VIENTIANE, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- A warm and celebratory atmosphere is taking hold across Laos as schools, students and families prepare flowers, gifts and activities for Lao National Teacher's Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who devote their lives to shaping the next generation.
Across Laos, schools are preparing ceremonies, performances and activities to honor teachers, while students choose flowers and gifts for the people who have taught them, encouraged them and helped shape the paths they are taking.
For teachers, seeing those familiar faces return with a flower, a small gift or simply a word of thanks can bring a quiet but overwhelming warmth.
For primary school teacher Somvilay, the National Teacher's Day brings the same feelings every year -- warmth, happiness and pride.
"My students are still young, full of energy and sometimes a little too playful. Our days in the classroom are often filled with laughter, noise and unexpected moments," Somvilay told Xinhua on Tuesday.
But when Teacher's Day arrives, she said, something changes. Those same playful students find their own ways to put a smile on Somvilay's face and warm her heart. Some sing for her, others offer words of gratitude, while some bring small gifts, flowers or fruit, and wish her good health.
"All of these moments remind me why I work hard, why I chose this profession and why I keep coming back to school each day to help shape the future of our young generation," she said.
Watching her students grow gives Somvilay a deep sense of pride. For her, Teacher's Day is more than a celebration. It is a moment to look at the children in front of her and remember why she chose to teach and why she continues to do so.
Lindar, a high school student in Lao capital Vientiane, said Teacher's Day is a chance to show appreciation in a simple but meaningful way. This year, she is preparing small gifts for her teachers while also taking part in school activities organized to honor them.
She said she has come to understand how demanding it can be for a teacher to stand in front of a classroom and guide dozens of students every day, each with different personalities, abilities and needs.
"I really respect our teachers for being able to teach and take care of so many students every day. It is not an easy job, and I think their patience and dedication deserve to be appreciated," she said.
For some people, Teacher's Day is also a time to remember the teachers who helped shape who they have become. Noudchaly, a university student in Vientiane, makes time each year to return to her former high school and visit the teachers who once taught her.
She may not always have a gift to bring, but she said that simply showing up is enough to bring smiles to her former teachers.
"When I go back to my old school and see my teachers, I can see how happy they are. Sometimes I don't have anything special to give them, but I think visiting them and talking with them are already a way of showing that I still remember them and appreciate what they have done for me," she said.
As the National Teacher's Day arrives on Oct. 7, teachers and students alike share moments of warmth and joy, surrounded by laughter, smiles and celebrations that make the day a meaningful one for everyone. ■