Email of June 25 from Tina: The Hiring Process From Her Perspective (copied with permission)
Dear Mike,
This afternoon, I arrived in Wuhan, the city where I work. It was a long journey, because the train had been later for 4hrs. However, I am not tired at all. Now I am still watching World Cup!
The first thing I did after entering my room was turned on my computer to browse OUR school, and I read your blog. I was very excited when reading it. I was thinking about what happened to me on the interview day. Now I can tell you, in the morning I didn't think you were interested in me. Then in the afternoon, it seemed I was waiting for the result of a bet, and the stake was everything. Haha, a little exaggerated. When the lady read out my number and you walked to me, I was so excited!!
I think you are a very good observer, allow me to say so. In your blog, you talked about my smile. In my college, the students evaluate teachers every semester. They grade teachers and comment on them. The most words my students use are "Miss Wang's smile is warm and sincere." which are similar to yours. I was also surprised I left such a good impression. Because when I was waiting outside, I overheard the girl before me sang Beijing Opera, while I didn't do it. I put too much emphasis on teaching. Anyhow, thank you! BTW, I asked my friend to read your blog, she said you wrote wonderful and she also said I did a very good job. I was so proud of myself(still modest, hehe).
I called my parents after I got the result. They were quite supportive. My mother told me although I am a good teacher in China, it doesn't mean I can be the same in America, I must make preparations and try my best, and don't make the one who chose you disappointed. I bear this in mind, and I believe I can undertake this job!
Tomorrow, my students will take final exams, I will be the examiner. This semester is almost over, and I am looking forward to the brand-new world!!!!
Thank you again for giving me the chanceand !!! I'll email you if necessary.
Best wishes to u and ur family!
Tina
PS: You are going to my boss, so that morning when we met each other again, I was a little quiet. In China inferiors are sometimes cautious before superiors. It didn't mean I was not enthusiastic. It was a kind of politeness and respect. I think after we get familiar, you will find I am talkative. :-)
Ur offering me the job is the best birthday present I have ever had!!!!!! THX