It’s all good!
A former student called me late last night. He wanted to hear how I am doing and to say “thank-you” to me. He is a young businessman working in the construction industry here in Hangzhou. I taught him Business English about 3 years ago.
Anyway, about a year ago, during one of our chats at Starbucks, I had suggested he apply for a Passport so he would be ‘ready’ should an opportunity to travel overseas present itself.
Well, turns out that this year he has travelled to Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the U.A.E. And, he told me he just got back from Delhi, Bombay and Calcutta in India! It was so wonderful to hear him talk knowledgeably about people and places he knew absolutely nothing about just one year ago!
We talked for almost an hour about his latest achievements and his new company status. For some time now he has been the only “English-speaking” worker at his company (his English wasn’t that great either!). During meetings with his customers, the translators were often found to be useless because they lacked knowledge of the necessary construction terms. So, he set out to learn these himself. Now, his English is very clear and well enunciated. He says he doesn’t hesitate to ask people to speak more slowly or to repeat themselves. “In India, some people have very heavy accents”, he said. I am so proud of him!
My good friend, and former student, is now in charge of several university graduates who will serve under him so he can better accommodate his increased responsibilities. It is possible that a trip Europe may be on the horizon for next year!
He told me over and over again that “it is thanks to you, dear teacher that I am doing these things today”.
You know, his words of appreciation came at a really good time for me. I’ve been feeling a little ‘down’ lately, lonely and depressed. Hey, it happens, you know! It’s impossible to always be in a state of high-energy and optimism. Each and every day people approach me for kind words or advice, or simply just some form of encouragement. I do love my role of Teacher. But in many ways I feel like a celebrity who must put on her ‘public face’ every time she steps out the door. I remember being asked by a student one day“how can you always be so happy every day?”. I need to remind my students that I too have my ‘down’ days. I tell them that in class I always try to ‘act happy’ and, after 5 minutes or so, I really do feel happy again! I encourage them to try it.
So, my student’s call last night has made me think about the work I have done, and the students I have taught since I came to China 4 years ago. I am still the same person who left Canada – Some days I am happy, some days I am lonely or depressed. That won’t change. I went through the same emotional highs and lows back home. But, what has changed is the fact that here in China I am doing work that really can help some individuals shift their attitudes and make major achievements in their lives. That’s something I’ve never gotten out of previous jobs before. And, that’s exciting! Hey, I’m feeling better already!
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