Monday, August 8, 2011 (8:38pm CST)
Amidst the madness, it has been quite difficult to write that vision. You know, that “statement to articulate my vision in hope that it will act as a pillar in this extraordinary and challenging journey while I experience a Range of Change…” from my first post. So I will take the time now, to write precisely my purpose for my new job as well as my intentions for developing and growing within the position. It is important for me to write this for myself, but I think it is equally as important to share this with everyone too.
My intent on being a Program Manager for the next two years in rural Yunnan, China is to do my best to fully understand the achievement gap that exists here, and do everything in my power to minimalize it. I look forward to compromising the training and experience I have had so far in my teaching career with what is currently considered best practice here in China. I will constantly be reflecting to refine the optimal curriculum, planning strategies, and execution techniques so that Teach for China’s fellows will be transformational teachers and their students will be our future’s leaders. I strive to always give and receive feedback with a genuine and open heart and with an optimistic mindset. I must always feel a sense of urgency with the work that I am doing regardless of the scale of the task. I will act as much as possible with a preventative rather than a problem-solving approach. Lastly, I will never forget that the work I do will forever impact incredibly deserving children and society as a whole.
It feels so refreshing to put into words a sustainable vision that will ground me and guide me over the next two year. I look forward to constantly referencing this vision to reignite my passion and dedication and build excitement in fulfilling the rest of my time here.
Speaking of vision and crazy dreams of what could be…all of the staff and fellows went to the local movie theater last Friday to see the newly release Harry Potter (!? I know right, I movie theater here? I was equally intrigued). Aside from being totally blown back by the fact that this tiny city buried in the hillside has a movie theater, upon walking in, there was a man selling kettle corn in a one-man popcorn cart and a woman handing me 3D glasses to enjoy the show! Yup! This wasn’t just Harry Potter…this was Harry Potter in 3D. My mind = blown. I paid my fifty cents for delicious popcorn, put on my glasses and enjoyed some blurry HP in 3D.
Some of the other favorite weekend activities here don’t differ that much from the states. They usually involve some high quality eating and high quality music. Hot Pot is one of the fanciest (and most delicious ways to dine) on a Friday night. Hot Pot is a style of Chinese dining where each table has holes in it with a burner underneath each hole to heat the pot. Each person is given their own pot and the table is served and assortment of raw vegetables, tofu, and meat, for each person to cook in their soup. It is delicious! The second dine-out option is the opposite of classy. It is called Xao Kao, or street BBQ. Literally on the corner of the street you will find random tents with a table serving every part of any animal on a stick, ready for grill. Everyone brings their own beverage and will remain their for almost the entirety of any given night – singing songs, playing games, and eating some delicious food (I stick with the potato and tofu skewers). One of my favorite food discoveries has been learning that there are actually quite a few different types of tofu – each with their own texture and flavor. So far I have had four I think – Yunnan has its own regional tofu!! – but I am looking forward to finding more!
And then there is “high quality music.” This is either self-selected at one of the many KTV (karaoke) hotspots in town or hand-picked by a local DJ playing anywhere from obscure music from the early 90s to the particular Chinese favorite, “Happy Birthday” in Chinese to a techno backbeat (you’ve got to love the techno backbeat in China otherwise you will never be able to enjoy a night out). Whatever the case may be, the particular place we found this weekend had trampoline springs under there dance floor, which made for an incredibly off-beat, fun time.
During daylight hours, I have found a great Burmese café/restaurant where I can sit and do work. It is one of the two establishments in the city that has Wifi (free). The atmosphere is very Southeast Asisan-bohemian with incense and book-filled bookshelves. The seating is cushiony and booth-like and the menu has everything you could ever want (including pictures!). I’ve pretty much found my happy place.
No comments:
Post a Comment