was filled with uncertainty and unfamiliar challenges, and I often found myself unsure of what lay ahead.

Thankfully, I was fortunate to have colleagues and school leaders who stood by me, offering guidance and support to ensure everything went smoothly. In the end, all of my students achieved good results and moved on together to Grade 6 at Sydney School. That moment of collective success was my greatest joy and pride as a homeroom teacher during my time at Sydney.

Stepping into a new environment is sometimes like planting a seed in unshaped soil. What was it about Sydney School that made you ready to begin and stay committed to this journey?

To me, a new environment always brings new opportunities, and I saw myself as a seed planted in that uncertain soil. No matter how fertile the soil is, if the seed is too weak, it can’t grow into a tree. That’s why, when I came to Sydney School, I made every effort to prepare myself and make the most of the conditions available to grow and thrive here. Instead of trying to change the external environment, I focused on adapting and improving myself. That quiet determination was what I carried with me when I became a teacher at Sydney School.

Here, I found myself surrounded by passionate and capable colleagues who were always ready to support, guide, and uplift each other with sincerity. I’ve shared countless meaningful memories with fellow teachers and staff, and no matter what the future holds, Sydney School will always remain in my heart as a close-knit, warm-hearted family.

I deeply cherish this bond, including with the school leadership whom I hold in great respect and affection. During the early days, when the School was still finding its footing, we faced many challenges. Yet, we were always heard and supported in handling our tasks. Thanks to the guidance and motivation from the leadership team, my colleagues and I have remained committed to our shared mission and to the continued growth of Sydney School.