To be honest, I’m certain that I won’t do this week justice because so much happened in so little time, but I will try my best. This week was busy, rewarding, and humbling.
Upon our arrival to Zhuhai, we received warm welcomes from the principal, vice principal, and the teachers, with dinner and a trip to the park where we played ping pong and danced (广场舞). I loved every moment of it except for the fact that there are now videos of my awful dancing! The welcome ceremony at school was likewise overly honoring in my opinion. Students lined up with balloons, red carpet, and a wall near the school’s entrance with our pictures and blurbs were all overwhelming for me, a mere college freshman. After more speeches, performances, and gift-exchanging formalities, we scarfed down a quick breakfast and headed off to our first classes.
We also coincidentally ended up meeting No. 9 students at the park which was fun! It was interesting to see them and even younger children hangout without their parents in the evening.
Our performance was on Thursday, just a few days after getting to Zhuhai No. 9. It wasn’t perfect by any means, but I think it was still good and fun for the students! Rainy weather sent us inside the gym which was probably worse for every performance except the quartet.
Visiting the 8th graders in their agricultural activities (学农) was interesting! We witnessed the students working on pottery, finishing making cookies that smelled and tasted good, and cooking. I think the team-building and strict discipline were especially interesting to witness. We got to participate in the first steps of making tofu and saw the students’ dorms as well as their class performance competition with special performances interspersed. Again, I am grateful for these opportunities to have seen so much into these students’ lives.
This week showed me that I really have to be flexible as there were a bunch of changes, including no 8th grade classes on Thursday or Friday this week, the performance in the gym, and more.
Thank you to all the students who liked my pictures of my family and dogs! Also to those who laugh at my fast clapping! I hope I make this summer an enjoyable and worthwhile experience for all the students and hope to learn a lot from them too!
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