The past few days have been jam-packed with more explorations of Jishou and preparation for the moment we’ve all been waiting for: teaching our first class (which will take place tomorrow morning)!

Two days ago, we conducted a series of interviews in order to place our students into the four levels that we’ll be teaching (named Phoenixes, Unicorns, Lions, and Dragons, after the four mythical creatures of China). I cannot describe how odd it felt to be on the other side of the door; rather than being the nervous student waiting to be called in (a role which I am all too familiar with), I was the teacher/interviewer sitting inside the classroom, asking students to “please take a seat” and making observations about each student’s performance. What struck me most was how nervous several of the students were; many of them tried to peek into the classroom, while others seemed to be going over notes (?) outside. I also saw quite a few anxious mothers, who had accompanied their children to what – I imagined – they considered to be an extremely important oral examination. The second girl who came in (and the first person I interviewed, since Christian and I took turns) actually had an entire speech prepared, which she frantically raced through the minute she walked in, even though I tried to explain to her that I would only be asking a few questions. The entire process took a little over two hours, and by the end of it both Christian and I were exhausted – but it was very rewarding to see how, as the interviews progressed, Christian and I agreed pretty constantly on which level to place each student in. Possibly the most rewarding experience, though, was seeing the students go from nervously wringing their hands to smiling by the end of their interviews.

Yesterday the Opening Ceremony for the PiJ (Princeton in Jishou) program was held, and possibly the highlight of it (for both SoS and the students) was the dance that we performed. We busted some moves to Carly Rae Jepsen’s glorious “Call Me Maybe,” choreography courtesy of Miryam and Alyssa. It was the first time in years that I had danced onstage, and I have to say, I had a blast!

The festivities didn’t end with the Opening Ceremony; last night, we had our first banquet with school and local government officials. The food was delicious, and the company enjoyable – an interesting night, to say the least. By the time we returned to our apartments, it was only around 8:30 – what ensued was an impromptu dance party in the boys’ apartment. Christian, Arianna, and Miryam brought a little bit of Latino flavour to the dancefloor with their merengue and salsa moves, while DJ Reuben played some good ol’ American pop. Apparently we hadn’t gotten enough of ”Call Me Maybe,” for we ended the night with our dance routine from the Opening Ceremony.

 All in all, a great 4th of July.