Teaching has been interesting to say the least. Sometimes it can be a bit frustrating, especially when each of my students has differing levels – students from pre-intermediate to advanced are mixed in the same class. Some students do not see the value in learning a second language, while others are often distracted in class. While there have been these issues in my classes, there have been some wonderful opportunities to interact with them. One particular activity that I enjoyed was learning about the students’ decision to attend DMU when they discussed their future goals in a writing piece. The student affairs practitioner in me loved reading these! One student wrote, “Life is simple. You make choices and you don’t look back. I will do my best to realize my dream.” I thought this was incredibly insightful and applicable to my life right now because I have made the decision to leave earlier than originally planned, and I cannot look back on it in the future and have regrets about the decision I made. While teaching wasn’t for me, I am thankful I had the opportunity to try this, as many people do not.
There were times that I struggled in classes. Whether it was in giving instructions to students of varying levels or engaging them when English was not their priority or planning lessons, it was still a good opportunity and I am happy I tried it. I enjoyed speaking with the students, learning about their future goals, their families, etc. One of my favorite experiences was working with students who voluntarily attended the school’s “English Corner” – everyone there wanted to be there and was excited to participate. They wrote and performed their own skits, and it was very fun and entertaining to watch their creativity come to life!
I even had the chance to celebrate “Teacher’s Day” in China, complete with a lovely gift from a thoughtful Pharmacy student.
I love Chinese stationary!
I know I will take the lessons I learned here with me in my future as a study abroad advisor (Crossing my fingers I find a job). It’s been a whirlwind and I am thankful for these students, this experience, the English teachers I taught with, living in China, and so much more.
Stephanie is teaching abroad with API in China.
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