KUAILE HANYU IN SHANGHAI

“The secret of success in life is for a man to be ready for his opportunity when it comes.” ~Benjamin Disraeli

I can still remember the time when my Principal told me the good news that I will be the one to represent our school for Special Program in Mandarin Language, I was so shocked and did not expect it. Why? I was a newbie in our school and do not have the experiences unlike the teachers around me. But as the quote stated above, when opportunity comes, grab it. And that has made all the difference in my teaching career.

This amazing and once in a lifetime opportunity to be here in Shanghai, China is one of the best and most unforgettable experience I will forever cherish in my life. To be able to work with awesome and wonderful co-teachers and Chinese teachers as well is indeed such a blessing. I’ve learned so much from them, from teaching expertise to strategies, values and words of wisdom; these strives me to be more productive and excellent teacher in my field.

Indeed, learning a new language is difficult more so if you have to adapt their culture and ways of living. But I can say that because of the hospitality, care and support of the Chinese mentors and tutors to us, it made our journey here so easy, comfortable and we feel at ease all the time.

There are many memorable moments that I will never forget while staying in Shanghai. First is the cold-freezing temperature in China that I’ve never experienced in the Philippines. Wow! Imagine our first week that we don’t know what to wear because it’s freaking cold plus the fact that we have to walk 20 minutes from hotel to our school; it’s incredible that we managed to do it for 35days. Hahaha!

Second, is the haochi Chinese ‘食物 shíwù’ that we always eat every day. The hen duo hen duo mifan, the mianbao, baozi, miantiaor and shucai. Chinese cuisines are very rich in flavors and although sometimes, we miss our Filipino food; we also learned to love and appreciate Zhongguoren dishes.

Third, are the wonderful places that we visited during the 35days that we stayed in Shanghai. Our first week in Shanghai Museum, such a magnificent ancient dresses, coins, paintings, jars, calligraphy that are really worth keeping for. Our second week culture experience in Oriental Pearl Tower that is so breathtaking that I managed to conquer my fear of heights. The supermarket surveys in Walmart that we need to ask the prices of the foods listed in hanzi and pinyin and also ask the customers what shiwu they want to buy or eat. We really enjoyed this culture experience.

We also have the rare chance to visit Chinese community as well as Chinese families. They are so hospitable and we discover many Chinese traditions, customs and laws that are somewhat related to Filipino traditions. They prepared hen duo hen duo foods that are so delicious. I never forget our conversations to Yu Li Ping and her son Da Wei and our tourist guide Polaris, they are so cute and fun to be with. Our culture experience in ancient town Zhujiajiao is also memorable for me because we’ve seen many markets that is full of Chinese traditions and arts. We also have the chance to shop there and buy hen piaoliang remembrance as we go back to the Philippines.

How about the the song craze ‘tian mimi’ which becomes our favorite song when it was being sung by Liu Ting Ting laoshi. I can still remember my classmates rendering this song with their own versions. We have the chance also to sing Tonghua and the so difficult Mo li hua. I super love to sing and good thing tutors taught us also the beauty of Chinese contemporary music.

Who can also forget the ECNU? The school where we walk far just to get by, the school where we studied enjoyed and learned so many things about Mandarin. The stunning sceneries in every area of the school, the hen duo foods in the fanting and the gigantic rooms where we study everyday reminds me that it’s more fun to be in school. Hahahahaha!

And how about my super cute and bubbly tutor, LUO XIAOJIE who is so humble, supportive and always helps us in our zuoye and activities that we have. I’m gonna miss her so much.

Lastly, tai xiexie ye to the charming and hen shuai GAO laoshi who is kind enough to provide all our needs. To the fashionable and hen piaoliang SONG laoshi who is very approachable and willing to help also all the time. To my new favorite laoshimen QIU and LIU, they are so brilliant and good teachers and they managed to teach us many strategies in teaching Hanyu ke and some other things about Mandarin.

People come and go, but the memories stays. This venture in Shanghai is in truth worth keeping for. When I go back to my native land Philippines, I will bring home the warmth, love and happiness that Shanghai people gave to me. I have many stories to share to my co-teachers, family, friends and especially to my students that once in my life, I’ve met wonderful people who showed me the true beauty of culture, diversity, camaraderie and life has to offer. Chinese people are so generous enough to welcome us with their wonderful gestures and sweet smiles.

Thanks to my God who always gives me the victory and favor I need in this immersion. Through Him, I can do anything because it is Him who gives me strength to fulfill my mission each day. This experience will always remind me that being a teacher is the noblest profession of all.

Wo xiang ni Shanghai. Wo xiang ni Laoshi he tutors. Renshi ni hen gaoxing. You will always be in my heart and that will be FOREVER. Zaijian! =)