This is a look at some of our first students. Somehow, we both got to teach this group of students. I taught them History and Maureen taught them Conversational English. I guess you could say that they are typical second year students. They have learned the ropes of being university students and are more focused than the freshmen coming to the university. That said, they aren’t yet tired of being students like the seniors who are much more serious.
In this collection of students, we found extroverts and introverts just as we would have found in a Canadian classroom. Some of these students decided to take us under their wings by being our guides. They acted as interpreters as we discovered places to get haircuts and for shopping experiences. One of the male students, a serious but good-natured young man, left partway through our second year at C.I.T. in order to join the military. Another young man in this class has an incredible voice and stage presence with the appropriate following of fans. His university years provided him with an opportunity to be on stage as well as prepare for a career in international trade. The stories are endless from this one class, stories we are still able to follow as the connections made continue to thrive.
Teaching ESL in China is more than about the topic or the task. Teaching ESL is about opening doors between people, learning about others and about oneself, having others learn about you. What is a bonus is that one gets paid for this experience. Try it.
There are also some stories of amazing courage and sacrifice behind some of those faces.
I have examples of families who only ate meat once per year as soon as their child was born – saving for them to come to university. Others where the parents work 2 jobs each to help their children; others where the children are sending money from their meagre scholarships home to help another family member.
Amazing and wonderful stories.
The key to getting a good experience is in meeting the people behind the faces. Thanks, Deborah.