Living and Learning in Beijing
By Lyrics Grimes ‘17, Beijing Normal University (2017-2018)
When I was applying for the Shansi fellowship, and later after I was appointed to BNU, I was nervous. I was nervous about starting a new life abroad, nervous about fitting a whole year of my life into one suitcase, nervous about teaching, nervous about everything really. However, my arrival and transition into teaching life and Chinese culture went fairly smoothly – although I have experienced a few hiccups along the way.
Personally, I am most grateful for the opportunities and the people I have encountered here. First and foremost, Jeremy, the fellow from the previous has been absolute blessing. He patiently and diligently answered any and every question and complaint I had, and then gave me suggestions and tips on how to improve. The teachers at BNU, both foreign and Chinese, have been more than willing to give me guidance that has not only helped me to find a teaching style of my own, but has also helped me to improve my student’s learning experience. My biggest revelation so far: in speaking class students actually need to speak! Lecturing just doesn't work. It’s so simple, but it took a mediocre first semester, and another teacher’s lesson plan for this to really sink in. This semester has been exceptionally better! I truly feel that my students are learning something and actually enjoying the class, rather just tolerating it.
On campus, Pearl (Wang Zhenzhu) has been such a help. If I need help with anything, I can just send her a WeChat and she has a response in the next hour or so. She’s been a great mentor for me – never too overbearing, but she doesn't hover either. In addition to Pearl, the other foreign teachers on campus have been a great help. They are more than willing to let me sit in on their classes, borrow ideas for lesson plans, or just sit and complain with me. Without them, I think that being at BNU would be a wholly different experience. These people have all pushed me to improve not only for myself, but for my students as well.
Travel has been the next best thing. Never in my life did I expect to travel as much as I have in last few months – I’m on the verge of needing a new passport! So far, I have been to 5 countries and counting – Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand! But that's not the end for me! This summer I have plans to travel to Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea by ferry – here’s hoping that I don't get boat sick. I’ve been able to see and experience so many new sights and cultures – and all on a budget. It’s truly inspired me to start a travel blog dedicated to Black travelers based on my personal experiences. It will focus on my many mishaps and budget traveling. Truthfully speaking, this is not a privilege that many Blacks have, but if they do, I want to make sure that they have the best possible experience possible. I think some of the biggest deterrents for Black travelers is money and fear, but if I can do it I know that others can; I want to be a light and hope for them.
As for what’s next, I’m proud to announce that have been offered a 12 month contact at BNU! I remember thinking before I started this position if there was a way to extend my time here – and here’s my chance! I’m a bit nervous about being here in a truly official capacity, but if a was able to handle the challenge that Shansi presented me with – I know I’ll be able to handle this one.