Every day, thousands of flights take off and land around our country, and around the world. But if you're not going anywhere, you don't really think about it. Living 5 minutes from the airport comes with its fair share of noise pollution, but now that I'm moved to central Pennsylvania, I'm lucky if I get to see a plane flying in the sky, let alone hear one.
Today, all across the country there are 40 something young adults who have spent countless hours packing their lives into two tiny suitcases. I know what that feels like. They are excited, then crying, nervous, then sentimental. I get that too. Some of them probably don't know how to eat with chopsticks. They're about to go live a year overseas with complete strangers. I get that. They are the next generation of the program that I have completed, and I couldn't be any more proud of them.
One year ago, that was me.
For now, I feel as though I'm going to have to lay this blog aside. I'd like it to be only dedicated to China, to serve as a remembrance of what happened, to bring back to life the stories and characters that are backstage in my heart; how easily this can bring them to the spotlight.
If, per some chance, the China adventures continue in years to come, this URL will be seeing a lot more action. Until then, you can catch the babblings and observations of this 20-something American girl at this blog instead.
zai jian, China. Until next time...
July 31, 2012
June 17, 2012
Party Time
I am so blessed. For as difficult as this year has been, for the (many) times when we did things beyond what this program expects or advertises for, and for the sacrifices of missing weddings, graduations and celebrations that come with living abroad for a year, I still have the joy and ability to proclaim to all the world that I am blessed beyond measure.
Part of that whole being-asked-to-do-more-than-what-is-advertised incorporates the fact that I spent my entire time every week with 80 wonderful students. While other teachers in this program see their students for 2 hours a week, I saw mine for 6…and then some. That means some awesome time to build relationships, a deep familiarity with one another and many many inside jokes, giggles, and routines. You may think that 6 hours a week isn't a lot. Consider this: the average high school teacher sees their students only 3 3/4 hours a week. Yes, I have more student interaction teaching in China than I would in an American high school. This works out perfectly for me because through this entire experience I've discovered one critical truth: I'm passionate about students.
Really good students and really good times leads to really good closure. Closure looks like being handed a balloon and being forced to do whatever the paper inside the balloon says, be it "singing", "joking", or "dancing". Closure means at-the-ready with camera and video, and having a performance piece in your back pocket at all times. Closure means making up the words to Justin Biber's "Baby" and dancing as crazy as you possibly can.
Really good closure means surprise performances, not only by you but also by the students. It involves that discovering the quietest, mildest and most well mannered student in the class has a huge and vibrant voice [see: Catherine]. It involves having "You Raise Me Up" dedicated to you by the student who failed 2 of their four classes with the foreign teachers [see: Tracy]. It involves being creative with the extra frosting that lying around [see: Simon]. It involves being forced in the middle of the circle and having every student speak their heart to you before their entire class, and a outpouring of tears between teachers and students alike.
My two classes and one of Laura's classes decided to throw end-of-the-year parties. Laura's class wanted a cake party, in which they decorated cakes and ate them [brilliant idea, right?]. My classes parties were… well, you can watch the video and see for yourself. (Laura's cake party is also featured on the video).
Part of that whole being-asked-to-do-more-than-what-is-advertised incorporates the fact that I spent my entire time every week with 80 wonderful students. While other teachers in this program see their students for 2 hours a week, I saw mine for 6…and then some. That means some awesome time to build relationships, a deep familiarity with one another and many many inside jokes, giggles, and routines. You may think that 6 hours a week isn't a lot. Consider this: the average high school teacher sees their students only 3 3/4 hours a week. Yes, I have more student interaction teaching in China than I would in an American high school. This works out perfectly for me because through this entire experience I've discovered one critical truth: I'm passionate about students.
Really good students and really good times leads to really good closure. Closure looks like being handed a balloon and being forced to do whatever the paper inside the balloon says, be it "singing", "joking", or "dancing". Closure means at-the-ready with camera and video, and having a performance piece in your back pocket at all times. Closure means making up the words to Justin Biber's "Baby" and dancing as crazy as you possibly can.
Really good closure means surprise performances, not only by you but also by the students. It involves that discovering the quietest, mildest and most well mannered student in the class has a huge and vibrant voice [see: Catherine]. It involves having "You Raise Me Up" dedicated to you by the student who failed 2 of their four classes with the foreign teachers [see: Tracy]. It involves being creative with the extra frosting that lying around [see: Simon]. It involves being forced in the middle of the circle and having every student speak their heart to you before their entire class, and a outpouring of tears between teachers and students alike.
My two classes and one of Laura's classes decided to throw end-of-the-year parties. Laura's class wanted a cake party, in which they decorated cakes and ate them [brilliant idea, right?]. My classes parties were… well, you can watch the video and see for yourself. (Laura's cake party is also featured on the video).
June 15, 2012
Kayla's Chinese-English Dictionary
Dear World:
I would like to apologize
in advance for the Chinese phrases I will continue uttering the rest
of my life. I thought I would help you out and compose a reference
guide, your very own, personal Chinese-English Dictionary for the
stuff that really matters (that is, the stuff that I know how to
say).
Of course, I perfectly
understand that you may not have this reference on you at all times.
In that case, just give me an awkward stare, allow a three second
pause for my mouth-brain registry, and then allow me to fill you in.
:)
Sha? What?
Shenma-shenma yadda-yadda
Zei hao Very good!
Kan kan look
Mei shi it's fine
Ke yi/ bu ke yi it's ok,
it's not ok
Due bu qi I'm sorry
Zhen da ma? Really?
Xiang xiang I'm thinking...
Zai nar? Where?
Wei shenme? Why?
Wan le! I forgot!
And our team's (and students) personal favorite:
Bi shu de...it must be!
June 7, 2012
Double Trouble
Two Peas in a pod
Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum
Partners in Crime
Choose your title, all are appropriate to describe Joy and Haley, two of my beautiful and hilariously entertaining students. Joy and Haley have been attached at the hip from day one. Within my first three days of being a teacher, I received a text message from Haley, asking if I happen to own any Japanese clothing she can borrow. A few days later, I found out why.
Laura and I had ventured to the auditorium where we came upon a massive performance of the freshman class. This is where we saw Tracy perform various singing acts and other students of ours in extravagant dancing routines.
Next on the stage pops Joy, dressed in a slick black suit. We were quickly able to piece together that she was a part of a comedy act, taking place in the front of her entire freshman class. She was accompanied by other favorites of ours [Leon, Arthur, and Alan…check out their video here]. There was Kung Fu, laughing, and costume changes, and then onto the stage pops Haley in a Japanese kimono. Between the five of them, the entire auditorium was roaring in laughter, including Laura and myself. Despite the language barrier it was evidently clear that these two were something special.
Haley and Joy, like all of my students, have experienced a lot of growth throughout this year, both in their English and their development as humans [beautiful humans, I might add]. As the time has passed, their looks have changed (see below) as have their English abilities, albeit they still have quite a ways to go. This makes for even more fun miscommunications. Joy is a pro at miming anything she tries to communicate, and truly, her English name couldn't be more fitting for the amount of delight and gladness she brings into the lives of everyone she meets. One of my absolute favorite class memories is when I asked each student where they would take a vacation to, if given the opportunity. Coincidentally, Haley and Joy are right after one another in the roll call. Haley answered with Syndey, Australia. Perfectly normal response. Joy took her turn and began "I want to vacation to…"
"the W.C. [water closet aka, bathroom]" piped in Haley's voice.
--Insert class erupting in laughter, including teacher.--
Joy, realizing the fault in her hesitation quickly agreed to this. "Yes yes, I will vacation to W.C. and Haley come too. She will see my big… my big… poop!"
--Insert teacher doubling over in laughter, shedding tears and losing all control of the classroom.--
(and yes, if you were wondering, I taught them that vocabulary word last semester. No shame.)
Needless to say, these babies have come so far.
If you had the amazing opportunity to experience this in class everyday, you wouldn't want to leave either. As I gave pronunciation exams this past week, I put the students in charge of my video camera to give them an opportunity to say anything they need to say. Prepare yourself for laughter and for a glimpse of my daily delights. This won't be the last time you see them.
Tweedle-dee and Tweedle-dum
Partners in Crime
Choose your title, all are appropriate to describe Joy and Haley, two of my beautiful and hilariously entertaining students. Joy and Haley have been attached at the hip from day one. Within my first three days of being a teacher, I received a text message from Haley, asking if I happen to own any Japanese clothing she can borrow. A few days later, I found out why.
Laura and I had ventured to the auditorium where we came upon a massive performance of the freshman class. This is where we saw Tracy perform various singing acts and other students of ours in extravagant dancing routines.
Next on the stage pops Joy, dressed in a slick black suit. We were quickly able to piece together that she was a part of a comedy act, taking place in the front of her entire freshman class. She was accompanied by other favorites of ours [Leon, Arthur, and Alan…check out their video here]. There was Kung Fu, laughing, and costume changes, and then onto the stage pops Haley in a Japanese kimono. Between the five of them, the entire auditorium was roaring in laughter, including Laura and myself. Despite the language barrier it was evidently clear that these two were something special.
Haley and Joy, like all of my students, have experienced a lot of growth throughout this year, both in their English and their development as humans [beautiful humans, I might add]. As the time has passed, their looks have changed (see below) as have their English abilities, albeit they still have quite a ways to go. This makes for even more fun miscommunications. Joy is a pro at miming anything she tries to communicate, and truly, her English name couldn't be more fitting for the amount of delight and gladness she brings into the lives of everyone she meets. One of my absolute favorite class memories is when I asked each student where they would take a vacation to, if given the opportunity. Coincidentally, Haley and Joy are right after one another in the roll call. Haley answered with Syndey, Australia. Perfectly normal response. Joy took her turn and began "I want to vacation to…"
"the W.C. [water closet aka, bathroom]" piped in Haley's voice.
--Insert class erupting in laughter, including teacher.--
Joy, realizing the fault in her hesitation quickly agreed to this. "Yes yes, I will vacation to W.C. and Haley come too. She will see my big… my big… poop!"
--Insert teacher doubling over in laughter, shedding tears and losing all control of the classroom.--
(and yes, if you were wondering, I taught them that vocabulary word last semester. No shame.)
Needless to say, these babies have come so far.
 |
| Joy & Haley, October 2011, Halloween snicker-doodles |
 |
| Joy & Haley, May 2012, both proposing. |
If you had the amazing opportunity to experience this in class everyday, you wouldn't want to leave either. As I gave pronunciation exams this past week, I put the students in charge of my video camera to give them an opportunity to say anything they need to say. Prepare yourself for laughter and for a glimpse of my daily delights. This won't be the last time you see them.
June 2, 2012
Photoblog: The Last Class
I will never get tired of looking at their faces. For the past year I have looked at their {beautiful} faces for at least six hours a week. Their faces will never fail to bring me joy, will never fail to remind me that our world is so diverse, and yet filled with humanity. They will forever bring to life that He "loves the little children, all the children of the world."
Their faces.
Delight & joy.
Their beautiful faces each have a story, a personality dwells behind those eyes.
Enjoy the captured moments of "the last class."
Try to ignore my presence in a lot of the pictures; I allowed them the opportunity to have a photo shoot with me. The poses I was positioned in were...quite a sight. I decided to spare you some of them.
 |
| Candy. |
 |
| Gaga |
 |
| Stampede. |
 |
| Smart Dolphins, Class 411 |
 |
| Friends always & forever |
 |
| Cute Dogs, class 409 |
June 1, 2012
Tik-Tok
There is a large part of me that really wishes the title of this blog post resulted in a music video remix of Ke$ha's million dollar success song. Alas, it's not. Simply, it's more a blog post of the reflective nature as the concept of time is an ever-lingering pulse that sustains the days here.
Read any self-help book: they'll tell you all about the stages of grief and the closure process, things that are "normal", red flags, emotions you may be experiencing through times of this and that. And although I am one who has done reading and research, I can't help to admit that I find it all quite funny, mainly because I'm sure that none of those people did what I have just done. Even if they did, we'd be experiencing emotions of different natures, as we'd be coming from different experiences as it is impossible for anyone to have lived and experienced all that has happened this year.
Eating alone was something I did often in college. Finding a table in the dining hall and taking time to eat, reflect, think, study, to do what I need to do. Eating alone is something I have not done in China...all year. That is, until this past week or so. So tonight, as I was people watching and eating my gong bao ji ding gai fan, I was feeling really pensive and reflective and starting the rest of this blog post in my head.
I live in China. That means that I live in a land where boyfriends and girlfriends wear matching outfits to publicly identify that they belong together, as if the excessive hand holding and cuddling wasn't a big enough clue. I live in China. That means that I live by playing the game of "name-that-liquid" every time I walk on the street, avoiding having the substances tested on my shoes. I live in China. That means I live in a land that doesn't speak my language, as eavesdropping is a skill and talent of mine that has lacked in practice throughout this past year. That means that communication with the cafeteria worker, or the shop keeper, or the tea couple, or the waitress, or the taxi driver is short, strained, and usually very one-sided, with the ability to build relationships frozen past the point of "what is your name?" I live in China. That means I live in a country with a love language of physical touch. That means we have one language in common. I live in China. That means I have essentially beam a vegetarian, not by choice, but because the portions of 'meat' in dishes is basically microscopic. That means that 'la jiao' [those spicy red pepper flakes] is automatically added to anything that enters my mouth. I live in China. That means I live in a country where sharing a song from your heart is more meaningful than any amount of money you could spend on a gift. I live in China. That means I can take public transportation basically any-freakin-where I want to go, mostly for the equivalent of fifteen cents. I live in China. That means that there are fireworks exploding on the street at all hours of the day and night. I live in China. That means that my [pasty] white skin is adored and touched everywhere I go, and I am flooded with coos of "You are so white!". I've had to learn to take that as a compliment. I live in China.
These have nothing to do with being a teacher, nothing to do with relationships or connections, simply, just being a part of the culture of the wonderful country that is currently hosting me. And I am ever so grateful for it. I love China
我爱中国
Wǒ ài zhōngguó
May 26, 2012
"Girls are stupid. Don't date them."
If you had to take a guess as to where the above quote came from, where would you think? If you guessed the "Team Harbin Quote Book" you would be accurate. You might even be surprised to learn that the person who uttered such a bold true controversial statement was the very author of this blog… (me). Yes, the "love girl" of the team would utter such a phrase. Don't worry, the book is filled with crazier quotes.
I will try to be as transparent as I possibly can be without causing those on either side of the fence to burn me at the stake. That's a terrible way to go. My team jokes frequently because I'm the one who is often cynical, snide and sassy when it comes to romance. There is always a joke to crack and always a perfect moment to insert a compelling, Oscar nominated eye-roll. The truth of the matter is, none of that behavior reflects what I really feel. It's a front. There, I said it.Those people who over-analyze everything Therapists would say something to the effect that I'm covering up something deeper, insecurities, unearthed fears or some hoop-la like that. The reason why "the front" gets such attention is because half of it's true. We live in a society of broken love and relationships so much so that it's become the norm and gone from a topic of utmost respect and treasure to the laughing stock of conversation. Maybe it's wrong of me to encourage those thoughts with my behavior, but they reflect an irritated mindset of what society has done with Love. It's irritating because I know that I am a part of it. I am a sinner, and I, in my own ways, have contributed to the mess-up of the Ultimate Love story. I am blessed because I Know what it could be, and yet and am continually disappointed when I look around and see what the Good has become. Disappointment has it's moments of being turned to irritated. Irritation has it's moments of being turned to bitterness. Transparency.
I must also admit that I'm not you're average girl either. I've spent most of my life trying to figure out and understand how girls work and operate and at the end of all these years I'm still bewildered and baffled. Did you hear that men? Yes, as a woman I baffle myself. I am the girl (with no dating experience) that all the girls come to for their dating/relationship advice…in America, and China. Yes, trying to figure out women has certainly kept me busy. How preytell am I supposed to have time to figure out the other side of this relationship equation?
I'm really not one to use blogging as a means of expressing opinions. Ask anyone who knows me: I'm not a fighter. I'm a storyteller, but the topic of dating, boys, relationships, marriage and everything in between has been occurring a lot (a lot) amongst the students and I. If I have to hear the phrase "Miss Kayla, can I find you a Chinese boyfriend?" one more time…. well, lets just be honest, I'll probably smile and decline and pinch their cheek or mess up their hair. I couldn't really do anything threatening. BUT! Every time I hear that question there's a part of me inside that wants to die. Not to be dramatic, but it's true. I die because I know they're speaking from one of two mindsets. Mindset A.) they want to see me happy, and truly deeply believe that it will be a boyfriend that can satisfy that happiness. I, on the contrary, don't believe so. At least, if I'm being honest with myself, most days I don't believe so. Mindset B.) their opinion of me is lessened because I am not "complete" without a significant other at my side. Funny, because if I look at me in a mirror I see a torso, necessary limbs, functioning senses and a boo-tay. Sounds complete to me!
Interestingly I find that most people in China speak from mindset A. Most Americans speak from mindset B. (This would be a proper time for all thoseover analyzing people therapists to give their opinion).
"When I first came to this school, I wanted to know how many handsome boys there were. Now I have realized, and I am disappointed." -Joy
There's a lot more physical-exploding-loud fireworks in the relationships of Chinese couples (no joke, it's basically how you ask a girl to date you, explode fireworks around yourself. Nothing screams 'romance' like saying "yes, I'll date you" whilst in the ER getting treated for first degree burns). I have news. Girls are girls, everywhere. They talk, they talk about boys, they giggle, they fight, they say cruel things, they manipulate. Girls across the world are worried about finding boyfriends, and looking as pretty as they possibly can. And here I sit caught between what society tells me and what I know is Right. And I try so hard to understand and sympathize and yet know deep in my heart that I can't (understand, that is).
"Must you be so harsh on your own sex?"
(10 points for you if you know that comes from Pride & Prejudice)
The answer is yes, yes I must, frankly because society today is not holding women up to the standard that they should be. Society makes it so easy for girls to be stupid, to make brash, quick decisions and then to live with the consequences. Worse yet, it's leaving a generation of beautiful women with broken and shattered hearts. These are the women that I have been interacting with my whole life. I'm now at a point of admitting that it's sad! I'm now at a point of realizing that maybe, just maybe there's something I could do about it…No, you won't find me on a pedestal with a megaphone, (although I did use one of those in class the other day. Long story) but don't put it past me to do something crazy.
I will try to be as transparent as I possibly can be without causing those on either side of the fence to burn me at the stake. That's a terrible way to go. My team jokes frequently because I'm the one who is often cynical, snide and sassy when it comes to romance. There is always a joke to crack and always a perfect moment to insert a compelling, Oscar nominated eye-roll. The truth of the matter is, none of that behavior reflects what I really feel. It's a front. There, I said it.
I must also admit that I'm not you're average girl either. I've spent most of my life trying to figure out and understand how girls work and operate and at the end of all these years I'm still bewildered and baffled. Did you hear that men? Yes, as a woman I baffle myself. I am the girl (with no dating experience) that all the girls come to for their dating/relationship advice…in America, and China. Yes, trying to figure out women has certainly kept me busy. How preytell am I supposed to have time to figure out the other side of this relationship equation?
I'm really not one to use blogging as a means of expressing opinions. Ask anyone who knows me: I'm not a fighter. I'm a storyteller, but the topic of dating, boys, relationships, marriage and everything in between has been occurring a lot (a lot) amongst the students and I. If I have to hear the phrase "Miss Kayla, can I find you a Chinese boyfriend?" one more time…. well, lets just be honest, I'll probably smile and decline and pinch their cheek or mess up their hair. I couldn't really do anything threatening. BUT! Every time I hear that question there's a part of me inside that wants to die. Not to be dramatic, but it's true. I die because I know they're speaking from one of two mindsets. Mindset A.) they want to see me happy, and truly deeply believe that it will be a boyfriend that can satisfy that happiness. I, on the contrary, don't believe so. At least, if I'm being honest with myself, most days I don't believe so. Mindset B.) their opinion of me is lessened because I am not "complete" without a significant other at my side. Funny, because if I look at me in a mirror I see a torso, necessary limbs, functioning senses and a boo-tay. Sounds complete to me!
Interestingly I find that most people in China speak from mindset A. Most Americans speak from mindset B. (This would be a proper time for all those
"When I first came to this school, I wanted to know how many handsome boys there were. Now I have realized, and I am disappointed." -Joy
There's a lot more physical-exploding-loud fireworks in the relationships of Chinese couples (no joke, it's basically how you ask a girl to date you, explode fireworks around yourself. Nothing screams 'romance' like saying "yes, I'll date you" whilst in the ER getting treated for first degree burns). I have news. Girls are girls, everywhere. They talk, they talk about boys, they giggle, they fight, they say cruel things, they manipulate. Girls across the world are worried about finding boyfriends, and looking as pretty as they possibly can. And here I sit caught between what society tells me and what I know is Right. And I try so hard to understand and sympathize and yet know deep in my heart that I can't (understand, that is).
"Must you be so harsh on your own sex?"
(10 points for you if you know that comes from Pride & Prejudice)
The answer is yes, yes I must, frankly because society today is not holding women up to the standard that they should be. Society makes it so easy for girls to be stupid, to make brash, quick decisions and then to live with the consequences. Worse yet, it's leaving a generation of beautiful women with broken and shattered hearts. These are the women that I have been interacting with my whole life. I'm now at a point of admitting that it's sad! I'm now at a point of realizing that maybe, just maybe there's something I could do about it…No, you won't find me on a pedestal with a megaphone, (although I did use one of those in class the other day. Long story) but don't put it past me to do something crazy.
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