As my departure date nears, I find myself discussing my trip to China with greater frequency. This is in part the result of actually informing people I'm leaving. Well, I've told you, now I'll try to explain.
What: Going to teach English in China through CIEE
When: Aug 25th to mid January
Where: Hebei Baoding Eastern Bilingual School, Baoding, Hebei province (60 mi or so SW of Beijing)
Why: This proves trickier. I've received a great deal of "Oh I'm so proud of you"s and "Well good for you!"s, and I really feel it necessary to tell you that I deserve neither admiration nor pride. (but I'll take it!) I'm selfishly taking this opportunity to travel and to escape the real world of finding a career for just a little while longer (disclaimer: this isn't to say I won't be getting small doses of personal development and other benefits along the way.)
Regardless of my motivations, I am very excited. I'm also terrified. I am so terrified of being an unprepared, ineffective teacher. Part of this anxiety comes from the fact that I have not been assigned an age group or grade, and I am therefore unable to fully prepare. However, my fears are partly alleviated by the knowledge that I will have plenty of support from my program staff and my waiban (my school's foreign coordinator).
Ready or not, I'm leaving for orientation in Shanghai in less than two weeks!
What: Going to teach English in China through CIEE
When: Aug 25th to mid January
Where: Hebei Baoding Eastern Bilingual School, Baoding, Hebei province (60 mi or so SW of Beijing)
Why: This proves trickier. I've received a great deal of "Oh I'm so proud of you"s and "Well good for you!"s, and I really feel it necessary to tell you that I deserve neither admiration nor pride. (but I'll take it!) I'm selfishly taking this opportunity to travel and to escape the real world of finding a career for just a little while longer (disclaimer: this isn't to say I won't be getting small doses of personal development and other benefits along the way.)
Regardless of my motivations, I am very excited. I'm also terrified. I am so terrified of being an unprepared, ineffective teacher. Part of this anxiety comes from the fact that I have not been assigned an age group or grade, and I am therefore unable to fully prepare. However, my fears are partly alleviated by the knowledge that I will have plenty of support from my program staff and my waiban (my school's foreign coordinator).
Ready or not, I'm leaving for orientation in Shanghai in less than two weeks!
Kelsey:
ReplyDeleteI have not a single doubt in my mind that you will be wildly successful in your endeavors (and YES, I am one of those people who is VERY proud of you... for many reasons). You will be a source of inspiration, encouragement, love and patience to everyone around you. They are SO LUCKY to have you, and I can only imagine the number of students who will feel grateful for the experience of learning from you. Your gifts are many...
Love,
(your favorite aunt) :)
Kels, I just posted a long comment but one of my three toddling followers just unplugged the novatel device....so here is the condensed version: you are not being selfish by trying to further yourself in life. selfishness is a very ugly and demotivating word. be proud of yourself for being proactive in your career and life. as far as loneliness, call me or email me whenever you get in that ditch. disclaimer: i will probably contact you when i am in the same state of mind if you decide to take this offer. i love you so much and you will do wonderfully in China! And what is CIEE?
ReplyDeleteThank you both. I feel like I could do anything, I have so much love and support.
ReplyDeleteAnd Katherine, I'm totally taking you up on that, we will have to skype once I get over there!
Kelsey, how exciting! 是的，我也很为你感到骄傲，也很佩服你。 Love Beth, your other favorite Aunt.
ReplyDelete谢谢你。我爱你!
ReplyDeleteKels, let's do it! do you have my skype address?
ReplyDeletehey, it was great talking with you tonight! want me to make you a button for your blog(I'm bored)
ReplyDeletesure! it was great talking to you too =]
ReplyDelete