It ended right where it started. Reuben and I first arrived to Shanghai with Cameron and Eliot. Reuben and I were the first to leave. I was pumped to be in China, but it didn’t hit me until we began the Wild China trip.
Author Archives: Christian Rivera
I want to…=p
It finally comes down to the last week of teaching. Sigh.
A Day at the Park
It’s been a few weeks here in Jishou, and today was the first day I actually explored this city. Alyssa, Miriam, Sofia and I rushed this morning to meet Jessica, Reuben, and Nick at a bakery. After enjoying some delicious iced mocha cappuccino, we set for the park. Little did we know we would find a crowd of old people, girls playing drums, and paddle boats! Reuben, Alyssa, Jessica and I rented a boat that, according to Reuben, was made out of two ducks. Nothing beats a Saturday morning like riding two ducks down a green river with an animal’s rotting corpse floating nearby. Very good times.
But wait, there’s more. The boat ride ends, and we find ourselves in the middle of the park taking pictures with the elderly and dancing with them. After that little adventure, we walked and walked through a different part of the city. All in all, it was a very relaxing afternoon.
I can’t publish this post until I talk about the students. There is one student in particular who I connected with this week. He allowed me to step into his mind and see through his eyes. We treated each other like brothers. We shared a feeling of unspoken gratitude one day. I’ll spare the details here, but what I can say is that every day something in me changes. I don’t like change, but even that itself is changing.
-Christian
Teacher, Mentor, Friend
Week 2 of teaching has already gone by. The most meaningful thing for me has been the relationships I’m building with some students. They tell me that I am approachable and that they feel they can trust me and talk to me about anything. This is what I came here for. I came to teach English, but I also came to be a teacher, if that makes any sense. Teachers should also be mentors. Every moment that I get to chat with a student is extremely rewarding. A lot of them tell me about their dreams and goals, and the things they have given up on. This week, I stopped my precept to remind them all how talented they are and how thankful they should be for every chance they get to learn something new. I told them that many wished to be in their shoes. I also remind them that I’m learning as much from them as they are from me. Perhaps even more.
But the learning doesn’t stop there. When I walk down the street, I just observe. I analyze my surroundings and look into people’s eyes. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to explore more of this city. Language barrier. Hopefully someone can accompany me to see more. If not, I’m willing to take that step on my own.
I like meeting new people. I like learning from others. So far, I guess I can say that I’ve learned the most from Cameron and Tony, even if they didn’t know it. Also, from the lady who makes the fried rice right outside the school gates while always keeping an eye on her baby.
Hopefully, I can learn more from the rest of the students and teachers.
-Christian
Cultural Sensitivity
This week has been amazing, yet challenging. It’s hard to watch the people sell fruits and vegetables on the streets, with no guarantees that they’ll make any money. Or the old lady who searches through the garbage heap everyday, looking for another chance. I helped her out today. May have helped her keep going for a week or two. Although I didn’t understand what she said to me, I saw the gratitude in her face. My students were amazing. I looked into their eyes and saw the desire to learn. Some were nervous, others anxious or excited. But the best part was the rush of adrenaline I felt when I was in front of the classroom. I can’t wait to handle my own class. Words can’t express how thankful I am for this opportunity. It’s difficult to fathom how lucky we are for being able to eat with the officials and the Vice Governor. I couldn’t ask for more.
Deep Inside
I still can’t belive this. Everything has been amazing. From the rice fields to the dancing with the villagers, I couldn’t be happier.
Let’s talk about the home stays. The Miao village was….something else. I struggled through not showering for three days. I tried to my hardest to embrace my clothes drenched in sweat and the layer of dirt that constantly collected on my face. Fortunately, I didn’t give in to the shower. That just made my experience even better. The first night in my room I broke into a crazy sweat staring at the ceiling with my lights on and wishing that those three cockroaches would back away. But they didn’t. So I closed my eyes, turned off the lights, kept sweating, and fell asleep. Yet, for some weird reason, the second night in the Miao village was not the same. I was used to the feeling and the smells and was really culturally immersed. I guess it just took me some time. Nevertheless, it was ALL worth it. Not many students can say that they did farm work in rural China and picked potatoes for an hour on top of a mountain.
And now, my fellow co-teachers. Each one of them is so unique, and so amazing. I hope I’m not annoying them too much. Every day, I learn something new about some of them. Each personality helps to build the group and make every minute here much more enjoyable. I appreciate my time alone, especially with nature. But this week, I felt something different when I stood over the Dong village with Nick and looked out into the mountains, or when I walked by the edge of the river with the rest of the group. It’s nice to share these moments with others. China is helping me learn about myself. It’s like when a tough rock is tossed and turned by the waves of the ocean until it is smoothed out. The rough edges are beginning to fade.
I think that’s all I want to say right now. There is so much more I can write, the other posts will help give a glimpse into our life.
=]
-Christian
Adventure Time =]
This year had a lot of ups and downs for me. From choosing my major to dealing with personal relationships, many things were difficult and even unexpected. Though, I must say that googling “summer internships in Asia” during winter break turned out to be one of the most rewarding and random decisions I made this year. I can’t believe I’m to China. My mind was set on doing a science internship this summer, but I have no regrets. Life becomes exciting when things don’t go as planned.
I’m excited for every single experience and challenge I will face. From not showering for 3 days during our wild china trip (thanks Eliot and Cameron for the news), to talking with my hands and being in front of my own classroom. When I’m in front of people, I get a rush of energy that makes me want to talk without ceasing. I can’t wait to feel that rush when I’m in front of my students. I know I’ll get out of hand. Maybe I’ll talk too much, or laugh too much, or even socialize with my co-workers too much. But that’s a part of me.
I’ve always loved cultures and languages. The anthropologist in me is getting pumped. I’m ready for this new adventure. I’m ready to face this ancient land. Words can’t describe the mixed feelings I’m having right now. I want to explore, I want to meet people, I want to feel nature in Jishou. I want my stomach to handle the food. =p
When I return to Princeton in the fall, I’ll have a lot more to look forward to =].
But for now, I’ll focus on this adventure. =]]]
-Christian