China and Beyond

Throughout the summer, following my trip to China to hire Wang Tian, our trans-Pacific emails often passed in the night. Now she and I often pass in the halls at MPA, each of us in a hurry somewhere.

She has taken on a daunting challenge with tremendous spirit and enthusiasm, and gives the impression of one who is completely at home - already! It seems amazing to me that it was only three weeks ago that she arrived at the airport. I asked her how things have been going so far:

MD: How well are you adjusting to life in America? What are the biggest differences between here and China?

WT: I think I got used to the life here very quickly. Most of the food here is tasty. People here are kind to me, which makes me feel at home. In China, there are many cars, buses and cabs in the street. Besides, many people walk. But most of the people here drive their own cars. People here prefer to stay at home after work, and stores are closed very early, but in China after work, people like to go out and spend some time outside. We Chinese prefer to sit together and have dinner in restaurants. Some people even talk business when having dinner.

MPA Mandarin teacher Want Tian gives first graders their own Chinese name

MD: You are working with all ages here. How do you manage to adjust your teaching style to go from lower school to upper school all in one day?

WT: This is only one standard for my teaching—enthusiastic, honest and fair. It works for all ages. There may be some difference of teaching methods among them. When teaching lower school students, I sing, play, and act with the kids. For middle school students, there should be more chances for them to think and ask. I just try to guide. For upper school students, they are quite independent. I would like to listen to their ideas and give them more challenges. It is easy to communicate with them.

MD: How are our MPA students different that students in China?

WT: Because of the different educational system, students in China have more homework and more examinations, which reduces their interest. Here, students are happy to learn what they are interested in. It is more free here. I didn’t have the experience to sit with the kids to teach, and it is fun. I feel I am a story teller and tell them interesting stories about China and the language.

MD: What did you think of Homecoming? What will you remember most from that day?

WT: Homecoming is new to me. In China, alumni also go back to visit school, but not every year. I think students here are excited about Homecoming and they are important part of it. I can feel their love for the school.

Members of the class of 2007 bring Homecoming Spirit to the class of 2020 (Pre-K)

I also had a good time on that day. Meeting kids’ parents and watching games was interesting. I still remember different colors on people’s hair and those girls running and playing soccer. They are great!

MD: Is there anything you would like the MPA community to know about you or about your experiences here so far?

WT: I am happy to be here and I get along well with my host family and people in MPA. I love the students here, with different colors of skin and hair. I hope they like Chinese.

To listen to Mike Downs' WCCO radio interview from Beijing, click here.

Or click here to read the summer blog "China and Beyond".