Women carry countless responsibilities, sacrifices, and silent dedication to their families and society. This International Women’s Day, let’s take a moment to listen to the stories of the incredible women at The Dewey Schools Ocean Park. Though they hold different roles, they are all like delicate yet powerful flowers, helping us understand the depth of love and the boundless sacrifices that women make every day.
Her love lies in the cleanliness of the learning environment
Ms. Dang Thi Huong, a school janitor, may be small in stature, but she plays an essential role in maintaining a fresh and clean learning space for students. Every day, she silently wipes down each desk, sweeps every classroom, and tends to the school grounds—acts of quiet care and devotion. For her, this job is not merely about cleanliness; it is an expression of love for the students, a silent dedication to the environment they cherish.
What sets Ms. Huong apart is her meticulous attention to detail. “The work is demanding, and I even work on weekends to ensure that the school’s cleaning procedures meet international standards. But the kindness and gratitude from students, teachers, and parents make me love my job even more. The primary school students are the same age as my grandchildren, so I always put my heart and carefulness into every task to provide them with a safe and spotless learning environment,” she shares.
Her love is reflected in every warm, delicious meal served at school
Ms. Le Thu Van, Deputy Chef at Dewey Ocean Park, is a dedicated woman whose passion lies in the kitchen. With over eight years in the culinary field, she has meticulously prepared meals for students, teachers, and staff—caring for the Dewey community as a devoted mother would for her family. For Ms. Van, cooking is more than just a job; it is her way of expressing care, sacrifice, and unconditional love.
When asked to choose a dish that represents her work, she immediately thought of spring rolls because of the precision, skill, and numerous steps required to make them. She shares, “Cooking demands meticulous attention to detail, and even more so in an international school kitchen. From selecting the freshest ingredients and ensuring thorough preparation to balancing flavors and presenting each dish beautifully and piping hot – every step requires both skill and heart. Each meal I prepare carries my love for the profession, so that those who enjoy it not only feel full but also experience the warmth, care, and dedication in every bite.”
Her love is the time she dedicates to countless unseen tasks to ensure the quality of every lesson.
Ms. Pham Khanh Chi is an inspiring educator who leads her primary school students through engaging and creative math lessons. For her, love for teaching is not only reflected in her time in the classroom but also in the quiet hours of preparation beyond the school day.
She shares, “As a young teacher, I am always aware of the need to continuously improve myself to provide meaningful learning experiences for my students. Staying late or dedicating weekends to work has become a natural part of my teaching journey.” An elementary school lesson lasts about 35 minutes, but behind each session is an extensive process of meticulous preparation—researching lesson plans, designing engaging materials, grading assignments, and participating in professional development. These behind-the-scenes efforts, though invisible in the classroom, form the foundation for dynamic and enriching lessons, helping students connect their learning to the real world.
Her love is the positive energy, creative spirit, and laughter she brings to the classroom
Every day in the classroom, Ms. Aalyah Lopez brings more than just knowledge – she brings boundless creativity and uplifting energy. For her, every lesson is an opportunity to spark passion and help students discover the excitement of learning English. In her classroom, positivity thrives through joyful moments where students feel free to express their thoughts and opinions.
To create a welcoming and engaging learning environment, Ms. Aalyah dedicates time to carefully designing activities, games, and challenges that make each lesson dynamic and interactive. Her dedication and thoughtful approach have made her classes a model for other teachers, who often observe her lessons to learn how she fosters strong classroom connections. Through her warmth and enthusiasm, she has transformed her classroom into more than just a place of learning – it is a space for love, connection, and growth.
And when teachers are free from great responsibilities, they become…
Each day at Dewey, they are affectionately called by students as “teacher,” “janitor,” or “chef.” Yet, beyond the school walls, they return to their everyday lives as ordinary women—devoted to their families and embracing life with love.
Ms. Dang Thi Huong, after setting aside her cleaning tools, becomes a caring grandmother, looking after her little grandchild and a devoted mother to a university student. For Ms. Le Thu Van, “When I am not working, I am a mother taking care of my two children, managing the household, cooking, cleaning, and spending time with my mother for heartfelt conversations. Those are the moments I cherish most.”
Similarly, Ms. Aalyah Lopez, when not in the classroom, indulges her curiosity by exploring the vibrant world around her. “Beyond teaching, I am passionate about discovering new things. Whether it’s trying a restaurant I’ve never been to or reading a book I’ve never picked up, I believe these experiences enrich not just my personal life but also my teaching,” she shares.
Despite carrying different responsibilities, the “roses” of Dewey continue to dedicate themselves tirelessly, embracing love and sacrifice. Their work is not only for their families but also for their passion for education and their students. Even in moments of exhaustion and stress, they remain resilient, filling the world around them with energy, warmth, and joy. This is the true strength of women—quietly giving, sacrificing, and shining in every role they take on.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, The Dewey Schools extend our deepest gratitude to all grandmothers, mothers, teachers, and women who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to life. Thank you to the “other half of the world” for your silent sacrifices, unwavering resilience, and unconditional love for your families, society, and future generations.
